What to Know About the 2027 Hyundai KONA

October 27th, 2026 by


What to Know About the 2027 Hyundai KONA

Patrick Hyundai – What to Know About the 2027 Hyundai KONA

The 2027 Hyundai KONA continues to make a strong case for shoppers who want a small SUV with standout styling, smart technology, flexible space, and everyday usability. Compact on the outside and surprisingly accommodating inside, the KONA is designed for drivers who want something easy to maneuver without giving up the features that make daily driving more comfortable. With multiple trims, available all-wheel drive, two gas engine choices, and a long list of standard driver-assistance features, the 2027 KONA is built to fit a wide range of needs.

At Patrick Hyundai, we know many SUV shoppers are comparing size, comfort, performance, fuel economy, safety, and long-term practicality all at once. The KONA helps simplify that search by offering a balanced package in a smart footprint. Whether you are focused on commuting, errands, family flexibility, or a more feature-rich cabin, the 2027 Hyundai KONA deserves a closer look, especially for our team serving Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, and Crystal Lake.

A Smart Small SUV With Big Everyday Appeal

The 2027 Hyundai KONA is classified as a small SUV, but its layout makes excellent use of space. It offers seating for five, a practical cargo area, and a modern cabin that feels thoughtfully arranged. The KONA measures 171.3 inches in overall length with a 104.7-inch wheelbase, giving it the compact proportions many drivers want for parking and city driving while still providing comfortable passenger dimensions.

Inside, the KONA offers 41.7 inches of front leg room and 38.2 inches of rear leg room, making the cabin feel open and usable for both front and rear passengers. Cargo capacity is another highlight, with 25.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The standard 60/40 split flat rear seatback adds flexibility when you need to carry a mix of people and gear.

Engine Options and Driving Character

The 2027 KONA gas lineup gives shoppers a choice between two distinct powertrains. SE and SEL Sport models use a 2.0L MPI Atkinson inline 4-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission, creating a smooth and efficient driving experience for daily use.

For drivers who want stronger acceleration, the SEL Premium and Limited trims feature a 1.6L Turbo-GDI inline 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This turbocharged engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and includes paddle shifters, giving the KONA a more responsive feel. Both engine families are designed to use regular unleaded fuel, which is a practical benefit for many owners.

  • 2.0L engine: Standard on SE and SEL Sport, with 147 horsepower and an efficient Intelligent Variable Transmission.
  • 1.6L turbo engine: Standard on SEL Premium and Limited, with 190 horsepower and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
  • Front-wheel drive: Standard across the lineup for confident everyday driving.
  • Available all-wheel drive: Offered across trims with Active On-Demand capability.
  • Drive Mode Select: Includes Normal and Sport on front-wheel drive models, with Snow mode added on all-wheel drive models.

Fuel Economy That Fits Daily Driving

Fuel economy remains one of the KONA’s appealing strengths. With the 2.0L engine and front-wheel drive, the 2027 KONA is rated at 28 city, 35 highway, and 31 combined MPG. With available all-wheel drive, the 2.0L models are rated at 26 city, 29 highway, and 27 combined MPG. The turbocharged 1.6L models are rated at 26 city, 32 highway, and 28 combined MPG with front-wheel drive, or 24 city, 29 highway, and 26 combined MPG with all-wheel drive.

Those numbers make the KONA a strong option for drivers who want SUV versatility without stepping into a larger vehicle. The 2.0L models are especially appealing for shoppers prioritizing efficiency, while the turbocharged models provide added performance with still-respectable fuel economy.

Trim Levels and Feature Highlights

The 2027 Hyundai KONA lineup includes SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited trims. Each trim builds on the KONA’s core strengths while offering a different mix of comfort, design, and technology. SE gives drivers a strong foundation with standard safety and multimedia features. SEL Sport adds helpful comfort and style upgrades. SEL Premium introduces the turbocharged engine and more upscale interior details. Limited brings the most premium feature set in the lineup.

