A Buyer’s Guide to the 2026 Kona

Are you looking for a small SUV that’s affordable and practical, yet offers the fun you desire behind the wheel? It’s time to discover the Hyundai Kona for sale at Rusty Wallace Hyundai. Although it may be subcompact in size, this modern crossover SUV is big on attitude. For good measure, the Kona has one of the most distinctive appearances of any automobile, making you stand out and showcasing your commitment to the total package from your SUV.

The 2026 model continues to hit the mark for packing the things you need and want into one stylish vehicle. Young professionals, recent graduates, and other city-dwellers on a budget can get more than they ever thought possible from a new SUV, all while being backed by one of the industry’s leading powertrain warranties. If you’re considering the 2026 Hyundai Kona, our buyer’s guide has everything you should know. You’ll quickly see why this nimble, energetic, and versatile vehicle is the right pick.

Choose Efficiency or Excitement

Some small SUV buyers want an ultra-efficient vehicle with low operating costs and dependable day-to-day performance. Others want to showcase their enthusiasm for being out on the open road, careless and free. The 2026 Hyundai Kona lets you have either or both with a multitude of setups.

Two Versatile Powertrains

Keep things simple at the wheel with a pair of gas engines that suit any need. The base powertrain is a 2.0L four-cylinder engine that produces 147 hp and up to an EPA-estimated 34 MPG on the highway, meaning less time spent at the pumps. You can stick with standard front-wheel drive or upgrade to all-wheel drive, which gives you more traction in rain, mud, and the rare Tennessee snowstorm. This engine is mated to an intelligent variable transmission with selectable drive modes to match the situation.

Instill some passion in your drives with the 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder and eight-speed automatic transmission on the 2026 Kona’s SEL Premium and Limited trim levels. This spunky powertrain produces 190 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, letting you zip through city streets or mash the throttle on the interstate, taking full advantage of the optional all-wheel drive. Despite its higher output, this powertrain can still deliver an EPA-estimated 31 MPG on the highway in front-wheel drive, so the only thing on your mind is the thrill of the drive.

Strong Driving Dynamics

Whichever engine you choose, the 2026 Hyundai Kona’s agility and comfort make it a must for urban workers and residents. It uses race-track-proven MacPherson front coilovers for responsive handling, and the all-wheel-drive models have an independent multi-link rear suspension. 

A brake-actuated limited-slip rear differential, aluminum wheels, hill start assistance, and hill hold feature keep the dynamics steady and predictable. And, of course, its subcompact size and low turning diameter let you squeeze into just about any parking space!

A Generously Equipped Cabin

Being a subcompact SUV shouldn’t mean substandard interior design and amenities. The 2026 Hyundai Kona isn’t a holdover or a “settle for” vehicle; it’s something you can drive for years, thanks in big part to a cabin that takes occupants seriously.

Maximum Space in a Small SUV

Do you think you’ll be packed and cramped inside a tiny crossover? Think again, as the 2026 Kona outplays its class with 41.7 inches of front legroom and 38.2 inches of rear legroom. There is also 63.7 cu.ft. of cargo space—more than some compact SUVs offer. The SE and SEL Sport trims have high-quality cloth seats, while the SEL Premium and Limited use H-Tex leatherette.

With available features such as heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, the 2026 Hyundai Kona can be surprisingly upscale. There are also optional ambient interior lights and second-row air vents, so kids or adults in the back are covered. Lastly, this year, Hyundai increased the size of the console tray to hold more of your personal effects and supplies.

Packed With Great Tech Features

Hyundai is known for offering some of the best automotive technology, and when you buy the 2026 Kona, you pay a little to get a lot. A 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, HD radio, dual front and rear USB ports, a six-speaker sound system, and Hyundai’s Bluelink Connected Care remote access are all standard, letting you listen to anything. 

All trim levels above the SE come with a wireless charging pad, and select trim levels have a massive 12.3-in digital gauge display. The Limited trim also includes built-in navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Hyundai Digital Key, dynamic voice recognition, and an eight-speaker Bose audio system.

Onboard entertainment is paired with peace of mind from equally excellent safety technology. For 2026, Hyundai has made adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go standard on all Kona trims, and enhanced automatic emergency braking is also now a universal feature.

This even further enhances the safety profile of the Hyundai Kona, as these features join many other driver assistance systems, including lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts, and driver attention warnings. You can add a 360-degree camera system, parking distance warnings, and even highway driving assistance to be in full control.

A Functionally Stylish Exterior

There are many small SUVs out there, and—let’s face it—a lot of them look the same. If you want to set yourself apart with a distinctive appearance, the 2026 Hyundai Kona delivers unique style alongside the features you need for everyday life.

Gorgeously Modern Aesthetics

The Kona is an energetic machine with the looks to match. The pointed nose, angled body lines, sloped back, and rear roof lip spoiler make it look like a vehicle ahead of its time. Each model is available in nine body colors, from the usual suspects like black and silver to eye-catching hues like orange, crimson, and light green.

Wheels range from 17 inches on the SE to 19 inches on the SEL Premium and Limited for superior traction, and each trim level has a unique wheel design. Most Konas have gloss-black mirrors to match the front grille, window trimming, and fender cladding.

Convenience and Amenities

The 2026 Hyundai Kona doesn’t just look nice; it walks the walk with the necessary add-ons. The LED projector headlights, daytime running lights, combo tail lights, and high-mount rear stop light keep you visible to other drivers at any hour. Active grille shutters are standard, and most models have heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals. The Limited has a power sunroof and shade to let you bask in glorious weather.

Go Modern in the 2026 Hyundai Kona

A budget-friendly small SUV should never compromise on the things you want and need most. The 2026 Hyundai Kona does it again, offering a low price and high value at every turn. With Hyundai’s leading coverage (which includes a ten-year, 100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a seven-year, unlimited-mileage perforation protection), you’ll feel confident about getting a long-lasting vehicle, even if it’s your first step into ownership.

Visit Rusty Wallace Hyundai to test-drive the 2026 Hyundai Kona and see why it’s the ideal SUV for new and established drivers alike. We bring the same championship attitude to car sales as Rusty did to the race track, serving drivers in Knoxville and beyond with a world-class shopping experience. Trust our dealership for knowledgeable service, transparent pricing, no-hassle financing, and everything else you need to drive off in a new Hyundai Kona.

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