Find Your Perfect Match: 2025 Hyundai Kona Trim Guide
The Hyundai Kona continues to strengthen its position in the competitive subcompact SUV segment with its bold styling, versatile capability, and impressive technology suite. Now in its second generation, the Kona offers a wide range of trims to suit different preferences, needs, and driving styles.
Choosing the right Kona trim involves understanding what each model brings to the table and how it aligns with your specific requirements. This guide examines each trim in detail, highlighting its distinguishing features, powertrain options, technology inclusions, and overall value proposition to help you make an informed decision.
2025 Hyundai Kona Trim Levels Overview
The Hyundai Kona lineup includes six distinct trim levels, each offering a curated package of features:
Essential
Preferred
Preferred Sport
N Line S
N Line
N Line Ultimate
Let’s explore what makes each trim special and who might benefit most from each configuration.
Essential Trim: The Foundation
Key Features
The Essential trim serves as the entry point to the Kona family, but “basic” doesn’t mean bare-bones in this case. The Essential trim includes:
2.0L MPI 4-cylinder engine (147 horsepower, 132 lb-ft of torque)
Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
17-inch alloy wheels
LED daytime running lights
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines
Remote keyless entry
Heated front seats
60/40 split-folding rear seats
Cloth upholstery
Safety Features
The Essential trim doesn’t skimp on safety, including:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Following Assist
Driver Attention Warning
Rear Occupant Alert
High Beam Assist
Who Is It For?
The Essential trim represents an excellent value for first-time SUV buyers, students, or anyone seeking a reliable daily driver without unnecessary frills. Available in both FWD and AWD configurations, it provides the core Kona experience with all the modern necessities.
Preferred Trim: Comfort Upgraded
What’s Added
Building on the Essential trim, the Preferred adds several comfort and convenience features:
Proximity key with push-button start
Blind-Spot Collision Warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
Safe Exit Warning
Heated steering wheel
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Power windows with front auto up/down
Privacy glass
Roof side rails
Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
Blue Link® connected vehicle system
Who Is It For?
The Preferred trim hits a sweet spot for many buyers, offering valuable safety and convenience upgrades without a significant price premium. It’s ideal for daily commuters who want additional comfort touches and families who appreciate the enhanced safety features. Like the Essential, it comes in both FWD and AWD configurations.
Preferred Sport: Athletic Appeal
What’s Added
The Preferred Sport trim introduces more dynamic styling and performance elements:
19-inch alloy wheels
Sport-tuned suspension
Unique interior colour schemes
Power sunroof
Digital key
Wireless charging pad
Premium cloth seat upholstery
8-way power driver seat with lumbar support
Heated rear seats
Additional USB ports
Who Is It For?
The Preferred Sport appeals to buyers who want a more engaging driving experience and sportier aesthetics without stepping up to the full N Line models. It’s perfect for enthusiasts who appreciate sharp handling and distinctive styling but don’t require the more powerful turbocharged engine.
N Line S: Sporty Style with Value
What’s Added
The N Line S is new for, offering N Line styling touches while keeping the 2.0L engine:
N Line exterior styling (unique front and rear fascias)
N Line 19-inch alloy wheels
Sport seats with N Line design
Sport steering wheel
Metal pedals
Red interior accents
Smart cruise control with stop and go
Larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
Who Is It For?
The N Line S offers an excellent option for drivers who appreciate the aggressive styling of the N Line models but don’t require the added power or expense of the turbocharged engine. It delivers the visual impact and sporty interior feel of higher-performance models at a more accessible price point.
N Line: Performance Enhanced
What’s Added
The full N Line trim takes a significant step up in performance:
1.6L Turbocharged GDI engine (195 horsepower, 195 lb-ft of torque)
8-speed automatic transmission
N Line-specific suspension tuning
19-inch N Line wheels with performance tires
Dual exhaust outlets
12.3-inch navigation touchscreen
Highway Driving Assist
Premium Bose audio system
LED headlights and taillights
Ambient interior lighting
N Line-specific interior with sport seats
Who Is It For?
The N Line targets driving enthusiasts who want genuine performance to match the sporty styling. The turbocharged engine provides significantly more punch, while the upgraded suspension delivers more engaging handling. It’s the choice for those who view driving as more than just a means of transportation.
N Line Ultimate: The Full Package
What’s Added
As the flagship of the Kona range, the N Line Ultimate adds premium features:
Head-up display
Remote Smart Parking Assist
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
Surround View Monitor
Blind-Spot View Monitor
Highway Driving Assist II with lane change assist
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2.0 (enhanced capabilities)
Navigation-based smart cruise control
Leather seating surfaces with N Line design
Ventilated front seats
Memory settings for the driver seat
Rain-sensing wipers
Power liftgate
Who Is It For?
The N Line Ultimate delivers the complete Kona experience, combining performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology. It’s for buyers who want it all and aren’t willing to compromise on features, performance, or technology.
