Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Hyundai Kona near Riverside, CA
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a New 2026 Hyundai Kona near Riverside, CA
If you are researching your next small SUV near Riverside, CA, the 2026 Hyundai KONA deserves a serious look. Hyundai refined this second-generation KONA with more space, smarter tech, and advanced driver assistance that comes standard on every trim. Whether you are commuting to downtown Riverside, heading to the mountains for a weekend escape, or simply want a compact SUV that feels premium without being fussy, KONA delivers. At CardinaleWay Hyundai, our product specialists will walk you through trims, tech, and test drive routes tailored to where you drive most, so you can make a confident decision backed by real-world insight and factory detail.
This guide collects everything you need to know before you buy—performance highlights, cabin tech, Hyundai SmartSense safety, and practical buying tips—so you can focus your time in the driver’s seat. Keep reading to see why shoppers choose the 2026 Hyundai Kona near Riverside, CA for its blend of agility, capability, and everyday comfort.
2026 Hyundai Kona Overview
The 2026 KONA is Hyundai’s compact SUV engineered for versatility. It offers a balanced lineup across four trims—SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited—each building on comfort, tech, and safety. Two powertrains cover a wide range of needs: a smooth, efficient 147-hp 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder on SE and SEL Sport, and an energetic, available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder paired with an 8-speed automatic on SEL Premium and Limited. Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive bolsters confidence on wet highways and winding roads. Inside, KONA’s modern cockpit centers on large displays: an available 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, plus wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ on all trims. Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, Bluelink+ connected services, and available Bose® Premium Audio add upscale practicality.
Safety comes standard with Hyundai SmartSense, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection and Direct Oncoming, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. On Limited, premium driver aids like Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist bring top-tier convenience to your daily drive. If you want a compact SUV that feels composed, well-equipped, and ready for anything near Riverside, CA, the KONA checks every box.
5 Key Reasons the 2026 Hyundai Kona Stands Out near Riverside, CA
Drivers comparing compact SUVs often land on KONA because it balances nimble size with surprising capability. Here are five high-impact reasons shoppers choose it for daily life and weekend plans near Riverside, CA.
- Confident performance and control with the available 190-hp 1.6L turbo and HTRAC All Wheel Drive
- Modern, intuitive tech anchored by dual 12.3-inch displays and Bluelink+ connectivity
- Comprehensive safety with standard Hyundai SmartSense on every trim
- Premium touches that elevate the drive like available Bose Premium Audio and H-Tex seating
- Flexible interior with easy cargo configurations and thoughtful everyday conveniences
When you put it together—power that fits your style, technology that simplifies life, and advanced safety that’s standard—the 2026 Hyundai Kona stands out as a compact SUV that is easy to own and a pleasure to drive. For shoppers coming from Chino and Ontario, it is the right size for city streets while still being ready for weekend gear.
Key Features of the 2026 Hyundai Kona
190-hp 1.6L Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder
The available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder is a highlight for drivers who want responsive power without sacrificing composure. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and available paddle shifters, this engine shines merging onto freeways and passing on two-lane roads. It is engineered for smooth, refined power delivery, which is ideal for stop-and-go commuting and longer drives alike. Opt for SEL Premium or Limited to pair the turbo with a broad spread of features, including 19-inch alloy wheels on SEL Premium and sophisticated driver aids on Limited. For those who prefer a relaxed temperament, the 147-hp 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder in SE and SEL Sport provides easygoing response and everyday efficiency—both engines benefit from KONA’s well-tuned chassis and precise steering.
HTRAC All Wheel Drive
Available HTRAC All Wheel Drive adds control and poise in changing conditions. Whether you are navigating rain-slicked streets, heading into the foothills, or simply want the added assurance of power routed to all four wheels, HTRAC makes KONA feel planted and predictable. The system works seamlessly with the 8-speed automatic and KONA’s driver assistance features, helping you feel secure on highways and confident on winding local roads. Because HTRAC is available across the lineup, you can choose the trim that suits your tech and comfort needs while still getting the capability you want. It is a strong fit for drivers who mix city commuting with occasional outdoor adventures or trips where traction and stability matter.
12.3-inch Touchscreen Display with Navigation
The available 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation anchors KONA’s tech-forward cabin. It brings crisp, high-resolution maps, quick responses, and an interface designed to keep your focus on the road. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard on all trims, so your favorite apps and playlists are always within reach. Pair that with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster available on SEL Premium and standard on Limited, and you have a panoramic view of your drive—navigation prompts, safety alerts, and media all presented cleanly. Add Wi-Fi hotspot capability on Limited, and your KONA becomes a flexible workspace or family hub during longer trips. It is exactly the kind of thoughtful tech package that feels advanced yet easy to live with.
Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch
Available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch extends KONA’s convenience to your compatible smartphone. Lock and unlock, start the engine, and share access digitally with family or friends on compatible Android, Google, or Apple® devices. It is ideal for households with multiple drivers and for times when traditional keys are not practical. Combine Digital Key 2 Touch with Bluelink+—Hyundai’s connected services that let you remotely access your KONA at no additional cost—and you have control that reaches beyond the cabin. From remote start to door locks and vehicle status checks, these systems make day-to-day ownership simpler without adding complexity to your routine.
Hyundai SmartSense
Hyundai SmartSense is standard across every 2026 KONA, elevating confidence from day one. Key systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection and Direct Oncoming, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist. Step up to Limited for premium conveniences: Blind-Spot View Monitor shows a live camera feed in the instrument cluster when signaling, Surround View Monitor provides a 360-degree view for tight spaces, Highway Driving Assist helps maintain speed, distance, and lane centering on highways, and Remote Smart Parking Assist can help park or exit a space using your Smart Key. Together, these driver aids work quietly in the background to help make every trip more relaxed and assured.
