2026 Hyundai Kona
2026 Hyundai Kona
Grande Prairie drivers will find the 2026 Hyundai Kona offers practical transportation in a compact SUV format. Four trim levels provide different equipment packages, while two engine choices address varying performance needs. The lineup includes front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive options, with technology and safety features distributed across the range. From basic transportation to turbocharged performance, the Kona accommodates different priorities.
What's New With the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
Exterior
The 2026 Kona's exterior focuses on utility and visibility. LED headlights and daytime running lights appear on every model, helping drivers see and be seen during Alberta winters and early sunrises. Essential models use 17-inch alloy wheels, while Preferred versions step up to 18-inch units. N Line trims carry 19-inch wheels that change the visual stance. A rear spoiler houses an LED brake light above the hatch.
Heated side mirrors defrost quickly on cold mornings, and active grille shutters close to reduce drag at highway speeds. The Essential and Preferred trims feature body-coloured mirrors, while N Line models switch to black units. Rear privacy glass starts at the Preferred level, blocking sun glare for rear passengers. Preferred trims add roof side rails for mounting cargo carriers. N Line models separate themselves with Seamless Horizon LED daytime running lights, body-colour cladding, and a twin-tip exhaust. Several paint colours allow optional two-tone finishes with a contrasting black roof.
Interior
The cabin layout addresses storage and passenger needs. Heated front seats come standard across the lineup, along with a centre console that includes covered storage and an armrest. Rear passengers get a folding armrest with two cupholders, and the 60/40 split rear seat reclines for comfort adjustments. Second-row HVAC vents direct airflow to the back seats. Every Kona includes a proximity key with remote start capability and push-button ignition.
Preferred models add a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel and shift knob, plus manual height adjustment for the front passenger seat. A cargo area cover keeps items out of sight. The Preferred with Trend Package brings leatherette seating, soft-touch door panels, LED interior lighting, and dual-zone automatic climate control with an auto-defogger function. N Line trims feature sport seats finished in suede and leather, ambient interior lighting that changes colour, metal sport pedals, and N Line door scuff plates. The N Line with Ultimate Package tops the range with a power driver's seat including two-way lumbar support, ventilated front seats for summer heat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Features
Powertrain
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine powers Essential, Preferred, and Preferred with Trend Package models through an Intelligent Variable Transmission. This naturally aspirated configuration handles daily driving without complexity. The Essential trim includes idle stop-and-go technology that shuts the engine off at stoplights to conserve fuel. Front-wheel drive comes standard, with optional HTRAC all-wheel drive on Essential models. When equipped with all-wheel drive, these trims gain a multi-link rear suspension instead of the standard torsion beam setup.
N Line models switch to a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The turbo delivers more power and torque than the base engine, improving acceleration and highway passing. Paddle shifters behind the steering wheel let drivers manually control gear selection. The N Line uses a column-mounted Shift-by-Wire system instead of a traditional console shifter. HTRAC all-wheel drive and multi-link rear suspension come standard on all N Line configurations.
Technology
A 12.3-inch touchscreen sits in the centre of every Kona's dashboard. The base system includes six speakers, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM satellite radio, and Bluelink Connected Car System. Four USB-C ports split between front and rear rows keep phones and tablets charged. Over-the-air software updates install automatically without dealership visits. Essential models pair the large touchscreen with a 4.2-inch gauge cluster display, while Preferred with Trend Package and N Line models upgrade to a full 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
The Preferred with Trend Package adds Digital Key technology, allowing smartphone-based vehicle access and starting. A wireless charging pad eliminates cables for compatible phones. This trim also includes a proximity-activated smart power trunk that opens when the key gets close to the rear bumper. N Line with Ultimate Package models receive a BOSE premium audio system with eight speakers, replacing the standard six-speaker setup for improved sound quality.
Versions
The 2026 Kona comes in four main configurations. Lower trims offer front-wheel or all-wheel drive, while N Line models come only with all-wheel drive.
- Essential: Starting trim with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, heated front seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless phone connectivity, proximity key with remote start, and complete safety package. HTRAC all-wheel drive optional.
- Preferred: Adds 18-inch alloy wheels, aero wipers, LED side mirror turn signals, roof rails, rear privacy glass, leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, cargo cover, and expanded Forward Collision Assist. Includes Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go.
- Preferred with Trend Package (AWD only): Builds on Preferred with power sunroof, upgraded body cladding, satin chrome beltline, smart power trunk, leatherette seats, soft-touch materials, LED interior lighting, dual-zone climate control, Digital Key, and wireless charging.
- N Line (AWD only): Performance-focused with 1.6L turbo engine, 8-speed automatic, 19-inch wheels, N Line styling elements, Seamless Horizon LED running lights, body-colour cladding, twin-tip exhaust, ambient lighting, sport seats, metal pedals, paddle shifters, and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
- N Line with Ultimate Package (AWD only): Top configuration adding rain-sensing wipers, power driver's seat with lumbar, ventilated front seats, auto-dimming mirror, BOSE audio (8 speakers), Parking Distance Warning, Parking Collision Avoidance Assist–Reverse, Surround View Monitor, Blind View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Highway Driving Assist.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2026 Hyundai Kona
What separates the base engine from the turbo?
The 2.0L engine in Essential, Preferred, and Preferred with Trend Package models uses an IVT and provides steady power for regular driving. The N Line's 1.6L turbo engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic and delivers higher output for faster acceleration and improved passing performance.
Which trims offer all-wheel drive?
HTRAC all-wheel drive is optional on Essential and standard on Preferred with Trend Package and both N Line trims. The base Preferred only comes with front-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive versions also get a multi-link rear suspension that handles Grande Prairie's winter roads better than the standard setup.
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