Long 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 confident design, practical space, useful technology, and an easy-to-drive personality. As a carry-over model from the previous model year, the 2027 KONA keeps the modern formula that has made this SUV appealing to commuters, small families, first-time SUV shoppers, and drivers who want elevated versatility without moving into a larger vehicle. At Long Hyundai, we are proud to help shoppers compare KONA trims and features while serving Ringgold, LaFayette, and Dayton.
What makes the 2027 Hyundai KONA especially appealing is how well it balances everyday usefulness with a fresh, expressive look. It is compact enough for simple parking and city driving, yet it offers a roomy cabin, flexible cargo area, available all-wheel drive, and a long list of driver-assistance features. For many shoppers, the KONA sits in a sweet spot: easy to own, enjoyable to drive, and well-equipped across the lineup.
2027 Hyundai KONA Overview
The 2027 Hyundai KONA is classified as a small SUV, but its interior layout makes smart use of space. The cabin seats up to five passengers and provides generous front leg room, supportive seating, and a flexible cargo area. With the rear seats up, the KONA offers 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Fold the rear seats down, and cargo capacity expands to 63.7 cubic feet, giving you enough room for luggage, home projects, sports gear, or everyday errands.
Hyundai continues to offer the 2027 KONA with front-wheel drive or available Active On-Demand all-wheel drive, depending on the trim. Front-wheel-drive models include Normal and Sport drive modes, while all-wheel-drive models add Snow mode for extra confidence when road conditions call for more traction. The KONA also features a tight 34.8-foot curb-to-curb turning diameter, helping make parking lots, narrow streets, and quick turnarounds easier to manage.
Performance and Powertrain Options
The 2027 Hyundai KONA offers two gas engine choices, giving shoppers the ability to choose between efficient everyday performance and a stronger turbocharged setup. The SE and SEL Sport trims use a 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson inline 4-cylinder engine rated at 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission and is designed for smooth, efficient daily driving.
For drivers who want more punch, the SEL Premium and Limited trims feature a 1.6-liter Turbo-GDI inline 4-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine is matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and includes paddle shifters for a more engaging feel. Both engines use regular unleaded fuel, which adds convenience for everyday ownership.
- 2.0-liter engine: Standard on SE and SEL Sport, offering efficient power for daily driving.
- 1.6-liter turbo engine: Standard on SEL Premium and Limited, delivering stronger acceleration and more responsive performance.
- Front-wheel drive: Standard across the lineup for balanced efficiency and everyday control.
- Available all-wheel drive: Optional for added traction, with Snow mode included on AWD models.
- Drive Mode Select: Lets you tailor the KONA driving feel with modes such as Normal and Sport.
Fuel Economy and Daily Efficiency
Fuel efficiency remains one of the reasons many shoppers consider the KONA. The 2.0-liter front-wheel-drive models are rated at up to 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. With available all-wheel drive, the 2.0-liter models are rated at 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined. Turbocharged 1.6-liter front-wheel-drive models are rated at 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, while all-wheel-drive turbo models are rated at 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.
Those numbers make the 2027 KONA a smart option for drivers who want the added ride height and flexibility of an SUV without sacrificing sensible fuel economy. Hyundai also keeps the KONA easy to live with by offering practical fuel tank capacities and everyday drivability that feels relaxed in traffic and confident on the open road.
Exterior Design and Practical Details
The 2027 Hyundai KONA has a bold exterior presence that stands out without feeling overdone. Standard LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, automatic headlights, and High Beam Assist give every trim a modern lighting package. The exterior design also includes active grille shutters, a shark-fin roof antenna, and trim-specific wheel designs that help each model create a distinct look.
Wheel sizes vary by trim. SE models ride on 17-inch alloy wheels, SEL Sport models move to 18-inch alloy wheels, and SEL Premium and Limited models feature 19-inch alloy wheels. Available roof rails add extra utility, while the Limited trim brings upscale exterior touches such as a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, satin chrome accents, and a hands-free smart liftgate with auto open.
- LED lighting: Standard headlights, daytime running lights, taillights, and High Beam Assist support visibility and style.
- Available roof rails: Useful for drivers who need added carrying flexibility.
- Hands-free smart liftgate: Standard on Limited for easier cargo access.
- 19-inch alloy wheels: Standard on SEL Premium and Limited for a more athletic stance.
- Privacy glass: Standard from SEL Sport upward for added comfort and appearance.
