Australia, that is your favorite small SUV…
Regardless of its polarising appears, the Hyundai Kona has taken the Australian market by storm, little question helped by its sprawling vary of variants and huge availability of a fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain.
It has clearly resonated with Australian new-car consumers, as a result of 22,769 Konas have been registered in 2025 – greater than another small SUV, and over 2500 items forward of the Chery Tiggo 4 and MG ZS.
Of these 22,700-plus items registered, 10,407 or 45.7 per cent have been hybrids, making the Kona the fifth-most standard hybrid automobile in Australia final yr.
That’s with good purpose too. It’s environment friendly, sensible, and comparatively inexpensive. Plus, there’s loads of on-board tech and goodies relying on the variant, maxing out with near-luxury ranges of normal options.
On check right here we’ve the 2026 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium N Line, the top of the petrol-electric vary with sporty appears and a suede-lined cabin.
Is that this fully-loaded variant one of the best of the bunch? Learn on to seek out out…
How a lot does the Hyundai Kona value?
The Kona lineup was rationalised for the 2026 mannequin yr (MY26), spelling the top of the 1.6T AWD model however bringing in a brand new mid-spec Elite trim stage.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| 2026 Hyundai Kona 2.0 | $32,950 |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona 2.0 Elite | $35,950 |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona Hybrid | $36,950 |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona 2.0 Elite N Line | $39,450 |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elite | $39,950 |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona 2.0 Premium | $41,950 |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Elite N Line | $43,450 |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona 2.0 Premium N Line | $44,950 |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium | $45,950 |
| 2026 Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium N Line | $48,950 |
The Hybrid Premium begins from $45,950 plus on-road prices, however our tester’s elective N Line Bundle provides an additional $3000 to the value – so $48,950 earlier than on-roads give or take. It seems the vary has seen a minor $250 worth rise since the MY26 vary was detailed final July.
On the time of writing, the bottom Kona 2.0 FWD and Kona Hybrid (HEV) are marketed from $36,490 and $39,990 drive-away respectively, although the previous will enhance barely to $36,990 D/A from March 2026.
You may as well get an all-electric model of the Kona, which for the primary quarter of 2026 begins from $45,990 drive-away for the bottom Commonplace Vary, and $49,990 D/A for the Prolonged Vary. The plusher Premium spec, solely out there with the Prolonged Vary battery, is marketed from $59,990 drive-away.
For extra particulars on Hyundai Kona offers, click on right here.
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
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What’s the Hyundai Kona like on the within?
The Kona’s inside presentation could be very spectacular at first look, with among the greatest tech integration on this class.
Twin 12.3-inch shows headline the inside of high-spec fashions, incorporating the motive force’s instrument cluster in addition to the central infotainment touchscreen.
It’s the identical tech you’ll discover in the most costly Hyundais – together with the $100,000-plus Ioniq 9 electrical individuals mover – so the very fact you will get all that in a compact financial system automobile is fairly noteworthy.
As we’ve stated in earlier evaluations of the Kona in addition to different fashions throughout the Hyundai-Kia group, with the ccNC (Related Automobile Navigation Cockpit) the screens are crisp, provide snappy response and clean animations, and provide a full characteristic set.
Along with the already easy-to-use native software program, there’s wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as customary, in addition to Bluelink linked automobile providers together with on-line navigation and over-the-air software program updates.
The Bose eight-speaker premium audio system is stable however not fairly standout, providing clear sound and good depth with stable bass.
Excessive-traffic surfaces and contact factors just like the seats, steering wheel, and the armrests within the doorways and between the entrance seats are all properly trimmed, with the N Line Bundle bringing thrives of purple all through.
That stated, the Kona’s cabin is normal fully out of laborious, scratchy plastics. So whereas at first look it presents effectively, a fast poke and prod round reveals a number of areas the place Hyundai has tried to avoid wasting cash.
