Eight Great Features of the 2026 Hyundai Kona

March 09, 2026 · 6 min read

If you’re looking for a small SUV that’s efficient and easy to park while still providing you with a solid amount of cargo space, the Kona should be at the top of your list. As your trusted Hyundai dealer near Mundelein, we here at Gurnee Hyundai know the Kona quite well, and we know that there’s a lot to love about this subcompact model. Today, we’re going to share eight things that make the 2026 model of this SUV a perfect fit for drivers like you looking for a little car for big adventures.

#1 - Configurable Interior

The Kona may be small on the outside, perfect for maneuvering in crowded parking garages or parking on busy city streets, but it gives you plenty of space to work with on the inside. Its height and layout give you plenty of room for passengers to sit comfortably and enjoy the ride, whether you’re in a carpool or like to cruise around Mundelein with friends. The 25.5 cubic feet of cargo volume behind the back seats gives everyone plenty of space to bring their stuff along.

If you’re on your own or heading out with just a front passenger along for the ride, you can fold the rear seats down to unlock 63.7 cubic feet of cargo volume. This is enough room to transport bulky items like furniture or appliances, so you can avoid pricey delivery fees. It also makes it easy to pack for a long road trip, an outdoor excursion, or an airport run. From errands to adventures, the Kona has your back.

#2 - Wireless Tech

Cables are helpful, but they can certainly be a pain. They’re easy to lose and easy to break, and when you’re in a hurry on a busy morning, then fiddling with them can feel like a real chore, especially during the winter when you have to handle them with freezing fingers. Luckily, the Kona has several wireless features onboard that let you cut the cords while still using your smartphone to stay connected, entertained, & headed in the right direction.

All trims of the 2026 Kona come standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. These features let you use the apps on your phone to navigate, play music, text hands-free, and more. Upgrade to any trim above the base SE, and you’ll also enjoy wireless device charging, truly freeing you from the need to clutter up the cabin with cables.

#3 - Hyundai SmartSense

The Hyundai Kona’s tech does more than help you connect your smartphone cable-free; it can also keep you safe while you’re out on the road. Every trim features the SmartSense suite of driver-assist features. Even the most affordable option comes standard with helpful features like:

Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Cyclist & Junction Turning Detection
Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Warning
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
Lane Keeping Assist
Driver Attention Warning
Safe Exit Warning

Together, this collection of sensors and alerts helps you stay aware of your surroundings and avoid danger everywhere from the streets of downtown Mundelein to busy Interstates.

Upgrade to a higher trim level, and you will get even more advanced features.

Blind-Spot View Monitor lets you know at a glance whether a vehicle is in your blind spot.
Parking Distance Warning makes parallel parking a breeze.
Surround View Monitor provides a 360-degree view of the area around your vehicle, so you can maneuver in tight spaces with complete confidence.

#4 - Efficient Engine Options

While the Kona hybrid may have the most efficient powertrain in the lineup, the more affordable gas-powered model is nothing to sneeze at when it comes to sipping fuel. The SE and SEL Sport trims come with a 147-horsepower engine that delivers an EPA-estimated 31 MPG combined, letting you drive around Mundelein, commute to Chicago, or even head out on an epic road trip without worrying about how often you’ll have to stop at the gas station. While the 190-horsepower turbo option on the SEL Premium and Limited trims is less efficient at 28 MPG combined, it provides more power for a more engaging driving experience.

#5 - HTRAC All-Wheel Drive

When snow falls on Mundelein, roads become tricky terrain, and a little extra control can make a big difference in whether or not you can drive with confidence. Luckily, you can opt for all-wheel drive on the Kona and get extra traction. In addition to snow days, this can also come in handy on wet roads, and if you head out into more rural areas, it can also be an asset for dirt roads and gravel driveways.

HTRAC all-wheel drive is an available option across all trims of the 2026 Kona lineup, so you don’t have to upgrade to any particular trim in order to get it. All drivers deserve the power to choose between the efficiency of front-wheel drive and the extra traction of all-wheel drive.

#6 - Ambient Interior Lighting

There are plenty of great features that are available across all or most of the Kona’s trim levels. But as you might imagine, there are some extra touches reserved for the higher-level trims. There are plenty of tangible comforts that you can get by upgrading to a higher trim, like heated seats, ventilated seats, a more configurable power-adjustable driver seat, and more. But other features are just for fun—a cherry on top that brings the Kona from great to incredible.

Ambient interior lighting comes standard on the SEL Premium and Limited trims, and it lets you make the cabin your own. At night, you can get more than just light to see by—you get mood lighting that lets you change the personality of the space to match your own personal taste. This extra touch can be just the thing to turn a late drive from a slog into an enjoyable experience.