Interior Comfort, Cargo Space, and Technology
Inside, the 2027 Hyundai KONA feels modern, open, and highly functional. Every trim includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen audio system with AM, FM, SiriusXM, HD Radio, wireless Android Auto, and wireless Apple CarPlay compatibility. Front and rear USB-C outlets are also standard, making it easier for passengers to keep devices charged. A rearview monitor with parking guidance comes standard, while the Limited trim adds a Surround View Monitor for a more complete view around the vehicle.
Comfort features increase as you move through the lineup. SE and SEL Sport include cloth seating, while SEL Premium and Limited add H-Tex trimmed seats. Heated front seats are standard on SEL Sport and above, and ventilated front seats are included on Limited. The Limited trim also adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bose premium audio with eight speakers, an auto-dimming mirror, ambient lighting, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.
The KONA is also designed with useful storage in mind. The dual-level cargo floor is standard, the rear seatbacks fold flat in a 60/40 split, and rear passengers benefit from reclining seatbacks. These details make the cabin adaptable for a wide range of routines, from daily commuting to road trips and weekend plans.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Hyundai continues to make safety a major part of the KONA value story. Every 2027 KONA includes a strong list of standard driver-assistance and safety technologies, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, Junction Turning, and Direct Oncoming detection. Standard Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist add extra support behind the wheel.
Blind-Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist are also standard across the lineup. The Limited trim adds advanced parking support features, including Parking Distance Warning for forward, side, and reverse areas with contour warning. For shoppers comparing small SUVs, this broad safety equipment list is one of the KONA's strongest advantages.
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Helps monitor for select vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and certain intersection scenarios.
- Lane Keeping Assist: Helps support lane awareness during highway and local driving.
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning: Standard on every 2027 KONA trim.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist: Helps when backing out of parking spaces or driveways.
- Rear Occupant Alert: Standard reminder feature designed to support passenger awareness.
Trim Levels to Consider
The 2027 Hyundai KONA lineup gives shoppers several ways to match features with driving needs. The SE trim focuses on core value with the standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone connectivity, LED lighting, and a full suite of safety features. SEL Sport adds popular upgrades such as heated side mirrors, heated front seats, LED interior lights, 18-inch wheels, roof rails, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
SEL Premium is a great fit for drivers who want the turbocharged engine, larger 19-inch wheels, H-Tex trimmed seating, soft-touch door panels, and a more refined cabin feel. Limited sits at the top of the gas KONA lineup with premium audio, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, a sunroof, and a hands-free smart liftgate.
- SE: Best for shoppers who want strong standard technology, safety, and efficiency.
- SEL Sport: Best for drivers who want added comfort, sportier styling, and everyday convenience upgrades.
- SEL Premium: Best for those who want turbocharged performance and a more refined interior.
- Limited: Best for shoppers seeking the most premium KONA gas model with advanced convenience and visibility features.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the 2027 Hyundai KONA redesigned?
The 2027 Hyundai KONA is a carry-over model, meaning it keeps the core design, features, and engineering from the previous model year with limited equipment adjustments.
What engines are available in the 2027 Hyundai KONA?
The 2027 KONA offers a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine on SE and SEL Sport trims and a 1.6-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine on SEL Premium and Limited trims.
Does the 2027 Hyundai KONA offer all-wheel drive?
Yes. Active On-Demand all-wheel drive is available across the 2027 KONA lineup. AWD models also include Snow mode through Drive Mode Select.
How much cargo space does the 2027 Hyundai KONA have?
The 2027 KONA offers 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Which 2027 Hyundai KONA trim has the most features?
The Limited trim offers the most premium feature set, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bose premium audio, ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, Surround View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and a hands-free smart liftgate.
Is the 2027 Hyundai KONA a good small SUV?
Yes. The 2027 Hyundai KONA is a strong small SUV choice for shoppers who want modern technology, efficient performance, available all-wheel drive, flexible cargo space, and extensive standard safety features in a compact package.
Final Thoughts
The 2027 Hyundai KONA is easy to recommend because it delivers many of the qualities shoppers expect from a modern small SUV. It is efficient, comfortable, well-equipped, and available with either a practical 2.0-liter engine or a more energetic turbocharged option. Add in standard wireless smartphone connectivity, broad safety technology, flexible cargo space, and available all-wheel drive, and the KONA becomes a versatile choice for a wide range of drivers.
If you are comparing compact SUVs, the 2027 Hyundai KONA deserves a close look. Whether you prioritize fuel economy, technology, cargo versatility, or premium features, the KONA lineup offers a trim that can fit your daily routine and long-term ownership goals.
