The Hyundai Kona Electric, one of the Korean automaker’s earliest electric vehicles in the U.S., first launched in 2019—three years before the debut of the Ioniq 5. Once known as the most affordable EV in Hyundai’s lineup, the Kona Electric has undergone major changes with the introduction of its second generation. After six years on the market, Hyundai has significantly scaled back the model’s offerings, reducing the lineup from four trims to just one. While the Kona Electric name remains, its range of options has been dramatically simplified.
Hyundai announced the update in a brief press release, confirming that the 2026 Kona Electric will continue as a carryover model. The refreshed lineup is notably slimmer: the SE Standard Range remains, while the Long Range version has been discontinued. In a more substantial cut, the SEL, Limited, and N Line trims have all been eliminated, leaving the SE as the sole configuration available. The only notable interior update is a larger center console tray, marking a modest change in an otherwise familiar model.
Carryover Specs for the 2026 Kona Electric
Since the SE trim carries over unchanged, its specifications are expected to match the 2025 model. On the exterior, the K3-based Kona Electric SE presents a modern, futuristic look, featuring slim LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and black body accents. The model is offered in several color options, including Abyss Black Pearl, Ecotronic Gray Pearl, and Mirage Green Pearl. The design continues the second-generation Kona styling introduced in 2024, maintaining its clean surfaces and signature split-light layout.
Inside, the Kona Electric SE offers a practical, no-frills cabin. Standard features include cloth upholstery and a manually adjustable driver’s seat. The model comes equipped with an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a six-speaker audio setup and a digital key. Comfort and convenience are enhanced with dual-zone automatic climate control, a rearview camera, and USB-C ports for device charging.
Performance and Efficiency of Hyundai’s Most Affordable EV
The 2026 Kona Electric SE is expected to retain its single-motor setup, producing 133 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. It is powered by a 48.6 kWh battery, delivering an EPA-estimated range of around 200 miles. Charging is handled through a 400V system, with Hyundai estimating a 10 to 80 percent recharge in approximately 43 minutes using a fast charger. This charging capability is modest compared with the company’s newer E-GMP-based EVs, such as the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6.
Hyundai decision to trim the Kona Electric lineup comes as little surprise. In the first half of 2025, only 1,980 units were sold in the U.S., marking a 42.4 percent decline compared with the same period in 2024. With demand clearly waning, streamlining the range is a logical move. While the Kona Electric continues for now, its role in Hyundai’s portfolio is gradually diminishing as newer, more modern Korean EVs take center stage.
Hyundai has not yet announced pricing for the 2026 Kona Electric. For reference, the outgoing 2025 SE trim started at $32,975, with an additional $1,495 destination charge.
