Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive Worth It on the 2026 Hyundai KONA for Azusa, CA Drivers?

CardinaleWay Hyundai Glendora – Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive Worth It on the 2026 Hyundai KONA for Azusa, CA Drivers?

For many compact SUV shoppers, the big question isn’t about power or screens—it’s about traction. If you commute across surface streets, hop on the freeway to Pasadena, or head for weekend hikes, you might be wondering if HTRAC All Wheel Drive is worth it on the 2026 KONA. The short answer: yes, if you value added confidence and stability without sacrificing nimble city manners.

HTRAC All Wheel Drive is designed to distribute torque across the front and rear axles to help maximize grip. In dry conditions, that means poised, predictable handling when the road curves or the pavement turns rough. When rain hits or roads get dusty, HTRAC can help you accelerate more cleanly from a stop and feel more planted mid-corner. Pair HTRAC with the available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder and 8-speed automatic, and the KONA feels eager yet composed—perfect for weekday hustle and weekend detours to the foothills.

• Wet-weather commuting: Added traction can help reduce wheelspin and improve straight-line stability in heavy rain or on slick surfaces.
• Graded roads and trailheads: Light gravel and uneven surfaces feel more manageable when torque routes to the wheels with grip.
• Highway confidence: Subtle torque distribution can contribute to a more secure, planted feel during on-ramp merges and lane changes.
• Everyday versatility: HTRAC integrates seamlessly—it’s there when you need it and unobtrusive when you don’t.

What sets the KONA apart is how its traction tech harmonizes with the rest of the vehicle. Hyundai SmartSense brings standard peace of mind with features like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection and Direct Oncoming, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. On Limited, Highway Driving Assist, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse/Forward/Side add layers of confidence in tight lots and fast-moving traffic.

Inside, the KONA’s technology story is just as compelling. The available 12.3-inch touchscreen display with navigation works in tandem with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bluelink+, available Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch put practical smarts right where you need them. That way, your SUV isn’t just capable in the rain—it’s also organized for daily life, from school drop-offs to last-minute grocery runs.

If you’re on the fence, ask to test a KONA with HTRAC All Wheel Drive back-to-back with a front-wheel-drive model. On a familiar route, pay attention to takeoff on damp pavement, mid-corner stability over expansion joints, and composure on uneven surfaces. Many drivers find HTRAC’s subtle enhancements deliver a more relaxed experience—one that pays dividends long after the novelty of a new car wears off.

CardinaleWay Hyundai Glendora can help you compare drivetrains, trims, and features so you can choose with confidence. Our team offers clear explanations and tailored test-drive routes that mirror your days—school, work, errands, fun—so you know exactly how the KONA will fit your life. As a dealership serving Azusa, West Covina, and Pomona, we see how varied local driving can be, and we believe HTRAC All Wheel Drive meaningfully boosts confidence without adding complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does HTRAC All Wheel Drive change the KONA’s handling feel?

It enhances stability without making the KONA feel heavy or dull. The system routes torque where it’s needed to help the SUV stay planted, especially on slick or uneven surfaces, while preserving the compact agility that makes KONA easy to park and maneuver.

Which KONA trims offer HTRAC All Wheel Drive?

HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available across the lineup. It pairs well with the available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder and 8-speed automatic, giving you a confident response and added traction in one package.

Will I still get the same tech and safety with HTRAC?

Yes. Choosing HTRAC doesn’t limit features. You still get standard Hyundai SmartSense driver-assistance systems and can add available upgrades like Highway Driving Assist, Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist, depending on trim.

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Tags: 2026 Hyundai Kona, Azusa CA, Glendora CA
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