2027 Hyundai Kona near Elizabethtown, NC
The 2027 Hyundai Kona is a five-passenger small SUV offered in SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited trim levels. Its technical configuration includes two four-cylinder gasoline engines, Front-Wheel Drive or available Active On-Demand All-Wheel Drive, and a transmission matched to each engine. The model combines a high-tensile-steel unibody structure with trim-specific wheels, configurable rear seating, and up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Standard connectivity equipment includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, multiple USB-C outlets, Bluelink® services, and over-the-air software updates.
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Systems
The 2027 Hyundai Kona divides its engine lineup between the SE and SEL Sport trims and the higher SEL Premium and Limited models. Both engines use aluminum blocks and cylinder heads, double overhead camshafts, 16 valves, and regular unleaded fuel. Hyundai pairs each engine with a transmission designed around its specific output and operating characteristics. Front-Wheel Drive comes standard across the lineup, while Active On-Demand All-Wheel Drive remains available on every trim. Drive Mode Select adjusts its available settings according to the selected drivetrain.
2.0-Liter MPI Engine and Intelligent Variable Transmission
The SE and SEL Sport use a 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson-cycle inline four-cylinder engine from the Nu PE engine family. This naturally aspirated engine displaces 1,999 cc and produces 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. Its specifications include an 81.0 x 97.0-millimeter bore and stroke, a 12.5:1 compression ratio, Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, and a two-step variable induction system with VCM. Multi-point fuel injection supplies the engine, while a single-tip exhaust manages exhaust flow. Hyundai connects the engine to an Intelligent Variable Transmission with a shift-by-cable selector and SHIFTRONIC® manual shift mode.
The 2.0-liter powertrain supports Normal and Sport drive modes in Front-Wheel Drive models. Selecting available All-Wheel Drive adds a Snow setting to the Normal and Sport modes. The Intelligent Variable Transmission operates through a ratio range of 2.680 to 0.385, a reverse range of 2.822 to 1.822, and a 6.052 final-drive ratio. Front-Wheel Drive SE and SEL Sport models carry fuel-economy ratings of 28 mpg city, 35 mpg highway, and 31 mpg combined. Their All-Wheel Drive counterparts carry ratings of 26 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined.
Turbocharged Engine and Eight-Speed Automatic Transmission
The SEL Premium and Limited use a 1.6-liter Turbo-GDI inline four-cylinder engine from the Gamma II family. This engine displaces 1,598 cc and develops 190 horsepower at 6,000 rpm. It produces 195 lb-ft of torque from 1,700 through 4,500 rpm, providing its full torque output across a broad engine-speed range. The design uses a 75.6 x 89-millimeter bore and stroke, a 10.0:1 compression ratio, turbocharged induction, and gasoline direct injection. Hyundai pairs the engine with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, shift-by-wire controls, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The eight-speed automatic uses ratios of 4.717 in first gear, 2.906 in second, 1.864 in third, and 1.423 in fourth. Its upper gears consist of 1.224 in fifth, 1.000 in sixth, 0.790 in seventh, and 0.635 in eighth, while reverse uses a 3.239 ratio and the final-drive ratio measures 3.510. Front-Wheel Drive SEL Premium and Limited models carry ratings of 26 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined. All-Wheel Drive versions carry ratings of 24 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. Turbocharged models use a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, compared with the 12.4-gallon tank fitted to 2.0-liter versions.
Chassis, Steering, Brakes, and Exterior Equipment
Every 2027 Hyundai Kona uses a unibody structure constructed with high-tensile steel. Hyundai combines that foundation with an independent MacPherson® strut front suspension, coil springs, a stabilizer bar, and gas-pressurized shock absorbers. The rear suspension design changes with the drivetrain, allowing Front-Wheel Drive and All-Wheel Drive models to use different configurations.
Suspension and Steering Hardware
Front-Wheel Drive 2027 Hyundai Kona models use a coupled torsion-beam rear axle, while All-Wheel Drive versions employ a multi-link rear suspension. Gas-pressurized rear shock absorbers come on every model, and All-Wheel Drive versions also include a rear stabilizer bar. Column-mounted motor-driven power steering provides a 13.6 overall ratio and requires 2.5 turns from lock to lock. The specified curb-to-curb turning diameter measures 34.8 feet.
