Hyundai's New Kona Ditches The Weird Look For A Normal Crossover Shape

Key Takeaways

• The redesigned 2028 Hyundai Kona has been spied with less disguise.
• The model adopts a rounded design and a traditional crossover shape.
• 2028 Kona will likely be offered with both gas and hybrid powertrains.
• The Kona features an angular rear window, a pronounced spoiler, and a wider and more practical liftgate.
• The interior is expected to have a minimalist cabin with a new Pleos Connect infotainment system.

What’s Changed in the Design?

The redesigned 2028 Hyundai Kona has been spied with less disguise, revealing a radical rethink for the model, which has been reimagined as a traditional crossover.

Designers gave the Kona a curvaceous front end with an upper shark nose, which appears to incorporate an illuminated bar. Notably, it’s much thicker than the Seamless Horizon Lamp found on the current model.

What’s New in the Front?

Further below, we can see mid-mounted headlights and what appears to be an active shutter grille. The latter has oddball slats, which seem to be broken up into multiple sections.

Elsewhere, there’s a wide lower intake and a pronounced front lip.

What About the Rear?

Last but not least, there’s a rear end that will make you forget about the atrocious one found on the current model. It features an angular rear window as well as a pronounced spoiler.

The Kona also has a wider and more practical liftgate, and a rounded bumper with a ‘hidden’ exhaust.

What’s Under the Hood?

Under the hood, there could be a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine shared with the 2027 Kia Seltos. It produces 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS) and 195 lb-ft (264 Nm) of torque.

Will There Be a Hybrid Option?

Kia has also confirmed plans for a Seltos Hybrid, which uses a 1.6-liter engine and a six-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of the eight-speed automatic found on the regular model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q? What is the new design of the 2028 Hyundai Kona?

The 2028 Hyundai Kona has a softer design and a traditional crossover shape, ditching its previous weird look.

Q? What are the expected powertrains for the 2028 Kona?

The 2028 Kona will likely be offered with both gas and hybrid powertrains.

Q? What can we expect from the interior of the 2028 Kona?

The interior is expected to have a minimalist cabin with a new Pleos Connect infotainment system.