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Photo of a Hyundai Kona

Hyundai Kona

Kona Electric: 1,026 km on one charge in a 29–31 km/h hypermiling test.1

Researched October 28, 2026 from 34 sources

Also called

  • KauaiUsed in Portugal because Kona resembles a Portuguese slang word; Kauai is also a place name in Hawaii.2
  • EncinoChinese market name used from 2018 to 2020.2

At a glance

0150300
113–286 hpPower
07.515
5.5–12 s0–100 km/h
0125250
155–240 km/hTop speed
0200400
172–395 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,233–1,795 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.267

Engine
1.0–2.0 L gasoline; 1.6 L diesel/hybrid; 48-V mild hybrids; electric motor24
Layout
Front-engine FWD/AWD; Electric: front-motor FWD2
Gearbox
6-speed manual/auto; 6/7/8-speed DCT; CVT; EV: 1-speed; 2024 Limited: 8AT212
Built at
Ulsan Plants 1/3, South Korea; HMMC Nošovice, Czech Republic (Electric)2

The story

Created as Hyundai's first global subcompact SUV in 2017, the Kona grew to offer gasoline, diesel, hybrid and electric power. Its second generation launched in 2023 after EV-first development.234

2017: Hyundai's global small-SUV debut20172018: Electric joins the family20182019: Hybrid adds a six-speed DCT20192020: 195 hp, N Line and 48-V assistance · Electric reaches 484 km WLTP20202021: First N SUV: 276 hp, front-drive20212023: EV-first second generation launches · Kona N ends after two years20232024: Electric N Line completes the set2024 Hyundai Lavita (Matrix) (FC): 2001–2010FCHyundai ix20 (JC): 2010–2019JCHyundai Kona (first generation) (OS): 2017–2023OSHyundai Kona (second generation) (SX2): 2023–presentSX2 200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones23232425
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2001–2010Hyundai Lavita (Matrix) (FC)
2010–2019Hyundai ix20 (JC)
2017–2023Hyundai Kona (first generation) (OS)
2023–presentHyundai Kona (second generation) (SX2)
2017Hyundai's global small-SUV debut
2018Electric joins the family
2019Hybrid adds a six-speed DCT
2020195 hp, N Line and 48-V assistance
2020Electric reaches 484 km WLTP
2021First N SUV: 276 hp, front-drive
2023EV-first second generation launches
2023Kona N ends after two years
2024Electric N Line completes the set
  1. 2017

    Hyundai's global small-SUV debut

    Kona debuts in June as Hyundai's first global subcompact SUV, with Korea first in the rollout and North America and Europe to follow.3

  2. 2018

    Electric joins the family

    Electric sales start in Korea and Europe with 39.2/64-kWh packs; US sales follow in 2019 with 415 km EPA range from the 64-kWh version.25

  3. 2019

    Hybrid adds a six-speed DCT

    The 1.6-liter Hybrid joins in 2019 with 139 hp combined, a 1.56-kWh battery and a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.4

  4. 2020

    195 hp, N Line and 48-V assistance

    Europe's facelift brings a 195-hp 1.6 T-GDI and N Line; 48-V assistance is standard on the 134-hp diesel and optional on the 118-hp 1.0 gasoline engine.4

  5. 2020

    Electric reaches 484 km WLTP

    Tire upgrades give the 64-kWh Electric 484 km WLTP; the 39.2-kWh model offers 305 km. Charging 10–80% takes about 47 minutes on a 100-kW DC charger.6

  6. 2021

    First N SUV: 276 hp, front-drive

    With a 2.0-liter turbo, e-LSD and eight-speed wet DCT, Kona N claims 0–100 km/h in 5.5 seconds; N Grin Shift supplies 286 hp for 20 seconds.278

  7. 2023

    EV-first second generation launches

    Gen 2 Electric: 48.4/65.4-kWh packs, 400-V charging, preconditioning and V2L; Long Range claims up to 490 km WLTP and 10–80% in about 41 minutes.29

  8. 2023

    Kona N ends after two years

    The 2021–2023 Kona N bows out after just two years, with low demand and tightening emissions rules ending its run.10

  9. 2024

    Electric N Line completes the set

    Kona Electric becomes Hyundai's first EV with N Line styling, extending the treatment across combustion, hybrid and electric Konas.11

Every generation

  • Hyundai Lavita (Matrix)
    FC2001–2010
  • Hyundai ix20
    JC2010–2019
  • Hyundai Kona (first generation)
    OS2017–2023
  • Hyundai Kona (second generation)
    SX22023–present

Power over the years

From 118 hp to 276 hp in 4 years.