The braking hardware uses ventilated front discs and solid rear discs. Front disc diameter measures 11.0 inches on Front-Wheel Drive SE and SEL Sport models, while All-Wheel Drive versions of those trims use 12.0-inch front discs. The SEL Premium and Limited also use 12.0-inch front discs, and all models have 11.2-inch rear discs. A four-wheel, four-channel, four-sensor anti-lock braking system operates with Electronic Brake-force Distribution. Hyundai also equips the 2027 Hyundai Kona with driver-selectable Downhill Brake Control, Hillstart Assist Control, an electronic parking brake, and a 10.5-inch single brake booster with a 9.0:1 boosting ratio.
Wheels, Lighting, and Exterior Functions
The SE rides on 17 x 7.0-inch alloy wheels with 215/60R17 tires, while the SEL Sport uses 18 x 7.0-inch alloys with 215/55R18 tires. SEL Premium and Limited models receive 19 x 7.5-inch alloy wheels fitted with 235/45R19 tires. SE and SEL Sport models include a compact temporary spare tire, while SEL Premium and Limited versions provide a spare on All-Wheel Drive configurations and a tire mobility kit on Front-Wheel Drive configurations. Every trim includes LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, LED taillights, an LED center high-mount stop lamp, and High Beam Assist. Active grille shutters, body-color bumpers and door handles, solar front glass, a shark-fin roof antenna, and front and rear wiper systems also come standard.
SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited trims add heated outside mirrors, privacy glass, aerodynamic wiper blades, and black roof rails. SEL Premium and Limited mirrors also incorporate turn-signal indicators. The Limited adds a power tilt-and-slide sunroof with a sunshade and a hands-free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open. Its integrated rear spoiler uses a body-color finish with a satin chrome accent, while other trims apply body-color or gloss-black treatments according to grade. Available port-installed equipment includes mud guards for every trim and roof cross rails for the three models fitted with roof rails.
Dimensions, Passenger Space, and Cabin Comfort
The 2027 Hyundai Kona measures 171.3 inches long and 71.9 inches wide on a 104.7-inch wheelbase. Its front and rear overhangs measure 33.9 and 32.7 inches, respectively, while its lowest specified coefficient of drag is 0.302. Overall height depends on drivetrain, wheel size, and the presence of roof rails. Ground clearance also changes according to the selected wheel and drivetrain configuration. The roof rails have a specified load capacity of 220 pounds.
Front-Wheel Drive models provide 6.7 inches of ground clearance with 17-inch wheels and 6.9 inches with 18- or 19-inch wheels. All-Wheel Drive versions provide 8.1 inches with 17- or 18-inch wheels and 8.3 inches with 19-inch wheels. The cabin supplies 39.9 inches of front headroom, or 38.3 inches with the sunroof, along with 38.3 inches of rear headroom. Front and rear legroom measure 41.7 and 38.2 inches, while shoulder room measures 56.8 and 55.2 inches. Total interior volume reaches 126.7 cubic feet without the sunroof and 124.5 cubic feet with it, while the corresponding passenger volumes measure 101.2 and 99.0 cubic feet.
Seating and Cargo Configuration
Every 2027 Hyundai Kona seats five and includes a 60/40-split, flat-folding rear seatback with adjustable head restraints in all three seating positions. The rear seat also provides a recline function, and every trim includes a dual-level cargo floor. Cargo capacity measures 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats raised and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded. Four cargo tie-down anchors provide defined securing points in the cargo area. The Limited adds a fixed, shelf-type cargo cover with carpeted and plastic surfaces.
SE and SEL Sport models use cloth seating surfaces, while SEL Premium and Limited trims feature H-Tex®-trimmed seats. The SE and SEL Sport provide a six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, and the SEL Sport also adds manual height adjustment for the front passenger. SEL Premium and Limited models include an eight-way power driver’s seat, two-way power lumbar support, and power driver-seat height adjustment. Heated front seats begin with the SEL Sport, while the Limited adds ventilated front seats. SEL Premium and Limited trims also provide a front passenger seatback pocket and a rear map pocket located on that seatback.
