Hyundai Kona Unveils Groundbreaking Third Generation Design

Many car enthusiasts expected a minor facelift for the Hyundai Kona, a common practice among manufacturers midway through a model's life cycle to keep it visually appealing. However, recent sightings in South Korea indicate Hyundai is discarding this approach. Instead of a minor update, the company is developing a completely new version of the popular SUV.

A test vehicle was recently observed on South Korean roads, heavily camouflaged to conceal its design. Notably, it bore a special code: SX3, a significant identifier in the automotive industry that signifies this is a third-generation model rather than a simple update to the existing version.

This announcement is surprising, considering the second-generation Kona only debuted in 2023. By advancing to a third generation so rapidly, Hyundai is significantly speeding up its development process. Blurry images of the prototype reveal intriguing design choices. The new model closely resembles the Crater Concept, unveiled at the LA Auto Show, which was designed as a rugged, off-road electric SUV tailored for adventure.

If the new Kona follows the Crater Concept's lead, we can expect a taller stance and a more technologically advanced aesthetic. Anticipated features include pronounced "pixel" lighting and an extended LED light bar that spans the front, a design becoming a hallmark for Hyundai. However, enhancements are not limited to the exterior; the interior is expected to showcase a brand new PLEO infotainment system featuring a large screen that operates similarly to a smartphone.

While official specifications have yet to be released, we can look at current models for baseline expectations. The existing Kona boasts a range of approximately 418 km, and the new model is likely to aim for superior performance. The current Kona measures about 4,340 mm in length, and the new variant may see slight increases in size to provide more passenger legroom and increased cargo space.

By opting for a comprehensive redesign, Hyundai is taking a significant risk in ensuring that the Kona remains competitive against popular offerings from brands such as Kia and Tesla. Testing is still in its early phases, so the design may evolve before it reaches showrooms.

There is currently no official release date, but the presence of test vehicles on the road often indicates a reveal is approximately a year away, suggesting we might see the final product by early 2027. Tech-savvy drivers drawn to rugged aesthetics should keep this model on their radar.

Via