Two people near a red 2026 Hyundai Kona.

#7 - Hands-Free Smart Liftgate

Upgrade all the way up to the Kona Premium, and you get extra convenience features that can make your life easier every day. A great example of this is the hands-free smart liftgate. Whether your hands are full of groceries, occupied by a heavy package, or busy wrangling squirming kids, opening a liftgate the old-fashioned way can be a struggle. With the auto open function, though, it’s as easy as walking to the back of the Kona with the key fob in your pocket. These are the little luxuries that make the top-tier Kona trims stand out from the pack.

#8 - Sharp Style

Clearly, the 2026 Kona has a lot to offer Mundelein drivers, from an efficient engine and comfortable cabin to a wide variety of features to help you drive with confidence and enjoy the ride. Essentially, the Kona can tackle just about anything life might throw at you. As an added bonus, it looks great while doing it.

Small SUVs are very popular, but a lot of them look very similar to each other. When your vehicle blends in with the others around it, it can make it difficult to find your ride in a crowded parking lot and make driving feel less exciting. The 2026 Kona stands out with sharp, futuristic styling that lets you make an entrance wherever you go. Come and check it out for yourself here at Gurnee Hyundai; we know you’ll like what you see.

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A copper 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SE parked in a city

Mar 16, 2026 in Hyundai Dealer Near Mundelein

The New 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SE Is the Family Friendly Three-Row SUV!

Most automakers strive to add more exclusive features to their models, coming out with more elaborate and more expensive trims each year. These brands seem to always cater to the high-end customers, looking to get the most out of each year’s model by chasing the big bucks. Wouldn’t it be nice if there were an automaker that cared about regular families who are finding it harder to afford things in today’s economy? more Fortunately for folks in Mundelein, this is not a dream. Hyundai has always been about delivering value for all drivers, and you can see this in the new SE trim for the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid. Rather than coming out with a new top trim, Hyundai is offering families a more affordable option by introducing a new base model to the Santa Fe Hybrid lineup. The place to go for a 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid is Gurnee Hyundai. We are your Hyundai dealer near Mundelein, with the full lineup of new models to choose from. Come in today and see why your next three-row SUV should be a 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid SE from us! More Affordable Without Skimping on Value Last year, the entry-level trim for the Santa Fe Hybrid was the SEL. It had a base MSRP of $37,200. This year, the SEL trim starts at $38,690. Rather than try to make a model that was even more advanced than the top trim Calligraphy, Hyundai did something different. It decided to help families in places like Mundelein by coming out with a trim that is more affordable than even the SEL. The 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SE has a base MSRP of $36,400, which is nearly a thousand dollars less than the 2025 base model and over two thousand dollars less than the 2026 SEL. While making sure you save money, Hyundai also decided to offer a base model that is entry-level in name only. When you buy the SE trim, you still get the exceptional hybrid powertrain of the Santa Fe Hybrid. It pairs a turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 gas engine with an electric motor in the front axle. The electric motor is powered by a small lithium-ion battery pack located in the vehicle’s lower frame. At lower speeds, the Santa Fe Hybrid runs on electric power with the gas engine charging up the battery pack. This propulsion system delivers an impressive combined output of 231 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. This is enough to get the Santa Fe Hybrid from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. While that won’t set any land speed records, it is more than sufficient to merge onto a busy highway when coming home to Mundelein from work or picking up the kids from school. The 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid SE also delivers the kind of fuel efficiency you need in your three-row SUV. It can get an EPA-estimated 36 MPG combined fuel economy with front-wheel drive. If you opt for the available HTRAC all-wheel drive, you will get improved traction while still having a vehicle that provides 34 MPG combined. Standard Comfort and Convenience When you choose the SE trim on the Santa Fe Hybrid, you will get a second-row bench seat. This allows you to fit up to seven passengers in your vehicle, with two seated in the third row. Hyundai has done an exceptional job of apportioning the 151 cubic feet of passenger space between the vehicle’s three rows. Front row passengers get 44.4 inches of legroom, while those seated in the second row get 41.5 inches, and third row passengers will enjoy 30 inches. This is enough space for everyone to stretch out and enjoy the ride. The Santa Fe Hybrid SE features attractive, comfortable cloth seats. