Hyundai is skipping the typical mid-cycle refresh and plans to launch a completely redesigned Kona, with a sleek new style and an updated high-tech interior.
The Hyundai Kona is due for an update, including the EV
It’s been nearly four years since Hyundai introduced the second-generation Kona, meaning, like most of its models, the compact SUV was expected to receive a mid-cycle refresh.
Hyundai is apparently going straight to the third-generation model instead. Earlier this year, early-stage prototypes were spotted in Korea that looked much boxier and more rugged than the current Kona.
Since then, several test mules have been captured testing in the US, Europe, and other regions, confirming the Kona will adopt a more upright, traditional SUV design similar to the new Santa Fe, Palisade, and Tucson.
The wider, more powerful design appears to draw inspiration from Hyundai’s off-road Crater Concept, revealed at the LA Auto Show last year.
Hyundai said the off-road SUV Concept was a preview of the “next evolution” of its Extreme Rugged Terrain (XRT) vehicles, such as the IONIQ 5 XRT and Palisade XRT Pro. Is the Kona next in line to receive the XRT treatment?
Apparent leaked images from a few months ago revealed a design that looked like a mashup of the Crater Concept and IONIQ 5, with pixelated lighting and a clamshell hood.
Most recently, the third-gen Hyundai Kona, codenamed “SX3,” was spotted disguised in a parking garage in Korea. The images were sent to ShortsCar, revealing the new Kona’s wheel design.
While earlier reports suggested Hyundai planned to drop the all-electric Kona variant and would only offer gas and hybrid versions, the prototype captured in Korea is expected to be the EV model. However, Hyundai has yet to confirm powertrain or battery specs.
The updates are even more evident on the inside. Previous spy images appeared to show the third-gen Hyundai Kona running Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system, like the IONIQ 3.
In the IONIQ 3, Hyundai offers a 12.9″ or 14.6″ center infotainment screen, plus an optional driver display.
Like the current model, the third-gen Kona is expected to be available with fully electric (EV), hybrid, and gas-powered powertrains.
While Hyundai skipped the 2026 Kona EV, the electric version could return in 2027 or 2028 when the third-generation model is expected to arrive.
The hybrid version will likely use the same 1.6L hybrid engine as the new Seltos, while the EV variant could offer similar powertrain and battery options to the IONIQ 3.
The IONIQ 3 is available with two battery packs in Europe and the UK: 42 kWh and 61 kWh, offering WLTP ranges of up to 213 miles (344 km) and 308 miles (497 km), respectively.
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