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Hyundai shrinks Kona Electric lineup for 2026
Hyundai has trimmed the Kona Electric for the 2026 model year, consolidating what was a four-trim range into a single SE trim paired with the Standard battery. The move removes the previous long-range battery option and several better-equipped variants, leaving the small electric crossover with a more modest equipment and range profile than before.
What changed for 2026?
The most visible change is lineup simplification: only the SE with a 48.6 kWh battery remains. Hyundai Motor America has made a minor interior tweak—a larger console tray—but otherwise the Kona Electric's specification feels more like a maintenance update than a generational refresh. No all-wheel-drive option, no high-performance variant and no migration into the Ioniq-branded BEV family were announced.
"The Kona Electric now targets buyers who need a simple, compact EV rather than those chasing maximum range or tech upgrades," said one analyst. That positioning is partly explained by the Kona's underpinning: it rides on Hyundai's K3 platform, an architecture originally optimized for internal-combustion models, not the dedicated E-GMP EV platform used by the Ioniq 5 and other modern Hyundai EVs.
Notable context and competition
The timing is awkward. Hyundai has not published a 2026 MSRP on its consumer website; the 2025 listing still appears, with the Kona Electric cited at $32,975 before freight. Meanwhile, rivals are sharpening their offers. Nissan's relaunch of the Leaf aims to undercut prices and deliver stronger driving range, intensifying competition in the affordable compact EV segment.
Specifications and charging
Despite the stripped lineup, the Kona Electric remains practical in several areas:
- EPA range: 200 miles (322 km) for the 2026 model year
- Motor: front-mounted electric motor producing 133 hp and 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) of torque
- Battery: 269-volt, 48.6 kWh pack
- Charging: 100 kW DC fast charge delivers 10–80% in about 43 minutes; Level 2 charging from 10–100% takes just under five hours
- Weight: curb weight listed at 3,571 lb (1,620 kg)
- Features: vehicle-to-load capability and Hyundai SmartSense safety systems including Highway Driving Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Safe Exit Warning
The Kona's interior tech includes a pair of 12.3-inch screens—one for the instrument cluster and one for infotainment with satellite navigation—while the exterior rides on 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/60 tires.
Sales performance and market outlook
Sales figures suggest the Kona family is struggling. Hyundai's Q3 2025 report shows combined Kona (ICE and BEV) sales of 17,450 units for the quarter. Year-to-date deliveries in the United States totaled 57,278 through September 2025, down 11% versus the same period in 2024. For context, Hyundai's top-selling model logged 165,239 deliveries over the same nine-month span.
Without a long-range battery or sportier variants, the Kona Electric risks losing appeal among buyers seeking maximum range or a more modern EV architecture. Its warranty package remains competitive: a 5-year/60,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty, 5 years of 24/7 roadside assistance, 7 years anti-perforation coverage and a 10-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for the battery and front drive unit.
Bottom line
The 2026 Kona Electric is now a focused, entry-level electric crossover: economical and well-equipped for daily driving, but no longer a contender for range or performance leadership. For shoppers prioritizing price and a compact footprint it may still fit the bill; for those seeking a longer-range or AWD-capable small EV, competitors like the refreshed Nissan Leaf or Hyundai's own Ioniq family will look more compelling. Expect Hyundai to lean on value, warranty and core features while it decides the Kona's long-term role in a rapidly evolving EV lineup.
Source: autoevolution
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