Next-Generation Hyundai Kona Emerges Uncovered Ahead of Expected 2027 Debut

• New Kona prototype appears without camouflage in South Korea.

• Hyundai may unify Kona and Creta into one global SUV.

• Gasoline, hybrid and electric powertrains are expected to continue.

Hyundai’s next-generation Kona has appeared without camouflage during testing in South Korea, offering the clearest look yet at the redesigned compact SUV expected to enter global markets as a 2027 model. The latest prototype points to far more than a comprehensive redesign rather than a typical mid-cycle update.

The new Kona is taller, with a more upright profile and cleaner body surfacing that positions it more alongside Hyundai’s Ioniq electric vehicle lineup. While the split-headlight arrangement remains, the front fascia carries slimmer primary lighting units, a wider LED light bar and a simplified bumper design with smaller air intakes. The overall styling replaces the current model’s pronounced character lines with smoother surfaces.

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The prototype’s sides go without much of the black plastic body cladding that has characterized previous Kona generations. A straighter beltline, revised window profile and more vertical rear section contribute to a more conventional SUV silhouette while maintaining compact proportions. The same recipe was used for the newest Kia Seltos.

Reports suggest Hyundai is evaluating a strategy that would combine the Kona and Creta into a single global vehicle program. Such a decision would greatly simplify the company’s SUV portfolio by replacing two similarly sized models with one architecture serving multiple markets.

Separate reports indicate the next-generation platform may also support a future Chevrolet Tracker through Hyundai’s growing collaboration with General Motors. Neither automaker has confirmed specific vehicle-sharing plans.

Although official dimensions have not been released, the redesigned Kona looks larger overall. A greater footprint would position it more comfortably between Hyundai’s Bayon and Tucson in Europe and improve both passenger and cargo space. The model would continue competing against vehicles including the Volkswagen T-Roc, Toyota C-HR, and closer to home, the Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and the Seltos.

Inside, the cabin is expected to receive Hyundai’s latest digital cockpit technology with larger displays, though Hyundai, thankfully, is expected to retain physical controls for frequently used vehicle functions.

Powertrain availability will likely continue to vary by market; however, it will maintain a three-option mix. Expected offerings include naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline engines, a 1.6L hybrid, and both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations. Hyundai should continue offering a battery-electric Kona, while reports suggest a range-extender variant could join the lineup in selected markets.

Hyundai has not announced an official launch date, but the redesigned Kona is expected to make its global debut within the next several months before reaching showrooms as a 2027 model.

Source: Carscoops