CardinaleWay Hyundai Glendora - What to Know About the 2027 Hyundai KONA
The 2027 Hyundai KONA continues to stand out as a smart, stylish, and practical small SUV for drivers who want everyday versatility without moving into a larger vehicle. As a carry-over model from the 2026 model year, the 2027 KONA keeps the confident design, roomy cabin layout, modern tech, and strong safety feature set that helped make this generation of KONA appealing. For shoppers comparing compact SUVs, that consistency is good news. It means the KONA remains familiar, well-equipped, and easy to recommend for commuting, errands, weekend plans, and daily family use.
At CardinaleWay Hyundai Glendora, we know many SUV shoppers want clear answers before scheduling a test drive. Is the 2027 KONA efficient? Does it offer all-wheel drive? How much cargo space does it have? Which features come standard? This guide covers the key details of the gas-powered 2027 Hyundai KONA, including performance, trims, interior comfort, technology, safety, and practicality, with helpful context for local shoppers serving San Dimas, Covina, and Azusa.
A Confident Small SUV With Big Everyday Appeal
The 2027 Hyundai KONA is classified as a small SUV, but it makes excellent use of its footprint. With an overall length of 171.3 inches and a 104.7-inch wheelbase, the KONA is compact enough for easy parking while still offering a spacious interior. Passenger volume is generous for the segment, and the cabin provides 41.7 inches of front leg room and 38.2 inches of rear leg room. That makes the KONA a strong fit for solo drivers, couples, small families, and anyone who wants a city-friendly SUV that does not feel cramped inside.
Cargo flexibility is another strength. Behind the rear seats, the KONA offers 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is useful for groceries, gym bags, work gear, or travel items. Fold the rear seats down and cargo capacity expands to 63.7 cubic feet. The standard dual-level cargo floor adds more flexibility, allowing you to adjust the load area based on the type of items you need to carry. This balance of size, space, and convenience is one of the reasons the KONA remains such a practical choice.
2027 Hyundai KONA Performance and Engine Options
The 2027 KONA offers two gas engine options, depending on trim. SE and SEL Sport models use a 2.0L MPI Atkinson inline 4-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission, helping support smooth daily driving and efficient performance. SEL Premium and Limited models step up to a 1.6L turbocharged GDI inline 4-cylinder engine with 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. This turbo engine pairs with an 8-speed automatic transmission and provides stronger acceleration for drivers who prefer a more responsive feel.
Front-wheel drive is standard, and Active On-Demand all-wheel drive is available across the lineup. FWD models include Normal and Sport drive modes, while AWD models add Snow mode. The KONA also features column-mounted motor-driven power steering, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Hillstart Assist Control, and driver-selectable Downhill Brake Control. For 2027, Idle Stop and Go is no longer included on the SE trim, while the overall powertrain lineup remains familiar and well-rounded.
- Standard engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder with 147 horsepower on SE and SEL Sport
- Available turbo engine: 1.6L turbocharged 4-cylinder with 190 horsepower on SEL Premium and Limited
- Drive options: Front-wheel drive standard with available Active On-Demand all-wheel drive
- Transmission options: Intelligent Variable Transmission for 2.0L models and 8-speed automatic for turbo models
- Drive modes: Normal and Sport on FWD models, plus Snow mode on AWD models
Fuel Economy That Supports Daily Driving
Efficiency remains a major advantage for the 2027 Hyundai KONA. With the 2.0L engine and front-wheel drive, EPA-estimated fuel economy is 28 city, 35 highway, and 31 combined MPG. With all-wheel drive, 2.0L models are rated at 26 city, 29 highway, and 27 combined MPG. The more powerful 1.6L turbo engine is 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.
These figures make the KONA a compelling option for shoppers who want SUV versatility without sacrificing efficiency. Whether your routine includes freeway driving, surface streets, school drop-offs, or local appointments, the KONA delivers a useful blend of power and fuel-conscious operation.
Exterior Design and Practical Features
The 2027 KONA has a modern, expressive look with clean lighting elements and purposeful SUV details. LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, automatic headlights, LED taillights, and High Beam Assist are standard across the lineup. Wheel choices vary by trim, starting with 17-inch alloy wheels on SE, 18-inch alloy wheels on SEL Sport, and 19-inch alloy wheels on SEL Premium and Limited. The result is a trim walk that gives each version its own character while preserving the KONA’s bold overall design.
Convenience-oriented exterior features increase as you move up the lineup. Heated side mirrors are included from SEL Sport and above, while side mirrors with turn signal indicators are included on SEL Premium and Limited. Roof rails are available on most trims above SE, and the Limited adds upscale touches such as a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, Hands-free Smart Liftgate with Auto Open, and satin chrome accents. Ground clearance also supports confidence, especially with available AWD, where clearance measures up to 8.3 inches depending on wheel configuration.