0100200300 20162018202020222024 hp 2017 · 118 hp · 1.0 T-GDi2017 · 175 hp · 1.6 T-GDi, 7-speed DCT2018 · 114 hp · UK 1.6 CRDi manual2018 · 134 hp · UK 1.6 CRDi DCT2018 · 147 hp · North America 2.0, 6-speed auto2019 · 139 hp · Hybrid 1.6 GDi, system output2021 · 276 hp · Kona N (286 hp with N Grin Shift)2022 · 195 hp · 1.6 N Line/Limited, 7-speed DCT2023 · 215 hp · EU Electric Long Range, launch spec2024 · 190 hp · Limited/N-Line 1.6 turbo, 8-speed auto 276 hp Kona N (286 hp with N Grin Shift) 118 hp 1.0 T-GDi
249121314
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
20171181.0 T-GDi
20171751.6 T-GDi, 7-speed DCT
2018114UK 1.6 CRDi manual
2018134UK 1.6 CRDi DCT
2018147North America 2.0, 6-speed auto
2019139Hybrid 1.6 GDi, system output
2021276Kona N (286 hp with N Grin Shift)
20221951.6 N Line/Limited, 7-speed DCT
2023215EU Electric Long Range, launch spec
2024190Limited/N-Line 1.6 turbo, 8-speed auto

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • SE / SEL / SEL Plus (US, first generation)

    Standard

    SE / SEL / SEL Plus (US, first generation)

    147 hp
  • Limited / Ultimate (early US models)

    Standard

    Limited / Ultimate (early US models)

    175 hp
  • Hybrid (first generation)

    Standard

    Hybrid (first generation)

    2019–2023

    139 hp
  • Electric (first generation)

    Standard

    Electric (first generation)

    2018–2023

  • SE / SEL Sport / SEL Premium / Limited (US, 2026)

    Standard

    SE / SEL Sport / SEL Premium / Limited (US, 2026)

    2026

  • Electric (second generation)

    Standard

    Electric (second generation)

    2023–present

  • N Line (gasoline and hybrid)

    Standard

    N Line (gasoline and hybrid)

  • Electric N Line (second generation)

    Standard

    Electric N Line (second generation)

    2024

  • Limited

    Night Edition

    2021

    175 hp
  • Iron Man Edition

    Limited

    Iron Man Edition

    2019

    175 hp

  • Limited

    Mauna Loa (Japan)

    2024

    201 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: slim running-light eyebrows sit above separate, lower headlights.21
  • First generation: black armor cladding wraps the wheel arches, bumpers, and rocker sills.1521
  • First generation: a shark-fin-shaped D-pillar sharpens the wedge-like profile.21
  • Second generation: full-width front and rear lighting meets sharp, angular fender bulges.12

Year by year

  1. 2021; US model year 2022

    Gasoline cars gain reworked bumpers and slimmer LED headlights; the taillight graphics stretch horizontally.41314

  2. 2021 Electric; US: 2022

    The Electric gains a smoother closed nose, sharper wraparound headlights, and painted wheel-arch cladding.2622

  3. 2020 facelift reveals

    Both gasoline and Electric updates introduce a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster; the central 10.25-inch screen is optional.46

  4. 2023; US model year 2024

    The larger second generation gains full-width front and rear lighting, with paired 12.3-inch dashboard screens available.2912

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Hyundai Kona
    Kona
    Photo of a Chevrolet Bolt EV
    Chevrolet Bolt EV

    Chevrolet Bolt EV

    Beside the original Kona Electric, the Bolt has a higher roof and narrower track, giving it a taller, more upright look.5

Against its rivals

  • Kona vs Chevrolet Bolt EV (2019)

