Summary
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a premier subcompact SUV, offering up to 190 horsepower, up to 35 MPG highway, and available HTRAC All Wheel Drive.
Standard highlights include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluelink+, and a full Hyundai SmartSense safety suite on every trim.
Looking for a 2026 Hyundai Kona for sale in San Diego, CA? Dalton Hyundai National City has inventory, dealer cash-back specials, competitive finance programs, and easy credit pre-approval ready today.
Also Read: Discover the 2026 Hyundai Kona SEL Specs at Dalton Hyundai National City
The 2026 Hyundai Kona gives San Diego drivers a stylish, tech-packed subcompact SUV with real efficiency, and it's available right now at Dalton Hyundai National City, just minutes from downtown. Hyundai built this small SUV around city demands: tight parking, freeway merges, and long weekend trips up and down the coast.
You get up to 35 MPG highway, up to 190 horsepower, seating for five, and America's Best Warranty as standard. Kelley Blue Book named the Kona its Best Buy among subcompact SUVs, and the 2026 Kona carries that formula forward. If your search history is full of "best compact SUV" queries, test drive the Kona first at Dalton Hyundai National City.
Is the 2026 Hyundai Kona Electric or Gas?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a gas-powered subcompact SUV, sold in SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited trims with your choice of a 147 horsepower 2.0L engine or a 190 horsepower turbo.
Hyundai is saving the next Kona Electric update for the 2027 model year, so every 2026 Kona on the lot runs on gasoline, allowing you to skip charging stops, refuel in minutes, and still enjoy up to 35 MPG highway.
Shoppers wanting a plug still have great options under the same roof: Dalton Hyundai National City carries remaining 2025 Kona Electric models, the IONIQ 5, the three-row IONIQ 9, and a dedicated pre-owned hybrid and electric inventory.

What Engines Power the 2026 Hyundai Kona?
The 2026 Kona offers two engine choices to perfectly balance efficiency and extra highway punch.
2.0L MPI Atkinson 4-cylinder: Standard on SE and SEL Sport, this engine makes 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission for smooth cruising.
1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder: Standard on SEL Premium and Limited, this turbo delivers 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque across a wide band (1700 to 4500 RPM), matched to an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters and column-mounted Shift-by-Wire technology.
The turbo's wide torque spread ensures effortless acceleration, making merges onto the I-5 and I-805 feel completely seamless. While a standard 2026 Hyundai Kona FWD setup keeps things light and efficient, HTRAC All Wheel Drive (AWD) is available on every trim for drivers who head up to Julian in winter or want extra grip on wet mornings.
How Far Does the 2026 Hyundai Kona Range Go on a Tank?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona range starts with outstanding EPA fuel economy: up to 28 city / 35 highway / 31 combined MPG on Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) SEL Sport trims. Pairing 35 MPG highway with the 12.4-gallon fuel tank standard on SE and SEL Sport trims yields over 400 miles of highway driving range between fill-ups, easily enabling a round-trip cruise from San Diego to Los Angeles on a single tank.
To stretch every gallon, several powertrain technologies work together:
Atkinson Cycle Efficiency: The standard 2.0L engine operates on a high 12.5:1 compression ratio to maximize fuel extraction.
Idle Stop and Go: Standard on the SE, this system automatically cuts the engine at red lights to eliminate wasteful idling in San Diego traffic.
Active Grille Shutters: These automatically close at cruising speeds, reducing aerodynamic drag on long highway stretches.
Optimized Gearboxes: The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) constantly maintains highly efficient ratios, while turbocharged trims utilize an 8-speed automatic to keep engine RPMs low while cruising.
Turbocharged trims balance muscle with utility, returning up to 31 highway MPG and using a larger 13.2-gallon fuel tank to maintain strong road-trip range. This efficient Kona gas powertrain delivers major fuel savings at San Diego pumps without asking you to plug in.

What Features Come Standard on the 2026 Kona?
Every 2026 Kona includes a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen display featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard Bluelink+ provides remote start, lock, or unlock capability through your compatible smartphone.
Available upgrades include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, touchscreen navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Hyundai Pay, and Digital Key 2 Touch. The standard Hyundai SmartSense comprehensively covers the 2026 Kona safety with the following features:
Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction turning detection)
Blind-Spot and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
Lane Keeping and Lane Following Assist
Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit, and Rear Occupant Alerts
The top-tier 2026 Kona Limited introduces Highway Driving Assist, a Surround View Monitor, a Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Remote Smart Parking Assist to easily maneuver into tight Pacific Beach spaces.
The cabin comfortably seats five with 38.2 inches of rear legroom and cargo volume expanding from 25.5 to 63.7 cubic feet. Standard highlights include LED projector headlights, H-Tex leatherette seating on the SEL Premium and Limited, and ventilated front seats plus a hands-free smart liftgate on the Limited.
Finally, every Kona gas model features a standard 10-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Warranty. This class-leading coverage exceeds Toyota, Honda, and Subaru by five years or 40,000 miles.
What 2026 Kona Deals Can You Find at Dalton Hyundai National City?
Dalton Hyundai features rotating online specials, manager deals, and manufacturer rebates to ensure San Diego drivers secure a new Kona on exceptional terms. Top savings opportunities include:
Specials and Rebates: Regularly updated low-APR financing incentives and competitive lease promotions across the lineup.
Military Program: Dedicated bonus cash discounts for active-duty personnel and veterans in this Navy community.
Dalton VIP Program: Members earn back rewards points on service visits, split among future maintenance, tires, and toward their next vehicle purchase, accumulating substantial lifetime savings.
Seamless Financing: Complete online credit pre-approval, prequalify via Capital One, and value your trade instantly.
Using our digital showroom, you can browse all 2026 Kona models and coordinate your entire purchase from home.
Why the 2026 Hyundai Kona Makes Sense for San Diego, CA Drivers?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona is a premier compact SUV, delivering up to 190 horsepower, up to 35 MPG highway, a versatile five-passenger cabin, and a standard SmartSense safety suite that rivals charge extra for, all backed by a class-leading 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
Dalton Hyundai National City makes ownership seamless. We stock the complete 2026 Kona lineup, participate in Shopper Assurance for upfront pricing and flexible test drives, and support you with a certified service department and a rewarding VIP program. With mobile sales, virtual financing, and long-term ownership perks, finding your perfect Kona is completely hassle-free.
Where Can You Buy the 2026 Hyundai Kona for Sale in San Diego, CA?
You can buy the 2026 Hyundai Kona for sale at Dalton Hyundai National City, your highly rated local dealership located just minutes south of downtown San Diego with a stellar 4.8/5 rating on Kelley Blue Book. Search our new inventory online, pick your preferred 2026 Kona trim and color, and schedule a convenient test drive that fits your day. Our online retail portal handles the whole process digitally, from trade-in valuations to financing, with our dedicated team available to assist.
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