2026 Hyundai Kona: Price, Safety & Specifications
— NHTSA, IIHS, EPA, AAA, RepairPal
In its segment, the 2026 Hyundai Kona scores well across safety, fuel cost, and reliability, with NHTSA's 4-star rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for this vehicle.
- Starting MSRP
- $25,500 - $34,150
- EPA Combined MPG
- 27-31 MPG
- NHTSA Safety Rating
- 4-Star
- IIHS Award
- Top Safety Pick+
- Est. Annual Fuel Cost
- $1,950 - $2,200 per year
- EPA GHG Score
- 6 / 10
- Recalls on File
- 2 recalls on file
- EPA: vs Avg Vehicle
- Save $1,000 over 5 yrs
- Owner Complaints
- 4 on file
- Est. Monthly Cost (with fuel)
- $1,019 per month
- Est. Cost per Mile (with fuel)
- $0.66
- Brand Origin
- South Korea
Priced from $25,500 to $34,150, the 2026 Hyundai Kona is one of 95 value SUVs. Safety ratings, recall history, and ownership costs are all covered below.
- 5-year ownership cost $6,849 below value SUVs average
- Avg repair cost $222 per year below SUV average
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
2026 Hyundai Kona at a Glance
Compared with similar SUVs in our dataset, the clearest positive signals for the 2026 Hyundai Kona are lower estimated fuel cost and high published crash-test results, with an above-average RepairPal reliability rating. The main caution is that there are already multiple recalls on file.
- fuel cost
- safety
- reliability
Strengths in the data
- Fuel: Top 20% cheapest to fuel among gas SUVs. Best-case annual fuel cost is $1,950. Cheapest SUVs to fuel 2026 →
- Safety: 4-star NHTSA + IIHS TSP+. Safest SUVs 2026 →
- Reliability: RepairPal 4.0/5 from RepairPal. Most reliable SUVs 2026 →
Cautions in the data
- There are 2 recalls on file already, even if that still lands near the current class average. Zero-recall cars 2026 →
Similar vehicles to compare
How Safe Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
In NHTSA testing, the 2026 Hyundai Kona received 4 out of 5 stars overall. 82% of SUVs scored higher with a 5-star rating. Source: NHTSA.
Overall Safety
82% of SUVs earned the top 5-star rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Frontal Crash | |
| Side Crash | |
| Rollover |
Rollover Risk: 15.9%
NHTSA uses a five-star scale. IIHS rates individual crash types with Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor. Looking at both tells you more than either one alone.
How Did the 2026 Hyundai Kona Perform in IIHS Crash Tests?
IIHS recognized the 2026 Hyundai Kona with a TSP+ award. This designation reflects strong performance across frontal, side, and roof strength evaluations, plus crash avoidance capabilities. Source: IIHS.
| Test | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front | G Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | G Good |
| Side | G Good |
| Headlights | A Acceptable |
| Front Crash Prevention (Pedestrian) | G Good |
| Seat Belt Reminders | G Good |
| Child Seat Anchors (LATCH) | A Acceptable |
IIHS vehicle class: Small SUVs
Lab testing and real-world performance do not always match. The recall section below covers any defects NHTSA or Hyundai have identified since the 2026 Kona went on sale.
Does the 2026 Hyundai Kona Have Any Recalls?
NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on file for the 2026 Hyundai Kona, affecting ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM. This is typical for SUVs, which average 1.7 recall campaigns. Recall repairs are provided free at authorized dealers. Source: NHTSA.
2 recall campaigns on file with NHTSA.
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL, STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
Most recent: February 2026
Units affected: 342,318
What Do 2026 Hyundai Kona Owners Report to NHTSA?
NHTSA has 4 owner complaints on file for the 2026 Hyundai Kona. This is below the average of 9 complaints for 2026 SUVs. Owner complaints are self-reported and unverified, but patterns across many reports can indicate real issues.
3 in the last 90 days · most recent filed 2026-03-11
Most-reported problem areas
- Fuel System2
- Speed Control1
- Powertrain1
- Structure1
- Brakes1
Source: NHTSA Vehicle Complaints Database. Data last refreshed 2026-04-16.
Families drive more miles and make more trips. That makes fuel economy one of the biggest factors in the real cost of owning the 2026 Hyundai Kona.
What Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona Fuel Economy?
At up to 31 combined MPG, the 2026 Hyundai Kona's fuel costs are estimated at $1,950 per year, near the $1,892 average for value SUVs. Source: EPA.