  • SE: Includes 17-inch alloy wheels, LED projector headlights, a 12.3-inch touchscreen audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a strong package of standard safety technologies.
  • SEL Sport: Adds 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, wireless device charging, LED interior lights, roof rails, and additional comfort features.
  • SEL Premium: Adds the 1.6L turbo engine, 19-inch alloy wheels, H-Tex trimmed seats, paddle shifters, soft-touch door panels, and added cabin refinement.
  • Limited: Adds premium features such as a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, hands-free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open, Bose premium audio, Surround View Monitor, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Technology Designed Around Convenience

Every 2027 KONA comes with a 12.3-inch touchscreen audio system featuring AM/FM, SiriusXM, HD Radio, and 6 speakers. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard across the lineup, which helps keep smartphone connectivity simple. Front dual USB-C outlets and rear dual USB-C outlets are also standard, giving passengers convenient charging access.

The KONA’s technology story gets even stronger as shoppers move up the lineup. Wireless device charging is included on SEL Sport and above. Limited adds a Bose premium audio system with an external amplifier and 8 speakers, along with a Surround View Monitor for added confidence in tight spaces. Bluelink connected car services and over-the-air software updates are standard across all trims, reinforcing the KONA’s modern, connected feel.

Comfort and Interior Practicality

The KONA cabin is designed to be both comfortable and functional. Standard features include a dual-level cargo floor, front and rear door storage pockets, bottle holders for each door, a front center console with armrest storage, and cargo tie-down anchors. Small touches like these help make the KONA easier to live with day after day.

Comfort upgrades vary by trim. Heated front seats begin on SEL Sport, while SEL Premium and Limited add H-Tex trimmed seats. Limited also includes ventilated front seats, a power driver’s seat with lumbar support, an auto-dimming mirror, user-selectable ambient lighting, and a cargo cover. For shoppers who want a small SUV with a premium feel, the Limited trim stands out as an especially well-equipped choice.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Hyundai gives the 2027 KONA a robust list of standard safety and driver-assistance features. Every trim includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, and direct oncoming detection. Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and Rear Occupant Alert are also standard.

Core safety systems include anti-lock brakes, Electronic Stability Control with Traction Control and Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, Tire Pressure Monitoring with individual tire indicator, and a full set of advanced airbags. Limited adds Parking Distance Warning for forward, side, and reverse guidance with contour warning, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist. For many shoppers, this broad safety content is one of the KONA’s most compelling strengths.

Exterior Design and Useful Details

The 2027 KONA has a confident look that helps it stand out in the small SUV segment. Standard LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, automatic headlights, and High Beam Assist give every trim a modern lighting signature. Wheel sizes range from 17-inch alloys on SE to 18-inch alloys on SEL Sport and 19-inch alloys on SEL Premium and Limited.

Practical exterior details also matter. Available all-wheel drive models offer increased ground clearance compared with front-wheel drive versions, while roof rails are included on SEL Sport and above. Limited adds a hands-free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open, a power sunroof, heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and satin chrome exterior accents for a more upscale appearance.

What Changed for 2027?

The 2027 Hyundai KONA gas model continues with a familiar overall formula. Based on Hyundai’s listed changes, Idle Stop and Go is no longer listed for the SE trim, and user-selectable ambient lighting is listed on the Limited trim. The overall lineup remains focused on the same strengths that make the KONA appealing: smart size, flexible cargo space, impressive technology, available turbo performance, and a strong safety package.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What engines are available in the 2027 Hyundai KONA?

The 2027 KONA offers a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder engine on SE and SEL Sport trims, plus a 1.6L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine on SEL Premium and Limited trims.

Is all-wheel drive available on the 2027 Hyundai KONA?

Yes. Active On-Demand all-wheel drive is available across the 2027 KONA lineup. AWD models also include a Snow drive mode in addition to Normal and Sport.

How much cargo space does the 2027 KONA offer?

The 2027 KONA provides 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Does the 2027 KONA have wireless smartphone connectivity?

Yes. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility are standard on every 2027 KONA trim.

Which 2027 KONA trim has the most premium features?

The Limited trim offers the most premium feature set, including ventilated front seats, Bose premium audio, Surround View Monitor, hands-free Smart Liftgate, ambient lighting, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

The 2027 Hyundai KONA is a well-rounded small SUV with a compelling mix of efficiency, comfort, safety, and technology. From the value-focused SE to the premium Limited, the lineup gives shoppers meaningful choices without losing the practical character that makes the KONA easy to recommend. For drivers looking for a compact SUV that feels modern, versatile, and enjoyable to drive, the 2027 KONA is absolutely worth considering.

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