Hyundai is preparing a major redesign for the Kona compact crossover, and recent spy shots reveal a dramatic shift in the vehicle’s overall direction. After years of distinctive, sometimes polarizing styling, the upcoming third-generation Kona is moving toward a more conventional crossover appearance. For shoppers evaluating their next compact SUV purchase, understanding these changes matters now, especially as the market fills with increasingly similar-looking vehicles in this class.

A Cleaner, More Traditional Design Direction

The new Kona ditches the aggressive, angular styling that defined the current model. Instead, designers have crafted a rounded front end featuring a thicker, illuminated horizontal light bar that replaces the thin Seamless Horizon Lamp found on today’s version. The updated design includes mid-mounted headlights and what appears to be an active shutter grille with segmented slats. A wider lower intake and pronounced front lip complete the modernized face.

Along the sides, the 2028 Kona adopts flush-mounted door handles and streamlined bodywork with an upward-sweeping beltline that emphasizes a relatively compact greenhouse. The roof line takes on an angular character, while aerodynamically optimized wheels contribute to a more efficient silhouette overall.

Perhaps the most welcome change sits at the rear. The current Kona has consistently drawn criticism for its awkward rear end design. The new generation addresses this with an angular rear window, pronounced spoiler, and wider, more practical liftgate. A rounded bumper with hidden exhaust completes a much more cohesive overall appearance that finally feels like a complete design, not a collection of conflicting elements.

Interior Tech and Minimalist Styling

crossover front grille design
Photo by ObjectType RAW

Inside, the redesigned Kona will embrace a more minimalist cabin design. Hyundai plans to integrate the new Pleos Connect infotainment system, though the specific screen size remains flexible. Buyers may have options ranging from a 12.9-inch display up to a 17-inch touchscreen, allowing different trim levels to appeal across price points within the compact crossover segment.

Engine Options: Gas and Hybrid Choices

hybrid engine technology
Photo by Markus Spiske

The 2028 Kona will offer multiple powertrain strategies to match buyer preferences and budgets. A turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine is expected to form the foundation of the lineup, producing 190 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine will likely be shared with Kia’s redesigned Seltos, Hyundai’s sister brand that covers overlapping market segments.

Hybrid buyers can expect a different approach. The hybrid variant will pair a 1.6-liter engine with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission instead of the eight-speed automatic found in gas models. Based on hybrid configurations already announced for related vehicles, this setup should deliver approximately 147 horsepower combined output, with an electric motor adding 43 horsepower to a naturally aspirated 104-horsepower engine.

For shoppers prioritizing fuel economy in stop-and-go city driving or long highway commutes, the hybrid option addresses a gap in Hyundai’s current compact crossover lineup. This dual-engine strategy mirrors successful approaches from competitors like Toyota and gives more buyers a reason to consider the nameplate rather than looking elsewhere in an increasingly crowded segment.

What This Means for Buyers Right Now

If you’re shopping for a compact crossover today, the impending redesign creates both opportunities and timing questions. Current-generation Kona inventory may face price pressure as dealers clear stock ahead of the 2028 model year launch. However, if the divisive current styling has kept you away from the brand, the cleaner, more conventional design of the upcoming generation might be exactly what converts you into a buyer.

Current Hyundai reliability records and warranty coverage remain strong selling points even as the design evolves. Hyundai’s reputation for value in the electric and hybrid segments continues to improve, and this philosophy will likely extend to the new Kona’s hybrid option.

The compact crossover market includes fierce competitors from Honda, Toyota, Mazda, and others, each refining their offerings yearly. By repositioning the Kona as a more traditional, less risky design choice, Hyundai is acknowledging that the previous generation’s distinctive styling attracted some buyers but may have deterred others. This redesign represents a strategic bet that broader mainstream appeal will drive stronger sales numbers than polarizing design choices ever could.

Whether you’re currently shopping or will wait for 2028 model year availability, the Kona redesign signals Hyundai’s continued commitment to the compact crossover category. Hyundai continues to price aggressively across its lineup, and expect the new Kona to maintain that value proposition even with modern styling and fresh technology.