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped for improved, cushioned comfort and a superior grip. There are USB charging ports in the first two rows so passengers can keep their devices charged during the ride. The Santa Fe Hybrid SE is also ideal for Mundelein families with its flexible storage options. The standard hands-free smart liftgate with auto open makes it easy to get into the Santa Fe Hybrid’s trunk, even with your hands full. Simply stand near the trunk with the key fob on your person, and the liftgate will open automatically. In the back, you will be greeted by a useful 14.6 cubic feet of space for your things. If you need more room, simply fold down the third row of seats to access 40.5 cubic feet of space. When you have to move large objects, like hardware for your next DIY home improvement project, fold down the second row bench seat as well to free up a spacious 79.6 cubic feet for your things. Superior Technology that Comes Standard Even though the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid SE is an entry-level model, it still has the technological features that have become a hallmark of the Hyundai brand. These features will keep you and your family safe, connected, and entertained wherever you go in your Santa Fe Hybrid. SmartSense Safety Hyundai SmartSense is a suite of advanced driver assistance features designed to make driving a Santa Fe Hybrid as safe as possible. This is because the Santa Fe Hybrid comes equipped with one of the most comprehensive arrays of these advanced safety features. If you need to change lanes on a busy highway, the standard Blind-Spot Collision Warning will use radar to detect if there is another vehicle in the adjacent lane. This will help you avoid a collision by making sure the lane is clear before changing. The radar will also help you and your passengers when you are parked. Safe Exit Assist will detect if another vehicle is approaching from behind. This will let you know if it is safe to exit the Santa Fe Hybrid without risking getting hit by a passing vehicle. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection is another innovation that comes standard on all 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid trims, including the SE. This will warn you of a potential front-end collision if the vehicle in front of you stops short. It will automatically apply the brakes, allowing you to take evasive action to avoid an accident. This system also works at slower speeds, detecting pedestrians and cyclists so you can avoid accidents. It even has a specialized braking feature for when you are making a left turn at an intersection. If the system detects a possible collision with an oncoming vehicle, it will apply the brakes. These are just some of the safety technology features that come standard on the Santa Fe Hybrid. This is why the 2026 Santa Fe Hybrid was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Each year, the IIHS conducts tests on most passenger vehicles sold in the United States, highlighting the safest models. Infotainment Upgrades The technology on the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SE will also make your ride more enjoyable. The model features an advanced infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. This makes it easy to access your favorite apps and view maps when you are navigating to a new destination in Mundelein or beyond. Simply connect your smartphone using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and you are ready to make hands-free calls and texts. Wireless connectivity allows you to use the system even if you left your phone’s charging cables at home. Once you have connected your phone, you can stream your favorite music over the vehicle’s audio system. You also get Hyundai Bluelink+. This is a connected car service that allows you to remotely start your Santa Fe Hybrid’s engine and lock its doors. It also provides automatic collision assistance if you are involved in an accident. This is just one more way that Hyundai delivers value with the all-new SE trim. Make Your Next SUV a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SE While the SE is the base model of the 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid, it delivers everything you need in a three-row SUV. Its hybrid powertrain delivers efficient performance, helping you save money on your gasoline bills. It is also roomy enough for seven passengers, making it ideal for road trips and school runs, while providing the versatile cargo options you desire. Hyundai has also equipped the Santa Fe Hybrid SE with modern innovations to keep you safe, connected, and entertained. Come in today and drive home to Mundelein in a 2026 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SE from us! MSRP excluding tax, license, registration, destination charge, and accessories. MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