The inside of the N Line with its leather-based/Alcantara trim is cool, however I personally want the elective mild leather-based inside of the usual Kona Premium. Even higher, whatever the spec you select, you get heated and cooled entrance seats, in addition to a heated steering wheel.
A minimum of there’s loads of storage, from the spacious and adjustable centre console with cupholders, to the telephone tray with wi-fi telephone charger, and the shelf that sits forward of the entrance passenger within the dashboard.
Shifting into the again, the Kona belies its compact dimensions by providing a spacious second row for the category.
Hyundai made notice of the EV-focused packaging with the launch of the second-generation Kona, which allowed the Korean model to supply a flat rear ground and tall cabin, that means taller people (like 6’1″ me) have loads of house.
Considerate facilities embrace directional rear air vents, a pair of USB-C charging retailers, net-type rear seat pockets, bottle holders within the doorways, and a fold-down centre armrest with cupholders.
Dad and mom could make use of the ISOFIX anchors on the outboard seats, and top-tether factors behind all three rear seats for youngster seats.
Additional again, the Kona gives a wholesome 407 litres of cargo capability with the rear seats in use, increasing to 1241L with them folded.
Not like an growing quantity of electrified automobiles, the Kona HEV retains a space-saver spare wheel beneath the boot ground as a substitute of a tyre restore equipment, too.
| Dimensions | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|
| Size | 4350mm – Commonplace 4385mm – N Line |
| Width | 1825mm |
| Peak | 1585-1590mm |
| Wheelbase | 2660mm |
| Cargo capability | 407L – rear seats up 1241L – rear seats folded |
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s beneath the bonnet?
The Kona Hybrid’s 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol-electric drivetrain shall be acquainted to those that have pushed a Kia Niro or Hyundai i30 Sedan HEV.
| Specs | Hyundai Kona HEV |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6L 4cyl HEV |
| Engine outputs | 77kW at 5700 rpm 144Nm at 4000rpm |
| Electrical motor outputs | 32kW + 170Nm |
| System outputs | 104kW + 265Nm |
| Battery | 1.32kWh Li-ion |
| Transmission | 6-speed dual-clutch auto |
| Drive kind | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1410-1525kg |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 3.9L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 4.4L/100km |
| Gas tank capability | 38L |
| Gas requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO2 emissions (claimed) | 89g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 5 |
| Braked towing capability | 1300kg |
Our indicated gasoline consumption was achieved over 300km of combined driving in the course of the course of per week, with a great break up of city and metropolis commuting combined in with freeway and freeway stints.
Even when it’s 15 per cent up on the declare, our document gasoline consumption quantity is a really spectacular real-world determine, and as a bonus the Kona HEV takes cheaper 91-octane unleaded.
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Hyundai Kona drive?
There’s loads to love about the way in which the petrol-electric Kona handles itself on the highway.
Whereas its system energy and torque outputs appear meagre, the electrical motor’s 170Nm is accessible from relaxation, which additionally helps to iron out any hesitation you’d often expertise with a dual-clutch auto off the road.
On chilly begins you may discover the petrol engine fires shortly and buzzes away at a excessive idle to heat up, and as soon as it’s able to go you’ll be stunned at how a lot the Kona HEV will lean on its electrical motor relative to one thing from the Toyota secure, for instance.
In site visitors on flat roads you’ll typically have the Hyundai speed up to 40km/h utilizing the e-motor solely, with the petrol engine solely firing as much as help because the speeds climb. As the electrical motor is mounted throughout the transmission, you do get the feeling of the Kona shifting gears even in EV mode, nevertheless it’s simple to get used to.
A minor gripe with Hyundai’s dry-clutch DCT is the elastic feeling because it shifts from first into second and typically second into third. Given shifts in dual-clutch autos are supposed to be snappier, it’s odd that it does this and nearly feels prefer it’s slurring by means of its early ratios.
