Australia's favourite small SUV upgraded

Australia's favourite small SUV upgraded Hyundai has sharpened its strong-selling Kona SUV range. The brand has dumped pricier all-wheel drive and turbo-petrol versions from its Australian line-up and added a new mid-tier Elite grade. The new Elite variants are available with petrol or hybrid power, and it slots between the existing base Kona and top-tier Kona Premium. ・Take that, Kia! Hyundai increases warranty plus there's a bonus as it improves the value of the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe, Hyundai Tucson, Ioniq 5 and more ・It costs how much?! 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 9 is one of Hyundai's most expensive production models ever, pricier than Kia EV9 or Audi Q6 e-tron and almost as expensive as Volvo EX90 and Cadillac Lyriq Petrol versions use a 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder engine that makes 110kW/180Nm and is paired to an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT). Hybrid Kona’s use a 1.6-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and small battery to pump out 104kW and 265Nm. It is matched to a six-speed dual-clutch auto. The hybrid drops fuel use to 3.9L/100km, compared to the petrol alternative’s 6.6L/100km. The Elite grade adds desirable items such as a leather-appointed upholstery, heated and power adjustable front seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, anti-dazzle rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers and rear privacy glass. Hyundai Kona 2026 The N Line pack is no longer available on the base version and is now reserved for the Elite and premium variants. This optional pack adds a styling and equipment boost. Some of the highlights include black side mirrors, 19-inch alloy wheels, twin-tip chrome exhaust, N Line specific exterior touches and upgraded LED headlights Hyundai Kona 2026 Inside there are alloy pedals, a black headliner, synthetic leather and Alcantara faux suede interior finishes, perforated grips on the steering wheel and a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. The Kona is a sales titan for the Korean brand, with it outselling all compact SUVs in Australia through the first six months of the year. Hyundai Kona 2026 Hyundai Australia boss Don Romano said: “Kona is the market-leading small SUV and we are confident the 2026 range will deliver even better value and choice to Australian buyers.” “We are delighted to introduce the updated and improved 2026 KONA range, with the new Elite model offering a highly appealing mid-level option.”