2025 Hyundai Kona Configurations: Trims, Powertrains, and What's Different

The 2025 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact crossover offered in multiple configurations — covering different trim levels, powertrain options, and drivetrain setups. Understanding how those configurations stack up helps you know what you're actually comparing when you see different Kona listings or pricing.

How the 2025 Kona Is Structured

Hyundai organizes the Kona around two separate powertrain families: a standard gasoline version and an all-electric version (Kona Electric). These aren't just engine swaps — they have different wheelbases, interior dimensions, available trims, and pricing structures. It's worth knowing upfront that "Kona" and "Kona Electric" are treated as distinct configurations in Hyundai's lineup, even though they share a nameplate.

Gas-Powered Kona: Trim Levels

The 2025 gasoline Kona is available in several trim levels. Hyundai's trim structure for the Kona generally follows this progression:

Trim names and what's included in each can shift between model years, so it's worth confirming current specs directly with Hyundai or a dealer.

Powertrain: The gas Kona uses a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine paired with an IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission) — Hyundai's version of a CVT. It produces around 147 horsepower. A turbocharged 1.6-liter option previously available in the Kona lineup was discontinued for the second-generation model (introduced for 2024), so buyers looking for more performance are now directed toward the Kona N or N Line.

Drivetrain options: Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available on certain trims — not all of them — which affects both capability and price.

Kona Electric: A Separate Configuration 🔋

The 2025 Kona Electric is built on a longer wheelbase than the gas model, giving it meaningfully more rear-seat and cargo space. It's powered by a single electric motor driving the front wheels, with a 64.8 kWh battery rated for an EPA-estimated range in the neighborhood of 260 miles (specific figures vary by trim and options — always check the EPA's fueleconomy.gov for current ratings).

Trim levels for the Kona Electric include:

The Kona Electric does not currently offer AWD — it's front-wheel drive across all trims. That's a meaningful difference from some competitors in the electric subcompact space. DC fast charging capability is available and allows faster charging sessions than Level 2 AC charging alone, though maximum charging speeds vary by trim.

Key Differences Between Gas and Electric Kona

The federal EV tax credit situation for the Kona Electric depends on factors including where it's assembled, buyer income, and how the vehicle is purchased — lease vs. purchase can change what's available. These rules have shifted under recent legislation, so confirming current eligibility requires checking IRS guidance or Hyundai's own documentation.

What Varies by Configuration

A few variables significantly shape what a specific Kona configuration will cost and how it performs day to day:

AWD vs. FWD (gas model): AWD adds weight, reduces fuel economy slightly, and increases purchase price. On the gas Kona, the EPA-estimated fuel economy is roughly 27 city / 33 highway for FWD models — AWD trims typically rate a few MPG lower.

N Line trim: This is a styling and handling package, not a performance powertrain. The N Line uses the same 2.0-liter engine as other gas trims but adds sport tuning, different wheels, and visual cues. It's separate from the Kona N — a higher-performance variant that has had its own powertrain in past years, though availability in the current generation should be confirmed.

Technology packages: Higher trims add features like a larger touchscreen, Bose audio, a heads-up display, ventilated seats, and expanded driver assistance systems (blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, highway driving assist). These are bundled differently across trims rather than à la carte.

What Configuration Doesn't Tell You on Its Own 🚗

Knowing the trim level and powertrain is a starting point, not a complete picture. Actual transaction prices depend on regional market conditions, dealer inventory, and available incentives — which vary. Fuel and energy costs over time depend on where you drive and local electricity or gas prices. Ownership costs including insurance, registration fees, and maintenance also differ meaningfully by state and individual circumstance.

The Kona Electric may qualify for incentives that reduce its effective cost significantly — or may not, depending on your tax situation, purchase method, and whether current eligibility rules apply to the specific unit you're buying.

What a given Kona configuration actually costs to own and whether any particular trim makes sense is something each buyer works out against their own budget, driving patterns, and location.