The 2025 Hyundai Kona: Transmission Options Across Trim Levels
The Hyundai Kona continues to offer drivers a compelling mix of style, technology, and driving dynamics in the competitive subcompact SUV segment. Its transmission options are central to the Kona performance characteristics, which vary across the trim lineup and significantly influence the vehicle's driving experience. The transmission choices for the latest model year are thoughtfully paired with specific engines and drivetrains to create distinct personalities within the Kona family.
The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT)
The Essential and Preferred trims of the Kona come with the Hyundai Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This modern take on the continuously variable transmission (CVT) provides a smoother driving experience while maximizing fuel efficiency.
The IVT works in concert with the standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain combination is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, giving buyers flexibility based on their driving needs and local climate conditions.
The Hyundai IVT differs from traditional CVTs through its programming that creates virtual shift points, mimicking the feel of a conventional automatic transmission. This engineering approach helps eliminate the "rubber band" sensation often associated with CVTs, where engine revs climb disproportionately to vehicle speed during acceleration.
The IVT also features Shift-by-Cable technology with SHIFTRONIC manual shift mode, allowing drivers to manually select gear ratios when desired for a more engaging driving experience. This gives drivers the best of both worlds – the efficiency of a variable transmission with the option for more control when the situation calls for it.
Fuel efficiency is a strong suit for the IVT-equipped models. The front-wheel drive version achieves approximately 8.1 L/100 km in city driving and 6.8 L/100 km on the highway. The all-wheel drive variant sees a slight increase to 9.0 L/100 km city and 8.1 L/100 km highway – still impressive figures for a versatile crossover.
The 8-Speed Automatic Transmission
Moving up to the Preferred Sport and N Line trims introduces an entirely different character to the Kona, largely thanks to the sophisticated 8-speed automatic transmission. This conventional automatic transmission, with its distinct gear ratios, is exclusively paired with the more powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
The 8-speed automatic is only available with all-wheel drive, emphasizing the performance-oriented nature of these upper trims. The transmission features several advanced technologies, including a Column-mounted Shift-by-Wire system that replaces the traditional mechanical linkage with electronic controls for smoother operation and reduced maintenance.
Paddle shifters mounted behind the steering wheel come standard with the 8-speed automatic, allowing drivers to manually select gears without removing their hands from the wheel. This feature is handy on winding roads or during spirited driving sessions where precise gear selection enhances the driving experience.
The 8-speed's closely spaced gear ratios ensure the turbocharged engine stays in its optimal power band, maximizing acceleration and responsiveness. The first few gears are typically shorter for improved off-the-line performance, while the higher gears are taller to improve fuel efficiency and reduce engine noise during highway cruising.
Despite its performance focus, the 8-speed automatic still delivers reasonable efficiency with ratings of approximately 9.6 L/100 km in city driving and 8.2 L/100 km on the highway.
Drive Mode Select: Customize Transmission Behaviour
Regardless of transmission choice, all Kona models come with Drive Mode Select, which allows drivers to customize their vehicle's performance characteristics. This system adjusts transmission shift patterns, throttle response, and steering effort based on the selected mode.
In "Eco" mode, the IVT and 8-speed automatic prioritize fuel efficiency by upshifting earlier and responding more gradually to throttle inputs. The "Normal" mode balances efficiency and performance for everyday driving, while "Sport" mode delivers more aggressive shift patterns, holding gears longer and downshifting more readily to keep the engine in its power band.
The 8-speed automatic in Sport mode is particularly responsive, with quicker shifts and more aggressive torque converter lockup for a direct connection between the engine and wheels.
Transmission Maintenance Considerations
Both transmission options in the Kona are designed for durability and low maintenance. The IVT features a chain-driven design rather than the belt-driven approach found in many CVTs, potentially improving long-term reliability. Meanwhile, the 8-speed automatic benefits from the extensive Hyundai experience with conventional transmission design.
The factory-recommended maintenance schedule for both transmissions includes fluid inspections during regular service intervals, with fluid changes typically recommended around the 60,000 km mark depending on driving conditions.
A 2025 Hyundai Kona Transmission For Every Lifestyle
The Hyundai Kona offers a thoughtfully curated transmission lineup that complements each trim level's intended character. The IVT provides efficiency and smoothness for the volume-selling Essential and Preferred trims, while the 8-speed automatic delivers a more engaging driving experience in the sportier Preferred Sport and N Line models. This diversity of transmission options ensures a Kona variant is suited to a wide range of driving preferences and requirements.
Five Facts About the 2025 Hyundai Kona Transmissions
* The Intelligent Variable Transmission in the Kona uses a chain-driven pulley system rather than a belt, potentially improving long-term durability compared to conventional CVTs.
* The 8-speed automatic transmission in the N Line models features specially calibrated shift logic that can adapt to driving styles, becoming more responsive after detecting spirited driving patterns.
* Hyundai engineers spent over 10,000 hours fine-tuning the shift feel of the 8-speed automatic to deliver crisp, precise gear changes that enhance the driving experience.
* The IVT in the Kona includes a specialized cooling system that helps maintain optimal fluid temperature, potentially extending transmission life in challenging conditions.
* Both transmission options in the Kona feature specialized winter mode programming that adjusts shift patterns for improved traction and stability on slippery surfaces.
Questions and Answers About the 2025 Hyundai Kona Transmissions
Which transmission comes with the base Essential trim of the Kona?
The Essential trim comes standard with the Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), the Hyundai version of a continuously variable transmission designed for smooth operation and fuel efficiency.
Can I get the 8-speed automatic transmission with the 2.0L engine?
No, the 8-speed automatic transmission is exclusively paired with the 1.6L turbocharged engine in the Preferred Sport and N Line trims. The 2.0L engine only comes with the IVT.
Do all Kona models with the 8-speed automatic transmission come with paddle shifters?
Yes, all models equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission, including the Preferred Sport and N Line trims, come standard with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for manual gear selection.
Which transmission offers better fuel economy in the Kona?
The Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) paired with the 2.0L engine and front-wheel drive offers the best fuel economy in the lineup, with ratings of approximately 8.1 L/100 km city and 6.8 L/100 km highway.
Can I get the 1.6L turbocharged engine with front-wheel drive?
No, the 1.6L turbocharged engine with the 8-speed automatic transmission is only available with all-wheel drive in the Kona lineup.
What is SHIFTRONIC in the Kona IVT?
SHIFTRONIC is a manual shift mode allowing drivers to manually select predetermined gear ratios in the IVT, simulating a traditional automatic transmission for a more engaging driving experience.
How does the Drive Mode Select system affect the transmissions in the Kona?
Drive Mode Select adjusts transmission shift patterns to match the selected driving mode. In Eco mode, both transmissions shift earlier to maximize efficiency; in Sport mode, they hold gears longer and downshift more aggressively for improved performance.
What is Shift-by-Wire in the 8-speed automatic transmission?
It is an electronic shifting system that replaces traditional mechanical linkages between the shifter and transmission. It provides smoother operation, takes up less space, and allows for more precise control of the transmission.
Which transmission provides the sportiest driving experience in the Kona?
The 8-speed automatic transmission in the N Line trims provides the sportiest driving experience, with quick shifts, responsive downshifts, and paddle shifters for manual control.
Is there a significant difference in maintenance requirements between the IVT and 8-speed automatic?
Both transmissions have similar maintenance schedules, with fluid inspections during regular service intervals and recommended fluid changes around 60,000 km. However, the 8-speed conventional automatic may be more familiar to service technicians outside of dealership networks.
