The Hyundai Kona spearheaded a radical design shift for the brand when it arrived in 2017. After two generations and over two million units sold, it is set for a major transformation that will completely change its character, and keep it relevant on showroom floors, amidst a growing Ioniq lineup.
Here’s everything we know about the next-gen Hyundai Kona so far:
Design
Earlier than expected
The second-gen Kona debuted in December 2022. Having seen it up close in 2023, experienced its feature highlights, studied it in the Mirage Green shade, and reviewed it properly in a subsequent model year, it would normally be due for a facelift around this time, and we’d expect sales to continue through to 2028.
However, with competition intensifying in the segment, including sister brand Kia’s second-gen Seltos that’s on a hot streak, Hyundai has decided to skip the mid-cycle refresh and advance the launch of the third-gen Kona.
A longer & wider ‘SX3’
According to a report from The Elec, ‘Hyundai SX3’ is the codename of the third-gen Kona. Spy shots have revealed that the future model will be significantly bigger and its silhouette will lean more toward a proper SUV than a crossover, unlike the first two generations.
Inspired by last year’s Hyundai Crater concept, the next-gen Kona will be noticeably longer, wider, and taller than the current model, with a more commanding stance.
As shown in our exclusive renderings, it will feature a broader and higher front fascia with an upright nose section, a taller hood, and more prominent pixel-themed lighting.
The side profile should reveal the redesigned model’s higher ground clearance and taller height, along with more muscular shoulders, a longer and squarer glasshouse, and a flatter roofline.
The rear-end should be more upright, improving cargo space and lending the vehicle a boxier appearance. The tail lights and the third brake light should incorporate the same pixel theme as the front lights.
Interior
The interior of the next-gen Hyundai Kona will likely have a different layout from the first- and second-gen models. It should be visibly cleaner, increasing digitalization while enhancing the sense of space. With a longer wheelbase, the cabin appears much roomier.
Pleos Connect
Spy shots have confirmed that the next-gen Kona will feature a slim digital instrument cluster positioned atop the dashboard and a tablet-style Pleos Connect infotainment system with a large touchscreen, possibly measuring 14.6 inches diagonally. Lower grades will likely settle for a basic version of Pleos Connect, featuring a 12.9-inch touchscreen.
Hyundai will likely retain physical controls for frequently used interior functions. Like we experienced in the new Elantra, expect to see elements like climate control, seat heating/ventilation, and hazard warning light switches and speaker volume adjustment knobs right below the touchscreen.
The steering wheel should feature push buttons, while the gear selector should be integrated into a column-mounted stalk on the right side of the steering wheel.
Specifications
The next-gen Hyundai Kona should be roughly 3 inches longer than the current model. Its wheelbase should be at least 1 inch longer, measuring 105.7 inches or more, with the width also seeing a marginal increase.
Hyundai should launch the next-gen Kona globally in ICE, mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, and pure-electric variants, with some markets receiving it with different nameplates.
Media announcements from component suppliers such as Motive Link (via The Asia Business Daily) and Sebang Lithium Battery (via The Elec) suggest that a full-hybrid variant is certainly in the pipeline and a top priority.
The pure-electric variant could be offered globally with LFP and NMC battery pack options, and the latter could be introduced in the U.S. with an EPA-est. range of around 275 miles, positioned under the Ioniq 5.
Price & Release Date
The next-gen Hyundai Kona should be revealed by early next year. In the U.S., it could be launched by mid-2027, as an MY2028 vehicle. While the gas/hybrid model should begin at well under USD 30,000, prices could start at around USD 33,000 for the pure-electric variant.
It would compete with the Nissan Leaf, Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback, and the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.
Featured image: TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the next-gen Kona
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
