Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover SUV produced by the South Korean manufacturer Hyundai. The first-generation Kona debuted in June 2017 and the production version was revealed later that year. It is positioned between the Venue or Bayon and the Tucson in Hyundai crossover SUV line-up. The battery electric version called the Kona Electric was first launched in South Korea during the first half of 2018 and rolled out gradually worldwide afterwards.
Naming
The Kona is named after the western district of the island of Hawaiʻi. The company stated the name "reflects the lifestyle of modern customers", in line with its "progressive design" that it adopts. The Kona naming also continues Hyundai's tradition of naming crossover SUV models after famous travel destinations, including the Creta, Santa Fe, Tucson and Veracruz.The vehicle is marketed in Portugal as the Hyundai Kauai, as Kona is too similar to cona, a slang word for the female genitalia in European Portuguese. Like Kona, Kauai is a place in Hawaii.
In China, the vehicle was sold as the Hyundai Encino.
The car is sold both in Iceland and Norway under its original name. In Icelandic the word kona means woman, while in Norwegian kona is the singular definite form of kone, meaning wife.
First generation (OS; 2017)
The first-generation Kona was revealed in June 2017 in Seoul, South Korea. Positioned below the Tucson, it was the smallest crossover SUV in the Hyundai global line-up until that position was taken by the Venue in 2019. The first-generation Kona was built on a newly developed B-segment SUV platform derived from the Hyundai i30 platform which was designed to accommodate a range of powertrains, including fuel cell and electric variants. While it was developed as an urban-oriented crossover SUV, the first-generation Kona was available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants; the rear suspension is a torsion beam for the former and a dual-arm multi-link configuration for the latter.For the North American market, the Kona was launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2017 and was available at Hyundai dealers in the first quarter of 2018 for the 2018 model year. Engine options offered are 2.0-litre 4-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine capable of and, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Higher trims are powered with a 1.6-litre Gamma turbo engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission producing and.
The Kona is either not sold or only sold in low volumes in markets where the simpler Creta is offered, such as Latin America, India, and Russia. Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam are the few countries that briefly sold the petrol-powered Kona before it was indirectly replaced by the Indonesian-built Creta in 2022. The Chinese market had both the Kona and Creta, named there the Encino and ix25 respectively.
Kona Electric
The Kona Electric is a battery electric version of the Kona. It is the second electric car from Hyundai after the Ioniq. Sales started in Korea and Europe in 2018, with a market debut in the United States in 2019.Kona Electric was available in two battery capacities: 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh. The 'ultimate' trim features adaptive cruise control and along with lane centering means the vehicle meets the SAE standard for Level 2 driverless. The Kona EV has a range of with the 64 kWh battery. Real-world range tests conducted by What Car in early 2019 found that the Kona EV had the highest real-world range among electric cars for sale in the United Kingdom. In 2020 Hyundai Europe conducted a three day test at Lausitzring track in Germany and achieved ranges of up to 1026km with the 64 kWh model, an efficiency of 100 Wh/mile at an average speed of 30km/h
In March 2019, Hyundai launched the Kona Electric in Thailand. In July 2019, Hyundai launched an Electric Lite version as Kona Electric in India. In 2020, Hyundai started producing the Kona Electric in its European factory in the Czech Republic, where there are plans for an annual production of 30,000 vehicles. Kona Electric reached 100,000 global sales in June 2020.
Hyundai Encino EV was launched on the Chinese car market in November 2019. The electric motor of the Encino EV has an output of and. The motor is powered by a 64.2 kWh battery with an NEDC range of.
In November 2021, the facelifted Hyundai Kona Electric was launched in Malaysia. With three variants, two battery packs are on offer - 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh - with battery ranges going from 303 km in the smaller pack and going up to 484 km in the larger pack.
In 2021, the Hyundai Kona Electric was the sixth best-selling electric vehicle in the UK having achieved a total of 7,199 registrations throughout the year.
In June 2024, the Hyundai Kona Electric was discontinued in India, and it is replaced by the Creta Electric.