Ranges from 27 to 31 combined MPG depending on trim and drivetrain.
| Trim | Combined | City | Highway | Annual Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE FWD GAS | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| SE AWD GAS | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $2,200 per year |
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 9/25 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $2,200 per year |
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $2,200 per year |
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $2,200 per year |
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 9/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $2,200 per year |
| Limited 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| Limited 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 12/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | 31 MPG | 28 | 35 | $1,950 per year |
| Limited 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $2,200 per year |
| Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 12/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | 27 MPG | 26 | 29 | $2,200 per year |
Estimated 5-year fuel costs range from $9,750 to $11,000 depending on trim.
The most efficient trim ranks in the top 1% for fuel cost within its EPA vehicle class.
A family vehicle racks up miles fast. That means the hidden costs, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, matter as much as what you pay at the pump. AAA estimates them below.
What Does the 2026 Hyundai Kona Cost to Own?
Estimated 5-year total ownership cost for the 2026 Hyundai Kona ranges from $69,880 to $94,045 depending on trim, based on AAA's Your Driving Costs study for the Subcompact SUV class. This includes insurance, maintenance, depreciation, registration, and financing. These are class averages, not specific to this model. Source: AAA.
| Maintenance | $1,746 per year |
|---|---|
| Insurance | $1,726 per year |
| Depreciation | $3,554 per year |
| Registration & Taxes | $641 per year |
| Financing | $898 per year |
| Total (excluding fuel) | $10,279 per year |
| Cost per mile | $0.66 per mile |
Families often prioritize safety features and cargo space over horsepower. The trim table below shows how those factors vary across the 2026 Hyundai Kona lineup.
How Do the 2026 Hyundai Kona Trims Compare?
14 trims are available for the 2026 Hyundai Kona, spanning $25,500 to $34,150. All trims use a Gasoline powertrain. Compare specifications and estimated costs in the table below. Prices are MSRP before destination and fees.
| Trim | Base MSRP | Combined MPG | Est. Annual Fuel Cost | Drive Type | Horsepower | Est. 5-Year Cost | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SE FWD GAS | $25,500 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | FWD | 147 hp | $83,895 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | $26,675 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | FWD | 147 hp | $85,070 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | $26,825 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | FWD | 147 hp | $85,220 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SE AWD GAS | $27,000 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | AWD | 147 hp | $69,880 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 9/25 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | $28,175 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | AWD | 147 hp | $87,570 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | $28,325 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | AWD | 147 hp | $87,720 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | $28,425 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | FWD | 190 hp | $71,305 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | $28,550 | 31 MPG | $1,950 per year | FWD | 190 hp | $71,430 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | $29,925 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | AWD | 190 hp | $89,820 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 9/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | $30,050 | 27 MPG | $2,200 per year | AWD | 190 hp | $89,945 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Show 4 more trim(s)
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The Hyundai Kona lineup has expanded from 8 trims in 2024 to 14 trims in 2026. The entry price has increased $1,250 since 2024.
New trims since 2024
added 2026
- SEL Sport 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (AWD)
- SEL Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) (AWD)
- SEL Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (AWD)
- SEL Premium 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (AWD)
- Limited 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (AWD)
- Limited 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 12/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) (AWD)
Trims no longer available
last available 2025
- SEL (FWD, AWD)
- N Line (FWD, AWD)
- Limited (FWD, AWD)
Price changes since 2024
- SE FWD GAS $24,250 (2024) → $25,500 (2026) +$1,250
- SE AWD GAS $25,750 (2024) → $27,000 (2026) +$1,250
View full trim timeline (2024–2026)
| Trim | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE FWD GAS | $24,250 31 MPG | $24,550 31 MPG | $25,500 31 MPG |
| SEL FWD GAS | $25,600 31 MPG | $25,900 31 MPG | — |
| SE AWD GAS | $25,750 27 MPG | $26,050 27 MPG | $27,000 27 MPG |
| SEL AWD GAS | $27,100 27 MPG | $27,400 27 MPG | — |
| N Line FWD GAS | $30,800 31 MPG | $31,100 31 MPG | — |
| Limited FWD GAS | $31,800 31 MPG | $32,100 31 MPG | — |
| N Line AWD GAS | $32,300 27 MPG | $32,600 27 MPG | — |
| Limited AWD GAS | $33,300 27 MPG | $33,600 27 MPG | — |
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | — | — | $26,675 31 MPG |
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | — | — | $26,825 31 MPG |
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 9/25 (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | — | — | $28,175 27 MPG |
| SEL Sport 4dr SUV AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT) | — | — | $28,325 27 MPG |
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | — | — | $28,425 31 MPG |
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 9/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | — | — | $28,550 31 MPG |
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | — | — | $29,925 27 MPG |
| SEL Premium 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 9/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | — | — | $30,050 27 MPG |
| Limited 4dr SUV (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | — | — | $32,535 31 MPG |
| Limited 4dr SUV w/Prod. End 12/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | — | — | $32,650 31 MPG |
| Limited 4dr SUV AWD (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | — | — | $34,035 27 MPG |
| Limited 4dr SUV AWD w/Prod. End 12/25 (1.6L 4cyl Turbo 8A) | — | — | $34,150 27 MPG |
Compare Trim Costs
Select two trims and adjust your driving and financing to see how monthly costs compare. Only costs we can compute from EPA data and your inputs are shown. No estimates, no guesses.
