2026 Kona Model Review in Owensboro, KY

2026 Hyundai Kona at Don Moore Hyundai in Owensboro, KY

If you are looking for a compact SUV that blends efficiency, smart packaging, and modern features, the 2026 Hyundai Kona at Don Moore Hyundai in Owensboro, KY, delivers a well-rounded option. Designed for drivers who want agility in the city and flexibility for longer drives, the Kona offers a balanced mix of performance, interior space, and technology.

Trim Levels and Available Colors

The 2026 Hyundai Kona lineup includes:

• SE
• SEL Sport
• SEL Premium
• Limited

Interior Comfort and Space

The Kona is designed to maximize interior space within a compact footprint. It offers seating for five and a layout that prioritizes comfort and usability.

Interior dimensions:

• Passenger volume up to 101.2 cubic feet
• Cargo space up to 63.7 cubic feet with seats folded
• Front legroom of 41.7 inches
• Rear legroom of 38.2 inches

Interior comfort features include:

• Cloth or H-Tex leatherette seating surfaces
• Six-way adjustable driver seat or available 8-way power driver seat
• Heated front seats on higher trims
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• 60/40 split-folding rear seats with adjustable head restraints
• Dual-zone automatic temperature control on select trims
• Rear air vents for improved passenger comfort

Additional convenience features include proximity key entry with push-button start, LED interior lighting, ambient lighting on higher trims, and multiple USB ports across both rows.

Cargo Space and Everyday Utility

The Kona provides practical cargo space for a compact SUV. There is 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Additional utility features include:

• Split-folding rear seats
• Adjustable cargo configurations
• Low lift-over height for easier loading

This setup makes the Kona suitable for daily errands, travel, and transporting larger items when needed.

Exterior Features and Design

The 2026 Kona features a modern design with clean lines and practical elements that improve everyday usability.

Exterior features include:

• LED projector headlights
• LED daytime running lights
• LED combination taillights
• Automatic headlights with high beam assist
• Active grille shutters
• Alloy wheels ranging from 17-inch to 19-inch options
• Available gloss black exterior accents
• Heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals

Additional design elements vary by trim, including black-finished wheels, larger tire sizes, and unique styling accents that enhance the Kona’s visual presence.

Exterior color options give the Kona a wide range of options. Available colors include:

• Abyss Black Pearl
• Cyber Gray Metallic
• Ecotronic Gray Metallic
• Ultimate Red Metallic
• Mirage Green
• Atlas White
• Soultronic Orange Pearl
• Denim Blue Pearl
• Neoteric Yellow

These options allow drivers to choose a look that matches their personality while maintaining the Kona’s sharp and modern styling.

Performance and Powertrain

The 2026 Kona offers two gas-powered engine options, giving drivers a choice between efficiency and added performance.

Performance highlights:

• 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson 4-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower
• Available 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower
• Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) on standard engine
• eight-speed automatic transmission on turbo models
• Front-wheel drive standard
• Available HTRAC all-wheel drive

The standard engine focuses on smooth acceleration and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for daily commuting. The available turbocharged engine adds stronger torque delivery and quicker acceleration for drivers who want a more responsive feel.

Drive Mode Select allows you to tailor the driving experience with different settings for efficiency or performance. Idle Stop and Go is also included on select configurations to help improve fuel economy.

Fuel economy reaches up to 34 mpg highway, EPA-estimated for front-wheel-drive models, and remains competitive across all trims.

Chassis, Suspension, and Handling

The Kona is built with a focus on stability and predictable handling. Its compact footprint makes it easy to maneuver, while the suspension setup provides a composed ride.

Key chassis and handling features include:

• High-strength steel body structure
• MacPherson strut front suspension
• Torsion beam rear suspension on FWD models
• Independent multi-link rear suspension on AWD models
• Motor-driven power steering system
• Four-wheel disc brakes with an anti-lock braking system

This setup keeps the Kona responsive in urban environments while maintaining comfort on longer drives.

Technology Features

Technology in the 2026 Kona is centered on connectivity and ease of use, with a consistent interface across trims.

• 12.3-inch touchscreen display
• Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™
• HD Radio and SiriusXM
• Bluetooth®* hands-free connectivity with audio streaming
• Rearview monitor with parking guidance
• Wireless device charging on select trims
• Bluelink connected car system

Additional features include dual front and rear USB outlets, digital gauge displays, and integrated vehicle controls that are easy to access while driving.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The 2026 Kona includes Hyundai SmartSense, offering a comprehensive set of safety features across all trims.

Standard safety systems include:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Lane Following Assist
• Driver Attention Warning
• Blind-Spot Collision Warning
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist

Additional safety features include Safe Exit Warning, rear occupant alert, and high beam assist.

Core safety hardware includes:

• Electronic stability control with traction control
• Vehicle stability management
• Tire pressure monitoring system with individual tire indicators
• Multiple airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags
• Anti-theft system with immobilizer

Find Your 2026 Hyundai Kona at Don Moore Hyundai

If you are ready to explore a compact SUV that balances efficiency, technology, and everyday usability, visit Don Moore Hyundai in Owensboro, KY. The team can help you compare trims, review features, and get behind the wheel for a closer look.

Whether you choose the SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, or Limited, the 2026 Hyundai Kona lineup offers flexibility and capability for modern drivers. Stop by Don Moore Hyundai today and see how the Kona fits your lifestyle.

* Bluetooth® word marks and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc., and any use of such marks by Hyundai is under license. A compatible Bluetooth®-enabled phone must first be paired. Phone performance depends on software, coverage, and carrier.

* All fuel economy mpg listings in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.