Facelift
In September 2020, Hyundai unveiled a facelift version of the Kona, for the original SUV as well as the Kona Electric and N Line models. The facelift primarily had exterior aesthetic changes, alongside extra cargo capacity and rear seat legroom. Also a 48 volt mild hybrid system was added to the 1.0L three cylinderKona N
Released at Hyundai N Day on 27 April 2021, the Kona N is Hyundai's first high-performance SUV under the Hyundai N division. A 2.0-litre turbocharged GDI engine features flat power that maintains maximum output from about 5,500 rpm. The engine is capable of an output up to and maximum torque is about. The output can temporarily reach up to when in the N Grin Shift mode.In the front, an N logo and a dark chrome-colour Hyundai logo are attached to the grille. At the sides and rear, a front lip spoiler, double-wing rear spoiler and side sill mouldings offer added downforce, improving grip force and high-speed stability. It also features an N-exclusive triangular third brake light. Inside, the seats, steering wheel, gear knob and hand brake are tinted with Performance Blue while faux suede seats come with side bolsters. An N-dedicated colour Sonic Blue was added and N Grin Shift, N Power Shift, N Track Sense Shift and Variable Exhaust Valve System come as standard.
Powertrain
From launch, the first-generation Kona became available with a 1.0-litre, turbocharged direct injection petrol engine producing, or a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine producing, with all-wheel-drive option available on selected models.Special editions
;Kona Iron Man Special EditionIn 2019, Hyundai released a special Iron Man edition Kona to promote Avengers: Endgame. The limited edition Kona was finished in matte gray with red accents and features blue daytime running lights, Stark Industries graphics, an Iron Man-themed instrument cluster, arc reactor imagery, and Tony Stark's signature on the dashboard. In the UK, 300 of the version were planned to be available.
Safety
The first-generation Kona body is made from 51% advanced high strength steel with 'hot stamping' and adhesives for added rigidity. Standard safety equipment in some countries includes six airbags, lane keeping assist and a driver attention monitor. Other features include automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot detection and a rear cross traffic alert.The 2018 Kona was awarded "Top Safety Pick+" by the American IIHS.
Second generation (SX2; 2023)
The second-generation Kona was revealed in December 2022. It is available with petrol, mild hybrid, hybrid and battery electric models, while diesel engine options are no longer offered.According to Hyundai, the second-generation Kona was first designed as a battery electric vehicle before being adapted for other variants. Compared to the previous generation, the vehicle has a significantly larger footprint with around additional length and a longer wheelbase. As the result, the rear legroom is larger at. With the second-row seat folded, the vehicle has of boot space or . The drag coefficient is rated 0.27.
The front clip is decorated by thin horizontal lamps, and the wheel arch cladding design of the side parts is integrated with the front and rear lamps.
Kona Electric
The second-generation Kona Electric is available since launch. The variant is distinguished with pixelated front and rear thin light bars and blocked front grille, while a Parametric Pixel design feature has been applied to the front and bottom of the rear bumper.The Kona Electric is built with a 400 V electrical architecture, which impairs its DC fast charging times comparing to other Hyundai EVs built on the more recent 800 V architecture. Hyundai claims a 10-80% state of charge can be accomplished in 41 minutes, against the 18 minutes it claims for some of their 800V models. It also includes vehicle-to-load support, with different maximum outputs depending on the market.
Two battery capacities are offered, which are 48.4 kWh and 65.4 kWh powering a front-mounted electric motor.
The Kona Electric N-Line was revealed on 17 January 2024.
Markets
Asia
Brunei
The second-generation Kona was launched in Brunei on 17 May 2024, in a sole N Line variant powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine. The base 2.0-litre model was added in 30 May 2025.Indonesia
The second-generation Kona was launched for the Indonesian market on 17 July 2024 at the 31st Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, only available as the battery electric version, the Kona Electric. Pre-orders began on 4 June 2024. A pre-production model was showcased at the 31st Indonesia International Motor Show, held from 15 to 25 February 2024, to mark its initial Indonesian debut, and later through select public outings in the country at the same year, prior to the 31st GIIAS. Initial variants for the Kona Electric were the Style, Prime and Signature, with battery options include the Standard Range and Long Range. It is assembled at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI) plant in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java, with the first trial units rolling out on 3 June 2024, during the establishment of Hyundai LG Indonesia Green Power EV battery plant in Karawang, West Java, while its mass production began on 16 July 2024. It is the first battery electric vehicle built in Indonesia to use a locally produced battery.The N Line variant was added on 12 December 2024. It is the first N Line model to be marketed in Indonesia.