5 Buying Considerations Before You Choose Your Hyundai Kona
Narrowing your build is straightforward when you focus on how and where you drive most. Start with these essentials, then schedule time to compare features side-by-side at our showroom near Riverside, CA.
- Engine personality versus efficiency balance across the 2.0L MPI and available 1.6L turbocharged GDI
- Front-wheel drive simplicity or available HTRAC All Wheel Drive confidence for variable road and weather
- Tech needs like the 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, 12.3-inch digital cluster, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Comfort priorities such as H-Tex® seating, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power driver seat with lumbar
- Driver aids you value most, from standard Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go to Highway Driving Assist and Surround View Monitor
Our team can help map trims to your priorities, whether you value a clean, intuitive cabin with wireless smartphone integration on SE and SEL Sport or a fully loaded Limited with premium audio, advanced camera views, and convenience touches like a hands-free smart liftgate with auto open. We will also recommend a test drive route that lets you assess freeway merging, lane changes, and parking—exactly how you will use your KONA every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive available on the 2026 KONA?
Yes. HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available across the KONA lineup, giving you added traction and stability when you want it. It pairs seamlessly with both the 2.0L MPI engine and the available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI engine.
Which safety features come standard?
Every 2026 KONA includes Hyundai SmartSense. Key systems include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection and Direct Oncoming, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Driver Attention Warning, Rear Occupant Alert, Safe Exit Warning, and High Beam Assist.
Does KONA have wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard on all trims, so you can connect your compatible smartphone without cables and access maps, messaging, music, and more on the large central display.
What premium driver aids are available?
On Limited, you can get Blind-Spot View Monitor, Surround View Monitor, Highway Driving Assist, Remote Smart Parking Assist, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist – Reverse/Forward/Side. These systems bring camera-based visibility and low-speed parking assistance to tighten up everyday maneuvers.
Step-by-Step Tips for Test Driving the 2026 Hyundai Kona
A focused drive will show you how KONA fits your routine. Use this checklist to make the most of your time behind the wheel.
- Bring your compatible smartphone to test wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto and try voice commands
- Explore both displays by customizing the 12.3-inch digital cluster and the available 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation
- Evaluate acceleration with the 1.6L turbo by merging onto a highway and passing at speed
- Sample driver aids on an open stretch, including Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Lane Following Assist
- Practice parking with available Surround View Monitor and try Remote Smart Parking Assist where appropriate
- Fold the 60/40 split second row to check cargo versatility for strollers, sports gear, or weekend bags
- If you are considering HTRAC All Wheel Drive, include a route with varied surfaces to feel the added stability
We can set up a loop that includes city streets, highway, and a tight parking scenario so you can experience visibility, driver assistance, and ride quality in one visit.
Why Buy from CardinaleWay Hyundai near Riverside, CA?
Choosing a dealership matters as much as choosing the right trim. Here is what you can expect from our team.
- Factory-trained guidance on KONA tech, safety, and trims from a team that drives Hyundai daily
- Convenient test drive routes and hands-on tech demos, including Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch and camera systems
- Robust selection backed by real-time inventory and incoming units for the configuration you want
- Streamlined process with online tools, trade-in support, and clear communication at every step
- Long-term support from our service department with genuine Hyundai parts and convenient scheduling
At CardinaleWay Hyundai, we tailor the experience to your priorities, from first research to your first service visit. Our goal is to make ownership effortless and rewarding every mile.
Next Steps
Ready to move from research to the driver’s seat? Use this quick checklist to get started today.
- Schedule a test drive to compare trims and engines side by side
- Bring your phone to set up wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto during your visit
- Ask for an in-depth safety demo, including camera views and Smart Cruise Control
- Explore accessories like roof side rails and Genuine Hyundai Accessories for your lifestyle
- Discuss lease or finance options and secure a trade-in estimate
We will line up the exact vehicle you want to drive and set aside time to explore the features that matter most to you. If you have questions before you arrive, our team will get answers fast so your visit focuses on driving and deciding.
Request More Info About the 2026 Hyundai Kona near Riverside, CA
If you are looking for a compact SUV that is modern, capable, and easy to live with, the 2026 Hyundai Kona near Riverside, CA should be at the top of your list. From the available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI engine and HTRAC All Wheel Drive to dual 12.3-inch displays, wireless smartphone integration, and the comprehensive Hyundai SmartSense suite, KONA blends the features you want with the practicality you need. Our team at CardinaleWay Hyundai will help you compare trims and options, set up test routes that mirror your daily drive near Riverside, CA, and walk you through ownership essentials like Bluelink+ and Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch. Reach out to CardinaleWay Hyundai to request more information, or stop by to see and drive a 2026 Hyundai Kona near Riverside, CA for yourself. The right compact SUV is here—now it’s just a matter of choosing your color and taking the wheel.
Plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. **The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price excludes any optional dealer installed equipment. Factory incentives are subject to change and may depend on location of buyer’s residence and lease or financing terms. **Please** contact dealer for final price.
For In-Transit inventory, any date of arrival is estimated. The actual date of delivery may vary due to circumstances beyond Hyundai and the dealer’s control. Please contact your local Hyundai dealer for availability details.
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CardinaleWay Hyundai
Address
2525 Wardlow Road
Corona, CA 92882
Phone
- Sales 951-916-9211
- Service 951-916-9212
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| Monday | 7:00AM - 6:00PM |
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