- Hyundai has axed 75 percent of the Kona Electric lineup for the 2026MY.
- The only survivor is the entry-level SE trim with the Standard battery.
- This version of the crossover delivers a disappointing 200 miles of range.
The Kona Electric isn’t cool enough to be part of the Ioniq family and it appears Hyundai is turning its back on the affordable EV. This is having a devastating impact as the 2026 model has been gutted.
While Hyundai only released a handful of initial details, a majority of the lineup is toast. As part of the killing spree, the SEL, Limited, and N Line trims are all dead. That means the sole survivor is the entry-level Kona Electric SE, which is available exclusively with the Standard Range battery.
More: Hyundai Kona EV Gets An Outdoorsy Edition In Japan
The automaker hasn’t gotten around to releasing 2026 specifications, but they should carryover from last year. This means the SE should have a woefully uncompetitive 48.6 kWh battery pack, which delivers a mere 200 miles (322 km) of range. That’s 103 miles (166 km) less than the 2026 Nissan Leaf, which costs $2,985 less than the 2025 Kona Electric.
Sticking with the powertrain, the model will likely use a familiar front-mounted motor producing 133 hp (99 kW / 135 PS) and 188 lb-ft (255 Nm) of torque. Throw in a slow 100 kW DC fast charging capability and the Kona looks more like a compliance car than a modern EV.
That’s a recipe for disaster, especially with the Leaf and reborn Chevrolet Bolt coming soon. However, the 2026 Kona Electric does have a “larger console tray,” so there’s that.