Climate Control and Interior Convenience
The SE uses air conditioning, while SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited models include dual automatic temperature control with automatic defogging and second-row air vents. Every trim provides a heater, rear-seat heater ducts, a cabin air filter, and a timed rear-window defroster. All-Wheel Drive configurations also include a PTC heater. A three-spoke steering wheel comes standard with manual tilt and telescoping adjustment, haptic feedback, and audio, Bluetooth®, and Smart Cruise controls. SEL Sport and higher trims add a leather-wrapped rim, while the Limited includes steering-wheel heating.
Standard convenience equipment includes power door locks, remote keyless entry with alarm and panic functions, and proximity-key entry with push-button start and remote start. Every trim also provides remote hood and fuel-filler-door releases, a damped glove compartment, a front 12-volt outlet, and storage trays in the center stack, center console, and area above the glovebox. The front center console incorporates a fixed armrest and a storage tray. SE and SEL Sport models use fixed front cupholders, while SEL Premium and Limited trims use a retractable rotary-style design. A rear center armrest with cupholders begins with the SEL Sport, and the Limited adds an auto-dimming electrochromic rearview mirror and user-selectable ambient lighting.
Technology and Safety Systems
The 2027 Hyundai Kona combines standard touchscreen connectivity with a broad group of active and passive safety features. All trims provide their primary multimedia functions through the same 12.3-inch display format. The Limited expands the camera, audio, parking, and instrumentation equipment. Hyundai also equips every model with multiple restraint systems and electronic stability technologies. Several driver-assistance functions remain standard across all four trim levels.
Displays, Audio, and Connectivity
Every 2027 Hyundai Kona includes a 12.3-inch ccNC Lite touchscreen audio system with a 1,920 x 720 resolution, AM/FM radio, SiriusXM®, HD Radio®, and six speakers. Wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® compatibility also come standard. Two front 3-amp USB-C outlets provide one power-and-data connection and one power connection, while two rear 3-amp USB-C outlets supply power. Bluelink® Connected Car System support and over-the-air software updates apply to every trim. Wireless device charging begins with the SEL Sport.
A rearview monitor with parking guidance comes standard throughout the range. The Limited adds a Surround View Monitor and a Bose® premium audio system with an external amplifier and eight speakers. Its speaker arrangement includes two front door-mounted speakers, two tweeters, two rear speakers, and a center-front speaker. The Limited also replaces the standard 4.2-inch color multi-information display with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Blind-Spot View Monitor and Remote Smart Parking Assist further distinguish the Limited’s technology package.
Driver Assistance and Occupant Protection
Every 2027 Hyundai Kona includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, junction-turning, and direct-oncoming detection. Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning, and a door-logic Rear Occupant Alert also come standard. SE, SEL Sport, and SEL Premium models include Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go. The Limited adds forward, side, and reverse Parking Distance Warning with contour warning. High Beam Assist supports nighttime operation on every trim.
Standard active-safety hardware includes four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with an individual tire indicator. The restraint system includes advanced driver and front-passenger airbags, front thorax side-impact airbags, and side-curtain airbags for front and rear occupants with rollover sensors. Three-point seatbelts serve every seating position, while front and rear outboard positions include pretensioners and load limiters. Additional equipment includes adjustable front shoulder-belt anchors, front and rear seatbelt reminders, rear LATCH lower anchors and upper tether anchors, rear child-safety locks, and a power-window lockout button. A front crumple zone, bodyside reinforcements, an electronic shift-lock and ignition interlock system, an immobilizer, and an anti-theft system integrated with remote keyless entry provide additional passive safety and security functions.
Schedule a Test Ride Today
Schedule a test drive at ALM Hyundai Lumberton near Elizabethtown, NC, to examine the 2027 Hyundai Kona’s available powertrains, drivetrain configurations, and cabin technology. Our team can help you review the differences among the SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited equipment packages. During the drive, assess the 2027 Hyundai Kona’s steering response, suspension behavior, seating comfort, display operation, and driver-assistance features. We can also demonstrate its rear-seat flexibility, dual-level cargo floor, connectivity functions, and available parking technology. Contact us to arrange your visit and evaluate the model’s performance, handling, comfort, and safety equipment directly.