Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle Gets Full Redesign and Upgrade
June 19, 2026
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Key Takeaways
The Hyundai Kona EV is set to return to the Canadian market with a completely new design, featuring a wider and boxier look, and the latest infotainment system, including Hyundai's Pleos Connect with a smartphone-like experience and AI companion.
The new Kona is expected to offer advanced features, including pure electric, hybrid, and gas-powered powertrain options, making it eligible for Canadian government's iZEV incentives and provincial rebates for electric vehicles.
The new Hyundai Kona is expected to launch in Canada by the end of 2026, with an official launch in 2027 as a 2028 model year, and will likely be priced competitively with other compact electric SUVs in the market, offering long-distance travel capabilities of several hundred kilometres on a single charge.
Hyundai Kona EV to Return with New Design and Infotainment Setup
The Hyundai Kona EV is set to make a comeback in the Canadian market, boasting a completely new design and the latest infotainment system. Instead of a mid-cycle refresh, Hyundai is opting to launch an entirely new Kona model, which has been spotted testing in various locations, including the US, Europe, and South Korea. The new design is expected to feature a wider, boxier look, similar to the new Santa Fe, Pallisade, and Tucson, and may draw inspiration from the Crater Concept, a rugged off-road SUV unveiled at the LA Auto Show.
New Design and Features
The disguised Kona test vehicles have revealed a more angular design, sitting higher than the current model, with a style that may be reminiscent of Hyundai's Extreme Rugged Terrain (XRT) vehicles, such as the IONIQ 5 XRT. The new Kona is also expected to come equipped with Hyundai's new Pleos Connect infotainment system, which offers a smartphone-like experience with apps, custom screens, and an AI companion. Canadian buyers can look forward to the new Kona's advanced features, including the potential for pure electric, hybrid, and gas-powered powertrain options, making it an attractive choice for those looking to take advantage of the Canadian government's iZEV incentives and provincial rebates.
Canadian Availability and Pricing
Although the official launch date has not been confirmed, the new Hyundai Kona is expected to make its debut by the end of 2026, with an official launch in 2027 as a 2028 model year. Canadian pricing has not been announced, but it is likely to be competitive with other compact SUVs in the market. With its new design and features, the Hyundai Kona is poised to be a popular choice among Canadian buyers, particularly those looking for a vehicle that can handle the country's diverse terrain and climate, with the capability to travel long distances, up to several hundred kilometres, on a single charge, making it an ideal choice for road trips across the centre of the country.
