The 2026 Hyundai Kona EV Is Hanging On By A Thread

• The Hyundai Kona EV is sticking around for the 2026 model year, but only just.
• Hyundai has gutted the entry-level EV’s lineup to just one rather unimpressive trim.
• In the face of increasing competition from Nissan and General Motors, along with import tariffs, the Kona EV isn’t looking as attractive as it used to.

The Hyundai Kona Electric, traditionally one of the go-to affordable EVs, is getting the cold shoulder for the 2026 model year. That’s because Hyundai has reduced the battery-powered Kona’s lineup from four trims and two battery options to just one, solitary version.

For 2026, the Kona Electric will be available in SE trim only, and only with the Standard Range battery pack, which has a capacity of 48.6 kilowatt-hours. This means the entry-level crossover’s sole configuration for 2026 is capable of delivering just 200 miles of EPA-rated range on a full charge.

Photo by: Hyundai

What’s more, the maximum charging power is 100 kilowatts, which, coupled with the battery’s rather low 269-volt rating, results in a 43-minute 10 to 80% charging time. The base Kona EV SE also comes with the least powerful electric motor available, which makes 133 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque.

Previously, the Kona EV was available in SE, SEL, N Line and Limited trims, with an additional Long Range battery that packed 64.8 kWh of energy and enabled 261 miles of EPA-rated range. The models that got the larger battery also came with a more powerful, 201 hp motor, but the 10-80% charging time was the same, at 43 minutes.

Gallery: 2026 Hyundai Kona Electric

That’s no longer the case for the 2026 model, though, and Hyundai hasn’t explained why it made these changes to the car’s lineup. The company said that the 2026 Kona EV is a carry-over model and that the sole trim that remains on offer will get a larger console tray in the cabin. Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality is also standard, but owners need a separate adapter that plugs into the charging port.

Pricing has not been announced yet for the 2026 Hyundai Kona Electric SE. If it stays the same as before, though, at $34,470, it’s in a bit of trouble. By comparison, the new Nissan Leaf starts from $31,485, including destination. Despite its smaller price, the Leaf is roughly the same size as the Kona EV, has a bigger battery, 303 miles of range, and can charge from 10% to 80% in 35 minutes. 

Then, there’s the refreshed Chevrolet Bolt EV that needs to be considered. The Kona EV and the Bolt EV have long been sparring partners, but with GM’s entry-level electric car getting a makeover this year, it’s looking increasingly difficult for the Kona EV to remain competitive. But since the Ioniq 5 just got a huge discount, maybe Hyundai has a price cut planned for its cheaper model, too.