    Skidpad grip

    Kona0.8 g
    Chevrolet Bolt EV (2019)0.8 g
    5
  • VW T-Roc R

    Kona vs VW T-Roc R

    List price lower is better

    Kona35,395 £
    VW T-Roc R43,685 £
    10
  • Chevrolet Trax

    Kona vs Chevrolet Trax

    Power

    Kona190 hp
    Chevrolet Trax137 hp
    12

Prices

Value today $13.3K–$20.1K30

Price when newValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K 201820202022202420262028 Value today: $13,269–$20,068 2018 · $20,480 · US SE base2019 · $37,495 · US Electric base2022 · $23,375 · US SE; AWD adds $1,5002022 · $24,175 · US SEL base2022 · $26,925 · US N Line base2022 · $29,675 · US Limited base2022 · $35,225 · US Electric SEL base2022 · $43,725 · US Electric Limited base2022 · $35,495 · US N base/as tested2024 · $34,485 · US Limited AWD base 2018 · $20,480 · US SE base price, 2018 model year
2512141528
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2018Launch price$20,480US SE base price, 2018 model year
2018Price when new$20,480US SE base
2019Price when new$37,495US Electric base
2022Price when new$23,375US SE; AWD adds $1,500
2022Price when new$24,175US SEL base
2022Price when new$26,925US N Line base
2022Price when new$29,675US Limited base
2022Price when new$35,225US Electric SEL base
2022Price when new$43,725US Electric Limited base
2022Price when new$35,495US N base/as tested
2024Price when new$34,485US Limited AWD base
2026Value today$13,269–$20,068

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “1,026 km, at city-crawl speeds”
    • “5,731 meters up at Sawula Pass”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 4 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Hyundai Motor’s Kona Electric sets range record of 1,026 kilometres hyundai.news
  2. Hyundai Kona - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  3. Kona: World Premiere of an Urban SUV for Active Lifestyles prnewswire.com
  4. Hyundai Unveils Enhancements for Kona and Launches All-new Kona N Line | Hyundai N hyundai-n.com
  5. 2019 Chevy Bolt EV vs. 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric caranddriver.com
  6. New Hyundai Kona Electric comes with a series of updates hyundai.news
  7. A true ‘hot SUV’: Hyundai Motor reveals all-new KONA N hyundai.news
  8. 2021 Hyundai Kona N revealed | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  9. All-new KONA Upscaled Multiplayer Accelerates Hyundai’s Electrification Vision with Extended Range and Advanced Features hyundai.news
  10. ​Hyundai Kona N (2021 - 2023) review – Korea's answer to the Ford Puma ST | evo evo.co.uk
  11. Kona Electric N Line electrifies the road with sportiness and style hyundai.news
  12. 2024 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD First Test Review: Bigger and Better, But … motortrend.com
  13. Used Hyundai Kona (Mk1, 2017-2023) review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  14. Hyundai prices the 2022 Kona from $23,375 - Autoblog autoblog.com
  15. Tested: 2018 Hyundai Kona Turbo Punches Hard for Its Class caranddriver.com
  16. 2021 Hyundai Kona Night Edition is the latest to paint it black - Autoblog autoblog.com
  17. 2026 Hyundai Kona Review, Pricing, and Specs caranddriver.com
  18. The Story Behind The iconic Design of The all‒New Kona | Journal | Hyundai Motor Group hyundaimotorgroup.com
  19. The Kona Iron Man Edition coming to a showroom near you… hyundai.news
  20. Hyundai Kona EV Gets An Outdoorsy Edition With Unpainted Bumpers | Carscoops carscoops.com
  21. Five Essential Design Details of the 2018 Hyundai Kona motortrend.com
  22. Used Hyundai Kona EV & Battery Heath (Real-world Data) recurrentauto.com
  23. Hyundai Lavita - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  24. Hyundai ix20 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. Hyundai Kona — Wikipédia fr.wikipedia.org
  26. Hyundai Kona, Santa Fe e Veloster debuttano a Hollywood hyundai.news
  27. Paddon wins Ashley Forest Rallysprint in all-electric Hyundai Kona motorsport.org.nz
  28. 2022 Hyundai Kona N at Lightning Lap 2023 caranddriver.com
  29. Good Fortune and Good Adventuring Arrive During Lunar New Year! forza.net
  30. Hyundai KONA Resale Value and Depreciation - iSeeCars.com iseecars.com
  31. Buying a used Hyundai Kona (2017-2022) - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  32. Transport Canada Recall - 2021252 - - Canada.ca recalls-rappels.canada.ca
  33. Used Hyundai KONA prices — what should you pay? · Cert certmotors.com
  34. Buying a Used Hyundai KONA Electric (2018-2023): 39 or 64 kWh, Battery Recalls, Range & What to Check | EVGuide.uk evguide.uk
  • hyundai.news
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • prnewswire.com
  • hyundai-n.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • carexpert.com.au
  • evo.co.uk
  • motortrend.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • autoblog.com
  • hyundaimotorgroup.com
  • carscoops.com
  • recurrentauto.com
  • fr.wikipedia.org

Photo credits

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