Make Your Decision: Key Factors to Consider
Powertrain Options
The Kona offers two engine choices:
2.0L 4-cylinder (147 hp, 132 lb-ft)
Featured in: Essential, Preferred, Preferred Sport, N Line S
Paired with: Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
Fuel economy: 8.1 L/100 km city, 6.8 L/100 km highway, 7.5 L/100 km combined
1.6L Turbocharged 4-cylinder (195 hp, 195 lb-ft)
Featured in: N Line, N Line Ultimate
Paired with: 8-speed automatic transmission
Fuel economy: Slightly higher consumption than the 2.0L engine due to increased performance
Both engines deliver adequate power for everyday driving, but the turbocharged option provides notably quicker acceleration and more confident passing power. The 1.6T transforms the Kona from a practical commuter to a genuinely fun-to-drive crossover.
Front-wheel drive comes standard on most trims, with all-wheel drive available on all models. The AWD system includes a lock mode for maximum traction in challenging conditions.
Interior Space and Comfort
Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Kona makes excellent use of its interior space:
Front headroom: 1,017 mm
Front legroom: 1,059 mm
Rear headroom: 980 mm
Rear legroom: 880 mm
Cargo capacity: 723 litres behind rear seats, 1,803 litres with rear seats folded
Higher trims add comfort features like power-adjustable driver’s seats, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats that can make a significant difference in daily livability.
Technology and Connectivity
Technology represents one of the strongest selling points of the Kona, with even the base Essential trim offering wireless smartphone integration. As you move up the trim ladder, the tech features become increasingly sophisticated:
Infotainment:
8-inch touchscreen (Essential, Preferred, Preferred Sport)
12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation (N Line, N Line Ultimate)
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (all trims)
Bose premium audio (N Line and above)
Wireless charging (Preferred Sport and above)
Digital Experience:
4.2-inch driver information display (Essential, Preferred)
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (Preferred Sport and above)
Head-up display (N Line Ultimate)
Blue Link connected services (Preferred and above)
Digital key (Preferred Sport and above)
Safety and Driver Assistance
Hyundai equips all Kona trims with advanced safety features, gradually adding more sophisticated systems at higher trim levels:
Standard on all trims:
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Lane Following Assist
Driver Attention Warning
High Beam Assist
Added on Preferred and above:
Blind-Spot Collision Warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist
Safe Exit Warning
Added on N Line and above:
Highway Driving Assist
Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go
Exclusive to N Line Ultimate:
Blind-Spot View Monitor
Surround View Monitor
Remote Smart Parking Assist
Highway Driving Assist II with lane change assist
Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist
Design and Styling
The second-generation Kona features a distinctive design that sets it apart from competitors. Key exterior design elements include:
Full-width LED light bar at front (upper trims)
Pixel-inspired LED lighting elements
Contrasting cladding around wheel arches
Available two-tone roof options
Distinct N Line styling with more aggressive bumpers, larger wheels, and dual exhaust tips
Interior design varies by trim, with N Line models featuring unique sport seats, red contrast stitching, and metal pedals. The cabin layout prioritizes ergonomics with physical controls for key functions and a driver-oriented dashboard design.
Best Trim for Different Buyers
Value Seeker: Preferred Trim
The Preferred trim offers the best balance of features for the money. It adds meaningful safety and convenience upgrades over the Essential while maintaining accessibility. The Blind-Spot Collision Warning and heated steering wheel are particularly valuable additions that enhance both safety and comfort.
Technology Enthusiast: N Line
The N Line strikes a sweet spot for tech enthusiasts, offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, a digital instrument cluster, and premium Bose audio, all without the full price premium of the Ultimate model. It also brings performance benefits with the turbocharged engine.
Performance Lover: N Line
With its turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and distinctive styling, the N Line delivers the most engaging driving experience. The 195 horsepower provides plenty of punch for spirited driving while maintaining reasonable fuel efficiency.
Feature Maximizer: N Line Ultimate
For those who want every feature Hyundai offers, the N Line Ultimate delivers with its comprehensive safety suite, premium conveniences, and performance capabilities. The head-up display, ventilated seats, and advanced driver assistance systems combine to create a premium driving experience.
Family-Focused: Preferred Sport
With its spacious interior, heated rear seats, and additional USB ports, the Preferred Sport offers excellent value for small families. The safety features provide peace of mind, while the sunroof adds an element of enjoyment for all passengers.
2025 Hyundai Kona: A Well-Rounded Subcompact SUV
The Hyundai Kona lineup offers remarkable versatility across its six trim levels. From the well-equipped Essential to the feature-packed N Line Ultimate, each version targets specific buyer priorities while maintaining the model’s core strengths of distinctive styling, user-friendly technology, and engaging driving dynamics.
For most buyers, the sweet spot lies in the middle of the range. The Preferred trim delivers excellent value with its enhanced safety features and comfort touches. At the same time, the N Line provides a genuinely engaging driving experience with its turbocharged engine and distinctive styling.
Your ideal Kona depends on your specific priorities: If performance is your top priority, the N Line models deliver with their turbocharged engines. If technology is your focus, the N Line Ultimate offers the most advanced features. And if value is paramount, the Preferred trim provides the best balance of features and accessibility.
Regardless of which trim you choose, the Hyundai Kona offers a compelling combination of style, technology, and versatility that continues to set the standard in the subcompact SUV segment.
