2025 Hyundai Kona Elite inbound

Hyundai Australia has revamped its Kona small SUV line-up for the 2026 model year, adding a new mid-range Elite trim level and axing the N-Line’s 1.6 turbo-petrol powertrain.

The restructure means there are now 10 variants of the 2025 Hyundai Kona for consumers to choose from – plus four Electrics, MY26 update to be detailed soon – across three core grades and two powertrains.

A model year update rather than mid-life facelift, the Kona’s entry price has risen $200 to $32,800 plus on-road costs for the base 2.0-litre while the flagship Premium Hybrid N-Line tops out at $48,700 (+$2200) before options.

The new Elite meantime starts from $35,700 in petrol form and $39,700 for the hybrid, splitting the carried-over base model and Premium on equipment.

Headline gear on the Elite includes 18-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, rear privacy glass, solar control windscreen and front windows, open centre console, rain-sensing wipers and paddle shifters.

The rest of its kit list is shared with the entry-level offering: LED exterior lighting, dual-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, connected services, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control and wireless phone projection to name a few.

Speaking of the base model, it now rides on 17-inch alloys instead of 18s and is no longer available as an N-Line.

Said N-Line makeover adds a unique body kit and N-branded 19-inch wheels, a black leather and Alcantara interior, red and dark metal interior trim highlights, alloy pedals, sports steering wheel, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, projector LED headlights and full-width daytime running light to the Elite and Premium.

Justifying its $2200 price hike meantime, the 2025 Kona Premium now features glass sunroof and powered sunshade as standard.

No changes have been made to the 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (110kW/180Nm) or the continuously variable transmission (CVT) it operates through, with the same true of the 1.6-litre hybrid system (104kW/265Nm) and its six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

According to Hyundai Australia, the N-Line-exclusive all-paw 1.6-litre turbo-petrol powertrain only accounted for 10 per cent of all Kona sales (EV included) over the past 18 months, having been outsold by the hybrid more than three times over.

That said, the 2.0-litre remains the most popular option, accounting for 51 per cent of sales since the start of 2024.

The revised 2025 Hyundai Kona range will enter local showrooms next month.

How much does the 2025 Hyundai Kona cost?
Kona – $32,700 (+$200)
Kona HEV – $36,700 (+$200)
Elite – $35,700
Elite N-Line – $39,200
Elite HEV – $39,700
Elite HEV N-Line – 43,200
Premium – $41,700 (+$2200)
Premium N-Line – $44,700 (+$2200)
Premium HEV – $45,700 (+$2200)
Premium HEV N-Line – $48,700 (+$2200)
* Prices exclude on-road costs

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au