The 2026 Kona offers two distinct powertrains depending on which trim a buyer selects, and the difference matters for shoppers weighing daily fuel costs against driving character.

Every trim comes with front-wheel drive as standard. Drive Mode Select — available on the SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited — lets drivers toggle between Normal, Sport, and Snow modes, which is a practical feature for Ohio winters when roads near Antrim Park can turn slick. Shoppers who want to get a head start on the purchase process can contact the dealership for current financing information before stepping into the showroom.

Five-passenger seating and about 25.5 cu ft of cargo volume are shared by every trim in the 2026 Kona lineup — a consistent foundation that makes the crossover genuinely useful for family outings regardless of which configuration a buyer chooses.

The SE and SEL Sport deliver the best fuel economy figures, with the SEL Sport achieving 28 city / 35 hwy / 31 combined — the highest highway number in the lineup. The turbocharged SEL Premium and Limited trade a few MPG for the extra power, returning 26 city / 31 hwy / 28 combined.

Inside, the seat materials and adjustment range differ by trim in ways that matter for longer drives. The SE uses cloth seating with a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat, while the SEL Sport keeps cloth but adds heated front seats as standard. The SEL Premium and Limited both upgrade to H-Tex synthetic leatherette upholstery and an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support. The Limited goes further with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel — appreciated on cold Ohio mornings.

All four trims offer 60/40 split-folding rear seats with recline, and the SEL Sport and above include dual-zone automatic climate control with dedicated rear air vents, keeping back-seat passengers comfortable on longer drives.

The 2026 Kona earned recognition as a 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety — a meaningful credential for parents navigating school zones and busy suburban intersections.

A robust suite of driver assistance systems is standard across all four trims, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and High Beam Assist. That last feature — Rear Occupant Alert — is particularly relevant for parents: it reminds the driver to check the back seat before exiting the vehicle, a safeguard that matters on busy school-day mornings.

The Limited adds a further layer of parking and maneuvering technology not found on other trims: a Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, Parking Distance Warning covering forward, side, and reverse zones, and Highway Driving Assist for semi-automated highway travel. The passive safety structure includes advanced dual front airbags with an Occupant Classification System, front seat-mounted thorax side airbags, and front-and-rear side curtain airbags with rollover sensors — all standard across the lineup.

The four-trim lineup spans a meaningful price range, giving Columbus-area buyers a clear path from an efficient, well-equipped entry point to a near-luxury subcompact experience.

The SE at $25,500 is the value entry point — it delivers the 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, Smart Cruise Control, and the full standard safety suite at the lowest price in the range. The SEL Sport at $26,675 adds heated front seats, gloss black exterior accents, an 18-inch wheel upgrade, and a standard cargo cover for a modest premium. The SEL Premium at $28,425 unlocks the turbocharged engine, 8-way power driver's seat, H-Tex leatherette, dual-zone climate control, and wireless charging. The Limited at $32,535 consolidates every major feature — the Bose audio system, digital cockpit, ventilated seats, Surround View Monitor, hands-free liftgate, and sunroof — into the top configuration.

Hyundai offers a broad range of dealer-installed accessories available on all four trims. The Protection Package at $390 bundles all-weather floor mats and mud guards together. The Cargo Package at $220 combines a cargo tray, cargo net, and cargo blocks into one purchase. The Lifestyle Hitch at $320 adds a 1.25-inch receiver for bike racks and cargo carriers — a practical addition for families who use the Olentangy Trail regularly. Cross rails for roof-mounted gear are available for $375 on the Limited, SEL Premium, and SEL Sport.

Third-party recognition for the 2026 Kona is unusually strong across multiple categories. Kelley Blue Book awarded it the Subcompact SUV Best Buy of 2026, and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety granted it TOP SAFETY PICK+ status for 2026 — two of the most respected accolades in the segment. Drive recognized it as the Best Small SUV Under $60K for 2026, and Consumer Guide Automotive added a 2026 Consumer Guide Best Buy designation.

Edmunds describes the Kona as "stylish, efficient, comfortable and roomy," noting that "for the money, you're getting a car you'll actually want to drive" — which is why they rank it as their favorite extra-small SUV. That consensus across independent reviewers and safety organizations reinforces what the spec sheet already suggests: this is a well-rounded vehicle at a competitive price.

If you're trading in a current vehicle, you can get an instant cash offer on your trade through our Edmunds-powered tool — the offer is valid for seven days, and there is no obligation to purchase from us.

Which 2026 Kona trim gets the best fuel economy?
The SEL Sport achieves the best highway number at 35 mpg, with a combined rating of 31 mpg. The SE also returns 31 mpg combined with 34 mpg on the highway. Both use the 2.0L IVT powertrain. The turbocharged SEL Premium and Limited return 26 city / 31 hwy / 28 combined.

How much cargo space does the 2026 Kona have?
All four trims — SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited — share about 25.5 cu ft of cargo volume behind the rear seats. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats expand that space when the rear row is folded flat.

What is the starting price of the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
The SE starts at $25,500 plus a $1,600 destination charge. The SEL Sport starts at $26,675 (plus $1,495 destination), the SEL Premium at $28,425 (plus $1,600 ), and the Limited at $32,535 (plus $1,600 ).

Does the 2026 Kona have heated seats on the base trim?
No. Heated front seats first appear on the SEL Sport. The SE uses cloth seating with a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat and does not include seat heating as standard.

What safety features come standard on every Kona trim?
Every trim includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, and High Beam Assist — all standard regardless of trim level.

Where can I see the 2026 Hyundai Kona in person near Columbus?
Great Lakes Hyundai of Columbus carries the full 2026 Kona lineup. You can browse our current new Kona inventory online before visiting, or stop by our showroom at 2900 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43231. Our team is also available by phone at (614) 714-5530 to answer questions about specific trims, packages, or availability. At Great Lakes Hyundai, the Savings are So Good!