Your driving & financing
The trim comparison above covers what you pay at purchase. The reliability data below covers what you pay to maintain it over time.
How Reliable Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona scores 4.0 out of 5.0 on RepairPal's reliability index, above the average for value SUVs. RepairPal data reflects repair frequency and severity from shops nationwide. Source: RepairPal.
Hyundai backs the 2026 Kona with the warranty terms shown below. Coverage begins from the original purchase date and varies by component.
What Warranty Does the 2026 Hyundai Kona Come With?
The warranty terms below reflect Hyundai's published coverage for the 2026 Kona. All trims share the same warranty. Coverage begins on the date of first retail sale.
| Basic Warranty | 5yr/60k |
|---|---|
| Powertrain Warranty | 10yr/100k |
| Corrosion Warranty | 7yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited |
What Are the 2026 Hyundai Kona Specs?
The specifications below cover engine output, dimensions, and drivetrain for the 2026 Hyundai Kona. These are manufacturer-reported figures and may vary by trim configuration.
EPA vehicle class: Small SUV
| Engine | 2L I4, 1.6L I4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 147 - 190 hp |
| Price per HP | $150 - $193 |
| Torque | 132 - 195 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic, 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drive Type | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded |
| Fuel Tank | 12.4 - 13.2 gal |
| Est. Range per Tank | 335 - 409 miles per tank (EPA combined) |
| Length | 171.3 in |
|---|---|
| Width | 71.9 in |
| Height | 62.2 - 63.6 in |
| Wheelbase | 104.7 in |
What Changed for the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
- Number of available trims changed
- Pricing changed across one or more trims
- EPA fuel economy ratings changed
- Recall status changed
All data shown for the 2026 Hyundai Kona comes from EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, AAA, manufacturers, and selected third-party references. The safety and reliability data above is especially relevant for a vehicle your family depends on. Data is refreshed periodically.
Source links
Verify this data
2026 Hyundai Kona FAQ
Which 2026 Hyundai Kona trim has the lowest ownership cost?
Among 14 available trims, the SE AWD GAS has the lowest estimated five-year ownership cost at $69,880, starting at $27,000 MSRP. The most expensive trim to own is about $94,045. See the full trim comparison table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
What vehicles compete with the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
Vehicles similar to the 2026 Hyundai Kona in price and segment include 2026 Buick Encore GX, 2026 Mazda CX-30, and 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The Buick Encore GX is the closest in price (starting at $25,900, 5-star NHTSA, 27-30 MPG). Each has its own fact sheet with EPA, NHTSA, IIHS, and cost data for comparison. Browse all 2026 SUVs.
What changed on the 2026 Hyundai Kona from last year?
Compared to the previous model year, 12 new trims were added, 6 trims were dropped, and the entry price increased by $1,250 for the Hyundai Kona lineup. See the trim evolution timeline above for full year-by-year pricing and availability details.
How much does a 2026 Hyundai Kona cost per month to own?
Excluding your car payment, estimated monthly costs for the 2026 Hyundai Kona include about $857 for insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and fees, plus roughly $163 for fuel. That puts non-payment running costs around $1,020 per month. These are estimates based on AAA class averages and EPA fuel data. Actual costs depend on your driving, location, and coverage.
Where is Hyundai based?
Hyundai is a South Korea-based automaker. The 2026 Hyundai Kona may be assembled in a different country than where Hyundai is headquartered. Check the window sticker or VIN decoder for the specific assembly location of any individual vehicle. See our South Korea-brand cars 2026 list.
What other Hyundai models are available for 2026?
Each 2026 Hyundai vehicle has its own fact sheet. Data coverage varies by model. See the complete Hyundai lineup on our Hyundai models page.
What is the 2026 Hyundai Kona safety rating?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona earned a 4-star overall safety rating from NHTSA and has 2 recall campaigns on file. See the safety and recall sections above for the full breakdown, including IIHS results and specific recall details.
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Data on this page is compiled from government agencies and independent research organizations. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, purchasing, or safety advice. Verify all data with the original source before making decisions.