2026 Hyundai Kona Trim Comparison

What are the 2026 Hyundai Kona Trim Levels?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona has four trims: SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited.

Which 2026 Hyundai Kona Trim Fits My Budget?

When evaluating the 2026 Hyundai Kona lineup through a value lens, the SEL Premium stands out as an excellent balance between cost and features. Priced moderately above the base SE and SEL Sport trims, the SEL Premium includes the turbocharged 190-horsepower 1.6-liter engine paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a noticeable boost in performance and responsiveness.

Beyond power, the SEL Premium offers premium amenities such as a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless device charging, and leatherette upholstery, enhancing both comfort and convenience. It also comes standard with heated front seats and advanced safety technologies, delivering enhanced value for safety-conscious buyers.

For budget-conscious shoppers, the SE trim remains a practical choice, featuring a reliable 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive with a CVT. While it lacks some upscale touches and turbocharged power, its lower starting price makes it attractive for those prioritizing affordability without sacrificing essential technology and safety features.

How Big is the 2026 Hyundai Kona?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers a surprisingly spacious cabin for a subcompact SUV, providing comfortable seating for up to five passengers across all trim levels. Front seats come with ample legroom and supportive cushioning, while rear passengers benefit from generous headroom and legroom, creating an enjoyable environment for daily commutes or longer drives. Higher trims enhance comfort with features like heated and ventilated seats, elevating the driving experience.

Cargo capacity is a strong suit for the Kona, starting with 25.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats—enough for several large suitcases or multiple grocery bags. When additional storage is needed, folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to approximately 63.7 cubic feet, allowing for bulkier items or outdoor gear. Clever design elements such as a retractable cargo cover and a well-organized center console add to the practicality.

This balance of passenger comfort and cargo flexibility makes the 2026 Kona an attractive choice for buyers seeking versatility without sacrificing style or technology. Whether outfitted with the base SE trim or the fully loaded Limited, the Kona supports a variety of lifestyle demands, making it a practical option for urban dwellers and suburban families alike.

Has the 2026 Hyundai Kona Won Any Awards?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona stands out with strong safety credentials that provide peace of mind to prospective buyers, having received a solid 4-star overall rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This distinction demonstrates reliable protection in frontal and rollover crash tests.The Kona also excels in side-impact safety, earning top marks with 5-star ratings across all side crash categories, underscoring its robust occupant protection.

In addition to crash test performance, the Kona is equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety technologies as standard across all trims:

• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane-keeping assist
• Automatic emergency braking 
• And more!

Higher trims add further driver aids like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera system, elevating both safety and convenience.

Test Drive a 2026 Hyundai Kona Near Me

If you're looking to try out the 2026 Kona yourself, schedule a Hyundai test drive or visit our Hyundai Indianapolis dealer to get an in-person look. Be sure to contact us with any questions you have about purchasing a new Hyundai SUV!