Japan
The Kona EV was launched in Japan in November 2023 in three trims: Casual, Voyage, and Lounge, with the N-Line model introduced later.Philippines
The second-generation Kona was launched in the Philippines on 20 June 2025, it is available in two trim levels: GLS and Premium, powered by the 1.6-litre Hybrid petrol powertrain.Singapore
The second-generation Kona was first launched in Singapore on 8 August 2023, in a sole variant powered by a 1.6-litre Hybrid petrol. The electric version of the Kona was launched in March 2024, with three different variants, the Standard Range, Standard Range Sunroof and Long Range Sunroof.Europe
The second-generation Kona made its European debut in April 2023. Five powertrain options are available: 1.0-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol with a 48 volt mild hybrid system, 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol, 1.6-litre Hybrid petrol and an Electric version with two battery options. The all-wheel drive option is available for the 1.6-litre T-GDi petrol engine. For the European market, the Kona Electric is assembled in Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Czech plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic, and the other non-electric Kona variants are imported from South Korea.Middle East
The second-generation Kona was launched in the Middle East on 10 August 2023. It is available in three powertrains; 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine, 2.0-litre MPi petrol engine, and 1.6-litre hybrid petrol engine.North America
The second-generation Kona made its North American debut in September 2023 for the 2024 model year. Three powertrain options are available: 2.0-litre MPi petrol, 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol, and the Electric version.In August 2024, for the 2025 model year, the N Line S trim was introduced to sit below the N Line trim, the SEL trim equipped with the Convenience package became a standalone trim level, and the N Line trim was made available for the Kona Electric model.
In July 2025, for the 2026 model year, the SEL Sport and SLE Convenience trims were introduced. The 2026 model year change saw the SEL, SEL Convenience, N Line S, N Line trims discontinued for the regular Kona models. Also for the 2026 model year, the SEL, Limited, and N Line trims were discontinued for the Kona Electric models as well as the Long Range battery option.
Oceania
Australia
The second-generation Kona was launched in Australia on 7 July 2023, with four trim levels: Base, Premium, N Line and N Line Premium. At launch, three powertrain options available: a 2.0-litre MPi petrol, a 1.6-litre Hybrid petrol and 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol; the latter powertrain is equipped with all-wheel drive system as standard. A sportier powertrain is available for the Kona for the first time for Australia, with the option of the N Line Package. In July 2025, the 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine option equipped with all-wheel drive was discontinued therefore the Kona in Australia was no longer available with all-wheel drive option, and the new mid-range Elite trim was added.The Kona Electric debuted in Australia on 9 January 2024, with three variants: Standard Range, Extended Range and Premium Extended Range.
New Zealand
The second-generation Kona was launched in New Zealand on 21 November 2023, with two trim levels: Active and Limited. A sportier N-Line styling package is available for the first time in New Zealand, it comes as option on the former trim but it is standard on the latter trim. At launch, three powertrain options were available: a 2.0-litre MPi petrol, a 1.6-litre Hybrid petrol and 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol; the latter powertrain comes with HTRAC all-wheel drive system as standard.Recall
In April 2024, Hyundai Australia recalled over 1,700 Kona cars equipped with the 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine, as they pose a potential fire hazard. The issue relates to a manufacturing defect, the bracket that retains the Engine Control Unit could interfere with the vehicle wiring in the event of a collision, causing a short circuit results in a vehicle fire. Kona models that were built from the 2023 model year were affected by the recall.Awards
At the 2019 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, both the electric and non-electric versions were announced as the winners of the 2019 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, the first for a subcompact crossover SUV in its award history.U.S. News & World Report ranked the Hyundai Kona at No. 1 on its list of Best Subcompact SUVs for 2022, giving it a score of 8.4 out of 10.
In 2023, Hyundai Kona won the 'Car of the Year' prize at the Auto Express New Car Awards.