A blue 2026 Hyundai Tucson from the front after leaving a Hyundai dealer near Mundelein.

Oct 10, 2025 in Hyundai Dealer Near Mundelein

Five Features Mundelein Drivers Will Love in the 2026 Hyundai Tucson

Area drivers seeking out a compact SUV with style, intuitive features, and an affordable sticker price will want to turn their attention to the Hyundai Tucson. It’s got serious appeal, with its sleek exterior styling, upscale cabin ambiance, and plethora of features to enhance the quality of any ride. Whether you’re interested in a sophisticated trim or a rugged thrill seeker, you’ll find what you’re looking for in the Tucson lineup. Here at Gurnee Hyundai, we’re the Hyundai dealer near Mundelein to choose when you want plenty of options to shop from, as well as great rates and expert guidance during your vehicle search. If this fantastic compact SUV is on your mind, you’ll want to consider a 2026 Tucson, and here are our top reasons why. more #1 - (Un)Limited Refinement Mundelein drivers who envision themselves behind the wheel of a luxury vehicle without the luxury sticker price will want to look closely at the top-of-the-line Limited trim. This alluring trim elevates the practical Tucson, placing it in an elegant light and offering premium features that will undoubtedly envelop you in sophistication during your time on the road. From leather-trimmed seats with an integrated driver’s seat memory system to a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel and panoramic sunroof, the Limited will allow you to achieve luxury vibes without the hefty price tag. You’ll even make a statement as you saunter down the streets, with features like 19-inch alloy wheels, brilliant LED lighting elements, and sculpted bodywork from front to back to give this everyday traveler a modern edge. Ambient lighting inside sets the tone of the ride, while tech like a Bose premium audio system and wireless device charging make your ride more enjoyable and satisfying for everyone on board. If you are interested in exquisite luxury, you’ll want to consider the Tucson Limited to help you achieve the ride you’ve always wanted. #2 - Panoramic Curved Display and More There’s a lot to love about the 2026 Tucson, especially if you’re a tech-savvy driver. For one, it can be equipped with a panoramic curved display to further immerse you in your drive down the Mundelein roads. This setup consists of a 12.3-inch infotainment display, which provides you with the features you require to enjoy the ride, as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that shows you helpful ride details to keep you in tune with the quality of your commute. Put these together, and you’ve got an expansive view of everything you need to feel connected to your ride like never before; you’ll even get to enjoy a Head-Up Display, which projects this helpful ride information on the windshield. You’ll find a host of advanced tech on board the Tucson, designed for today’s busy, tech-obsessed travelers. From wireless smartphone integration to wireless device charging, navigation, and more, you’ll have access to all of it, especially when you choose a higher-level trim. The Tucson also features Hyundai Digital Key 2 Premium, which allows you to lock, start, and operate several vehicle functions from your smartphone. You can even share this information with up to three others so that they can operate your Tucson without the key. #3 - SmartSense Safety The 2026 Tucson is one savvy traveler, especially when it comes to tech, and you can’t be loaded up with tech without thinking about safety. Fortunately, through Hyundai SmartSense, you’ll have access to the safety and assistance features you need to help you remain as secure as ever as you travel to work, school, and anywhere else your Mundelein journeys take you. Smart Cruise Control helps you remain at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you, automatically adjusting its speed to suit the flow of traffic, while Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist helps to prevent or mitigate damage from a collision by alerting you and applying the brakes, if necessary. Many drivers appreciate Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, which adjusts your speed based on changing speed limits and the curves of the road. The Tucson offers numerous features designed to keep you safe, including Lane Keep Assist, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and more, making it a great choice for those concerned about safety. You’ll even find helpful parking assistance to aid you in fitting into tight streetside spaces with ease. Utilize the available Remote Smart Parking Assist to park your vehicle, even when you’re not actually inside of it. #4 - XRT Ruggedness Many local drivers seek to get out into nature to escape the grind of the workweek, and if this is you, then you’ll want to closely examine the Tucson XRT trim. This ready-for-anything trim features the Tucson in a bolder light, with exclusive exterior cladding, a tow hitch, XRT badging throughout, and 18-inch alloy wheels to round out the XRT’s rugged appeal. Opt for available HTRAC All-Wheel Drive and be able to confidently take on bouts of bad weather on the highway or uneven terrain in the woods. Sending power effortlessly between the front and rear wheels, you’ll be able to enjoy ample traction and stability on various terrains, making this a great addition to your ride, especially during the unpredictable winter months. #5 - Hybrid Efficiency There are numerous powertrains available on the 2026 Tucson’s menu, allowing all types of drivers to find the amount of excitement and efficiency they crave as they navigate the open road. In addition to a traditional gas powertrain, you’ll find that the 2026 Tucson offers a hybrid setup, which consists of a 1.6L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and electric motor, allowing you to surge forward with intensity, with 231 horses at the reins. You’ll be able to achieve impressive fuel efficiency, as this hybrid setup allows the Tucson to achieve an EPA-estimated 38 MPG on both city streets and on the highway. There is also a plug-in hybrid available to further maximize efficiency and sustainability during your drives. This option allows you to achieve an EPA-estimated 77 MPGe, which makes it a great pick for drivers who have lengthy commutes ahead of them or frequently find themselves in stop-and-go traffic situations, requiring maximum efficiency during their journeys. Choosing the 2026 Tucson to Take on Your Mundelein Travels As you’re traveling around Mundelein, pay attention to the vehicles that frequently pass you by. Chances are you’ll see quite a few Tucsons, and for good reason—the Tucson is stylish, efficient, and affordable, loaded with today’s top tech and offering a performance that’s confident and safe. It’s the total package, making it a great option for everyone from commuters to parents to weekend explorers and others. Plus, it’s backed by an industry-leading warranty that covers your Tucson for ten years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first—one of the longest warranties in the industry. If you want to enjoy high-end styling, a cozy cabin ambiance, and plenty of trims and powertrains to choose from to create your ideal ride, then you’ll want to consider a 2026 Tucson to take you everywhere you need to go. This compact SUV is made for drivers like you who crave more features for less without skimping on quality, and this is exactly what you can expect from the Tucson. It’s time to reinvent the way you tackle your daily commute, weekend road trips, and errand-running around town. The best way to do this is to trust your journey to a do-it-all model. That model is the Hyundai Tucson.