When you’re transferring there’s not a lot to complain about. The Kona rides properly, is mostly effectively hushed for a small SUV and handles extra like a barely raised hatchback quite than a top-heavy wagon – as a result of, actually, that’s what it’s.
At instances I did discover it might use a seventh cog although – very similar to the six-speed standard ‘field in Hyundai’s and Kia’s turbocharged hybrids – as a result of at freeway speeds or often whereas cruising at 60km/h the Kona held revs a bit of excessive, which most likely doesn’t assist gasoline consumption, and the 1.6-litre petrol engine’s buzzy nature can emit a slight and fixed vibration by means of the steering wheel.
The Kona HEV will get smaller 18-inch alloy wheels in N Line guise in comparison with the petrol-only mannequin’s 19s in Premium trim, and that additional chub to the rubber provides one other layer of flexibleness to the first trip, significantly within the metropolis the place you’re prone to roll over drain covers, tram tracks and the like.
It errs on the firmer aspect although, so larger hits will discover the boundaries of stated suppleness fairly shortly. That stated, it’s nearly by no means crashy even over patchy inner-city roads, although it’s by no means fairly as settled as one thing just like the domestically tuned Kia Seltos or a few of its softer-sprung rivals.
The steering tune is properly balanced, being comparatively mild in weight however with an excellent stage of accuracy and really feel. Its nearly sporty setup is in step with the N Line branding, nevertheless it’s additionally not too centered in the event you go for the usual Premium.
Get it on the open highway and it’s fairly pleased there too, even when it sits across the 2000rpm mark consistently. Relative to its opponents, highway and wind noise is stored to acceptable ranges, and the powertrain intelligently shuffles between energy sources because it does round city too – typically you’ll see it go into EV mode at 100km/h.
Hyundai’s driver help techniques are usually additionally effectively calibrated. The motive force consideration monitor is way much less overbearing than I bear in mind, and the audible pace restrict help is definitely muted with an extended press of the… er… mute button.
The Kona’s adaptive cruise and lane centring features are likewise excellent, as is the Premium’s Blind Spot View Monitor which provides a visible support to go together with the audible one. Other than the aspect cameras, all the things else is just about customary throughout the vary, too.
One factor lacking is Hyundai-Kia’s Freeway Driving Help, which robotically combines adaptive cruise and lane centring features with navigation information for correct semi-autonomous help on the freeway.
The prevailing techniques just about carry out 95 per cent of that perform, however the newest fashions from the model’s secure can even help with lane modifications in addition to modify pace for corners on the freeway and such.
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
The Premium sits atop the Kona lineup in Australia.
2026 Hyundai Kona (base) gear highlights:
- 17-inch alloy wheels (NEW)
- Auto LED headlights – reflector-type
- Auto high-beam
- Darkish gray roof rails
- Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- Distant begin
- ‘Fundamental’ digital instrument cluster
- 4.2-inch driver supervision show
- 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- Over-the-air updates
- Bluelink linked automobile providers
- Leather-based-appointed steering wheel
- Leather-based-wrapped shifter – Kona 2.0
- Paddle shifters – Hybrid
- Shift by Wire – Hybrid
- ‘Open-type’ centre console – Hybrid
- Twin-zone local weather management with rear air vents
- LED inside lighting
- Fold-down rear armrest
- Peak-adjustable entrance seats
- 2-way driver lumbar modify
Kona Elite provides:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Rear privateness glass
- Silver-painted skid plates
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Leather-based upholstery
- Heated entrance seats
- 10-way energy driver’s seat
- 8-way energy passenger seat
- Paddle shifters
- Shift by Wire
- ‘Open-type’ centre console
- Electrochromic rear-view mirror
Kona Premium provides:
- Distant Sensible Parking Help
- LED indicators
- Full-width entrance mild bar
- Sunroof with energy sunshade
- Acoustic laminated/photo voltaic windshield
- Energy tailgate
- 12.3-inch digital instrument clusters
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 8-speaker Bose sound system
- Ambient lighting
- Fabric headliner
- ‘Premium Leisure’ entrance seats
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Driver’s seat reminiscence
- Heated outboard rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
Choices
Our check automobile was fitted with the elective N Line Bundle, which provides $3000 to the value of the Premium and $3500 to the Elite.