Interior Comfort, Seating, and Cargo Versatility
Inside, the 2027 KONA seats five and offers a thoughtful cabin layout. Cloth seating is standard on SE and SEL Sport, while H-Tex trimmed seats are included on SEL Premium and Limited. Heated front seats are standard from SEL Sport and above, and the Limited adds ventilated front seats for an even more comfortable front-row experience. A 60/40 split flat rear seatback is standard, and rear seat recline functionality helps passengers find a better seating position.
The cabin is designed around convenience. Every trim includes front and rear door storage, bottle holders, dual vanity mirrors with covers, a center console storage area, cargo tie-down anchors, and multiple USB-C outlets. SEL Sport and above add rear center armrest cupholders, while SEL Premium and Limited receive a retractable rotary-style front cupholder setup. Ambient Lighting is now exclusive to the Limited trim for 2027, giving the top model a more premium feel with user-selectable color lighting above the glovebox and front door lower storage areas.
Technology That Feels Modern and Easy to Use
Every 2027 Hyundai 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 also standard, making it easy to connect your smartphone without plugging in a cable. Front dual USB-C outlets and rear dual USB-C outlets are included on every trim, so passengers have convenient charging access.
Wireless device charging is included from SEL Sport and above. The Limited adds a Bose premium audio system with 8 speakers, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist. Bluelink Connected Car System and over-the-air software updates are standard across the lineup, helping the KONA feel current and connected long after the first drive home.
- Standard touchscreen: 12.3-inch display with high-resolution presentation
- Smartphone integration: Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Charging access: Front and rear USB-C outlets on every trim
- Premium audio: Bose 8-speaker system on Limited
- Advanced visibility tech: Surround View Monitor and Blind-Spot View Monitor on Limited
Safety Features Across the 2027 KONA Lineup
Hyundai equips the 2027 KONA with a strong safety foundation. Standard active safety features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, junction turning, and direct oncoming detection; Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Following Assist; Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning; Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist; Driver Attention Warning; Intelligent Speed Limit Assist; Safe Exit Warning; Rear Occupant Alert; and High Beam Assist.
Every KONA also includes important passive and structural safety features such as advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags with rollover sensors, front and rear seatbelt reminders, LATCH anchors, child safety locks, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, Brake Assist, Vehicle Stability Management, and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with individual tire indicators. Limited models add Parking Distance Warning for forward, side, and reverse areas with contour warning, providing extra confidence during low-speed maneuvering.
Which 2027 Hyundai KONA Trim Should You Consider?
The right KONA trim depends on your priorities. The SE is a strong starting point with essential technology, standard driver-assistance features, LED lighting, and efficient performance. The SEL Sport adds desirable comfort and convenience upgrades such as heated front seats, wireless device charging, privacy glass, roof rails, LED interior lights, and larger wheels. The SEL Premium is the choice for shoppers who want the turbocharged engine, H-Tex seating, paddle shifters, premium soft-touch door panels, and more expressive 19-inch wheels. The Limited brings the most complete package, adding ventilated front seats, Bose premium audio, sunroof, Hands-free Smart Liftgate, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, ambient lighting, and additional parking technology.
- SE: Best for value-focused shoppers who want strong standard safety and tech
- SEL Sport: Best for added comfort, style, and everyday convenience
- SEL Premium: Best for turbocharged performance and upgraded interior materials
- Limited: Best for premium features, advanced visibility tech, and upscale comfort
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is the 2027 Hyundai KONA a redesign?
No. The gas-powered 2027 Hyundai KONA is a carry-over model from the 2026 model year, keeping the same core design, powertrain lineup, technology, and packaging with a few feature adjustments.
What changed for the 2027 Hyundai KONA?
For 2027, Idle Stop and Go has been dropped from the SE trim. Ambient Lighting, previously available on SEL Premium and above, is now included on the Limited trim.
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 in addition to Normal and Sport drive modes.
How much cargo space does the 2027 KONA have?
The 2027 KONA offers 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 63.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.
Which 2027 KONA has the turbo engine?
The SEL Premium and Limited trims include the 1.6L turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Final Thoughts on the 2027 Hyundai KONA
The 2027 Hyundai KONA remains a smart pick for shoppers who want a compact SUV with a bold design, useful space, efficient performance, and a generous list of standard safety features. Its available turbo engine, available all-wheel drive, large standard touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and flexible cargo area make it feel ready for a wide range of daily needs. With multiple trims available, the KONA also gives shoppers room to choose a simple, value-focused model or a more premium version with advanced convenience and visibility technology.
If you are comparing small SUVs, the 2027 KONA deserves a close look. It is easy to drive, easy to park, and easy to live with, while still offering the comfort, tech, and versatility modern drivers expect. For anyone seeking a compact SUV that feels practical without feeling ordinary, the 2027 Hyundai KONA is a well-rounded choice worth exploring.