Hyundai has made some big moves with the 2026 Kona, and they’re all about giving people what they actually want. The biggest news? The 146kW/265Nm turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – previously the only way to get all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic in the Kona – has been axed.
Before you panic, here’s the thing: The company says it only accounted for 10 per cent of Kona sales across 2024 and 2025, against a 34 per cent take rate for the 1.6-litre four-cylinder hybrid, six per cent for the Kona Electric, and 51 per cent for the base naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Basically, most people weren’t buying it anyway.
The Big Picture: What’s Really Happening
Hyundai isn’t just taking things away – they’re giving buyers something they’ve been asking for. The new Elite trim sits perfectly between the base model and the Premium, filling a gap that many families have been looking for.
The changes make sense when you look at how people actually buy cars. Most Kona buyers want either the affordable base model or the hybrid version. The turbo engine was expensive and only appealed to a small group of enthusiasts.
New Elite Trim: The Sweet Spot
Over the base Kona, it adds features like power-adjustable, heated front seats and leather upholstery. This new Elite trim is available with both the regular 2.0-litre engine and the hybrid setup.
What makes the Elite appealing is that it bridges the gap between basic and premium without the huge price jump. You get genuine leather seats, power adjustment, and heating – features that make daily driving much more comfortable.
Pricing That Makes Sense
Here’s where things get interesting for your wallet. The flagship Premium now has a sunroof with a power sunshade, resulting in price rises of $2200 for the petrol version and $2500 for the hybrid.
2026 Hyundai Kona Pricing and Specifications
| Model | Price (Before On-Road Costs) |
|---|---|
| Kona 2.0 | $32,700 |
| Kona 2.0 Elite | $35,700 |
| Kona Hybrid | $36,700 |
| Kona Hybrid Elite | $39,700 |
| Kona 2.0 Premium | $41,700 |
| Kona Hybrid Premium | $45,700 |
What You’re Getting for Your Money
The base Kona still comes with everything you need for daily driving. You get the CVT automatic, front-wheel drive, and enough space for a small family. Cargo capacity 407L (rear seats up) 1241L (rear seats folded) means weekend trips and grocery runs are no problem.
The hybrid models are where things get interesting. Fuel economy (claimed) 6.6L/100km for petrol, 3.9L/100km for hybrid shows a massive difference in running costs.
Safety and Practicality Haven’t Changed
The Hyundai Kona has a four-star safety rating from safety authority ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2023. This isn’t the highest rating available, but it’s solid for the class.
More importantly for your budget, The Hyundai Kona is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty. That’s genuine peace of mind, especially compared to some competitors who limit their warranties by distance.
Service Costs That Won’t Shock You
The first five services are capped at $402-407 each for the 2.0-litre petrol, while in the hybrid they’re capped at $403, $593, $403, $613 and $627. The hybrid costs a bit more to service, but you’ll save that money many times over at the fuel pump.
The N Line Package: Still Available
Don’t worry if you want some sportiness. The N Line option package costs $3500 on the Elite and $3000 on the Premium. You can still get the sporty looks and feel, just without the turbo engine that most people weren’t buying anyway.
Smart Moves by Hyundai
This isn’t about cutting corners – it’s about understanding what people actually want. The turbo engine was expensive, complex, and appealed to a tiny slice of buyers. By focusing on the engines people actually choose, Hyundai can put more effort into features that matter to families.
The Elite trim fills a real gap in the market. Many buyers want more than the base model but don’t need everything the Premium offers. Now they have that option without paying for features they won’t use.
Electric Coming Soon
Hyundai hasn’t announced details for the 2026 Kona Electric yet, but it’s coming. The electric version continues to be popular with buyers who want zero emissions and low running costs.
The changes to the petrol and hybrid lineup suggest Hyundai is streamlining everything to focus on what sells. That usually means better value for buyers and more reliable supply chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I still get all-wheel drive on the 2026 Kona?
A: No, with the turbo engine gone, all 2026 Kona models are front-wheel drive only.
Q: Which engine should I choose?
A: The hybrid makes sense for most people due to much better fuel economy and similar pricing to the Premium petrol model.
Q: When can I buy the 2026 Kona?
A: The revised 2026 Hyundai Kona petrol and hybrid range is on sale now, ahead of first customer deliveries from early August.
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