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N Line Bundle provides – over Kona Premium:
- 18-inch N Line alloy wheels
- Physique-coloured cladding
- N Line exterior styling
- Bumpers
- Skid plates
- Unwanted side effects
- N Line wing-type rear spoiler
- N Line badging, wheel centre caps
- N Line leather-appointed, Alcantara upholstery
- N Line steering wheel
- Darkish steel inside trim highlights
- Lively Purple air vent, seat accents
- Darkish steel inside trim highlights
- N Line chrome twin-tip exhaust
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Hyundai Kona protected?
The Hyundai Kona has a four-star ANCAP security ranking primarily based on testing performed in 2023.
| Class | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|
| Grownup occupant safety | 80 per cent |
| Youngster occupant safety | 84 per cent |
| Weak highway person safety | 64 per cent |
| Security help | 62 per cent |
Commonplace security gear throughout the vary contains:
- 7 airbags, incl. front-centre airbag
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection
- Bicycle owner detection
- Junction help
- Blind-spot help
- Clever Velocity Restrict Help
- Multi-collision brake
- Parking sensors – entrance, rear
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Reversing digicam
- Protected exit warning
Kona Premium provides:
- Blind-Spot View Monitor
- Parking Collision Avoidance Help Reverse
- Encompass-view digicam
- Aspect parking sensors
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Hyundai Kona value to run?
The Kona is roofed by an ordinary five-year, limitless kilometre new-vehicle guarantee, with HEV and EV batteries coated for eight years or 160,000km – whichever comes first.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Hyundai Kona Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres – Commonplace 7 years, limitless kilometres – Service activated 8 years, 160,000 kilometres – HEV/EV battery |
| Roadside help | 12 months – Commonplace Lifetime – Service activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | As much as 5 years or 75,000 kilometres |
| Common annual service value | $601.40 |
| Complete capped-price service value | $3007 – 5 years |
Automobiles registered from June 2025 are eligible for an prolonged seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee if all scheduled providers are accomplished by a Hyundai supplier.
Lifetime roadside help cowl can also be provided in the event you proceed to service your Kona throughout the Hyundai community.
To see how the Hyundai Kona traces up towards the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Hyundai Kona
My week with the Kona HEV was a nice reminder why this small SUV stays considered one of our high picks in its section.
It’s a correct various to Toyota’s vary of hybrid crossovers and passenger automobiles, providing a extra participating drive and aggressive fuel-efficiency. The worth equation stays robust if not fairly China-cheap, and there’s a great vary of personalisation choices to essentially make it yours.
You don’t want to shell out over $50,000 on-the-road for this absolutely loaded Premium N Line spec both; the sub-$40,000 drive-away entry-level Kona Hybrid and the mid-spec Elite have greater than sufficient equipment and house for hundreds lower than the automobile you see right here.
Till the next-generation Kia Seltos arrives later this yr, I’m undecided if there’s another rival on this section that may beat the Kona HEV’s all-round talents. The BYD Atto 2 is an efficient EV various, however not everybody needs to go all-electric; and the Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid gives that stable Toyota shopping for expertise, however is pricier and a bit boring.
The Mazda CX-30 is beautiful however its petrol-only powertrain lineup is way thirstier, whereas the Nissan Qashqai e-Energy will get fairly costly while you attempt to match the top-spec Kona’s expansive record of normal options.
So, that is why the Kona Hybrid stays a high contender within the small SUV class – I simply suggest you actually take into consideration whether or not that you must spend an additional few grand on N Line extras and even among the Premium’s nicer trimmings.
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