A full reveal is expected in 2023.
Hyundai is very active in prototyping the next-generation Kona small SUV. These photos are the second time we have seen a test vehicle within a short period of time. However, this time our focus isn’t just on the exterior. The camera moves up to the camouflaged Kona, and takes a few interior photos. This is our best view so far of what’s going on in the greenhouse What do we see? And what do we see?
Kona It is moving digital with what appears to only be one piece of glass that spans half of the dash. According to our sources, it may follow the same layout as the one in the Ioniq 5 The screen is a separate screen that the driver can use, which is merged with the central infotainment screen. It’s difficult to see if the screen will be embedded in the dash or stand alone as an entity due to the heavy coverings. Although the laptop obscures the passenger’s side of the dash we can still see vents and a cluster control beneath the central portion of the screen. This design is similar to that of the Ioniq 5.
These spy photos aren’t revealing anything that we haven’t already mentioned. Hyundaicontinues using false panels to cover the heavy camouflage in the front and back, making the vehicle appear larger than it is. We expect the Kona to increase slightly in size compared to the previous model. Although the split headlight design at the front will remain, it may get lower lights and a more vertical orientation to match the design language of other Hyundai SUVs.
This prototype has a visible exhaust pipe that confirms the internal combustion power will be sufficient to make it to the next generation. The Kona already has a fully-electric powertrain and our spy sources claim that a next-gen Kona electric vehicle (codename SX2e) is being developed. There is also an SX2n codename. Hyundai appears to be committed to keeping the Kona’s N-spec versions around.
According to current thinking, the Kona’s next generation will be released in 2023. It will most likely debut first in South Korea, then globally, as we have seen with other Hyundai models.