The 2026 Hyundai Kona comes in four trims. The big dividing line is under the hood: SE and SEL Sport have 147 horsepower; SEL Premium and Limited step up to a 190-horsepower turbo. Here’s what else changes.
The Sport name doesn’t bring the turbo engine. That starts with SEL Premium. Both engine groups offer front-wheel drive or available HTRAC all-wheel drive.
The SE starts with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. Its 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine pairs with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. You still get the same five-seat layout and cargo capacity as the higher trims.
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SEL Sport: useful comforts, same engine
SEL Sport adds heated front seats, dual automatic climate control, rear air vents and wireless device charging. The black 18-inch wheels change the look; the 147-horsepower engine stays. It’s the natural step up if your priorities are a warmer seat in winter and more everyday convenience.
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SEL Premium and Limited: the turbo pair
SEL Premium brings the 190-horsepower turbo, an eight-speed automatic, H-Tex seating and a power driver seat. Limited keeps that engine and adds ventilated front seats, Bose audio, a sunroof and more camera views. Choose between them by how much cabin equipment you want with the turbo.
A few more answers
Your questions, answered
Is SEL Sport a separate 2026 Kona trim?
Yes. The U.S. gasoline Kona lineup has four trims: SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium and Limited. SEL Sport uses the 147-horsepower 2.0-liter engine; the turbo starts with SEL Premium.
Which 2026 Kona trims have heated seats?
Heated front seats are standard on SEL Sport, SEL Premium and Limited. Limited also includes ventilated front seats. SE does not include heated front seats.
Can I get all-wheel drive without buying the Limited?
Yes. HTRAC all-wheel drive is available on all four gasoline Kona trims. Front-wheel drive is standard.
Which Kona has the larger screen?
Every 2026 gasoline Kona has a 12.3-inch central touchscreen. Limited adds a separate 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, so the upgrade is to the gauges rather than the central screen.
