If you're looking for a small SUV with a big personality - you don't have to look further than the Hyundai Kona, which is inarguably the biggest and boldest style statement in the segment. It backs up its futuristic exterior design with a modern interior, along with modern safety and tech features. All of which has made the Kona a success for the brand. Never mind that the Kona's hit a rough patch of late with sales down 11% year to date as of the end of October. No doubt this is partly due to tariffs and affordability challenges facing new car shoppers.
The Kona lineup only has a few tweaks this year along with some trim changes, but my Limited AWD review vehicle remains the top-range variant.
The Kona's modern, bold style is certainly eye catching. The urban-centric SUV's futuristic appeal is thanks to sharing a platform with the Kona EV.
There is no lack of black body cladding on the wheel arches, up front and rear. Distinguishing features of the Limited include its seamless horizon LED daytime running light on the front end, satin chrome beltline, and body color w/satin chrome accented rear spoiler
The lineup shares LED Projector Combination headlights, High Beam Assist, and LED combo tail lights along with heated side mirrors.
The Limited benefits from the lineup's top range engine - a 1.6-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with 190-horsepower (compared to the base engine's 147.) The turbocharged set-up also delivers a respectable 195 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is quite nice with this powertrain which is enhanced by a smooth-shifting 8-speed automatic shift-by-wire transmission. This vehicle is also equipped with available All-Wheel Drive. Note, there is no HYBRID offered in the lineup, but there is an EV variant.
If you're into a wide, open-concept living design, you'll be at home in the cabin. It's airy as opposed to cozy, and quite spacious for a compact SUV. A semi-soft touch dash is pushed forward, adding to the roominess feel up front.
The cabin is well-designed from a user-friendly standpoint, and if you don't like haptic touch you'll be happy. It sticks with traditional climate controls presented in a modern way. Speaking of - the A/C didn't seem to be as robust as other models I've reviewed. I was also surprised at the heat from the sun I felt coming through the driver's window, since the Kona has solar front glass on the front door and windshield.
Door panels are a mix of soft-touch and plastic. Overall, there's more plastic in here than I'd like to see on a top trim. On the plus side, Hyundai knows how to do switchgear well, and this includes door handles that have a nice heft to them. I just wish there was a bit more polished trim for the door and window power functions.
Heated and ventilated H-TEX leatherette-trimmed front seats with large headrests keep you seated in comfort. The driver's seat is 8-way power, the passenger is manual only, a surprise for a top trim. The steering wheel is leather-trimmed and heated with nice hardware.
Dual 12.3-inch digital displays are a highlight, both bright and easy to read with great graphics. I do love how uncluttered the driver display is. The same is true of the multimedia display. Map quality and back up camera resolution are terrific, too.
The multimedia system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hyundai's Dynamic Voice Recognition never fails to impress and the Limited's 8-speaker Bose sound system sounds great in the space. Connectivity features include a WiFi Hotspot, Hyundai's Digital Key, four USB-C ports and over-the air updates.
The open concept feel extends to the center console that lacks a cover of any kind, which in my opinion could lead to an eyesore of clutter. The center console area is home to dual cup holders, an available wireless charger, and drive mode and seat climate controls.
A roomy second row is comfortable but features a heavier use of plastic. Reclining 60/40 split fold-down seats recline. Passengers enjoy cushiony seats, dual USB-C ports, A/C vents and a nice drop-down center console with cupholders. Window real estate lacks a little back here due to design but the Limited-only's sunroof makes up for it.
A well-designed cargo area features a dual-level cargo floor and cargo cover. The Limited features a hands-free lift gate.
Standard Limited features also include dual-zone climate, a 12-volt outlet, power moonroof, and ambient interior lighting.
The Kona is a pleasant SUV to drive with generally great ride comfort. It feels smooth in-city driving, and at times even bouncy, which comes in handy over rail road tracks. On the highway I did feel a little more of the road than I'd like, but road noise wasn't an issue. Acceleration for highway passing felt great, and all-wheel drive always adds confidence to the overall driving experience. Steering was easy going and the Kona's size makes it easy to maneuver and park.
Standard Hyundai SmartSense is one of the industry's best driver assistance systems -both in terms of function and graphic displays. Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Rear Occupant Alert/Safe Exit Warning are both standard across the lineup as well. New-for-2026, Adaptive Cruise Control and FCA w/Junction Turning and Driver Oncoming join the list of standard ADAS features.
The Limited also features Blind Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Smart Cruise Control, Remote Smart Parking Assist and Highway Driving Assist (HDA), which is one of the industry's best semi-autonomous driving systems.
Now the bad news. The Kona Limited costs more than it did last year. It's up (as equipped) $1,380 between my 2025 and 2026 reviews. The only option both times: Carpeted Floor Mats, which this year went up slightly to $240 (up $30). Total MSRP as equipped here is $36,385, which isn't quite as good a value as last year. I'd consider looking at the new-for-2026 SEL Premium with the turbo engine. It doesn't have all the Limited convenience features so it's not as expensive.
The Kona's done well for Hyundai for being the stylish, spacious, well-rounded and tech-friendly SUV it is. It also offers some of the industry's best driver assistance features and remote parking system out there.