[3] The company stated the name "reflects the lifestyle of modern customers", in line with its "progressive design" that it adopts.

[5] The vehicle is marketed in Portugal as the Hyundai Kauai, as Kona is too similar to cona, a slang word for the female genitalia in European Portuguese.

[22] While it was developed as an urban-oriented crossover SUV, the first-generation Kona was available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants; the rear suspension is a torsion beam for the former and a dual-arm multi-link configuration for the latter.

[22] For the North American market, the Kona was launched at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2017 and was available at Hyundai dealers in the first quarter of 2018 for the 2018 model year.

Higher trims are powered with a 1.6-litre Gamma turbo engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission producing 175 hp (177 PS; 130 kW) and 195 lb⋅ft (264 N⋅m; 27.0 kg⋅m).

[29] The 'ultimate' trim features adaptive cruise control and along with lane centering[30][31] means the vehicle meets the SAE standard for Level 2 driverless.

In 2020, Hyundai started producing the Kona Electric in its European factory in the Czech Republic, where there are plans for an annual production of 30,000 vehicles.

[42][43] The facelift primarily had exterior aesthetic changes, alongside extra cargo capacity and rear seat legroom.

A 2.0-litre turbocharged GDI engine features flat power that maintains maximum output from about 5,500 rpm.

From launch, the first-generation Kona became available with a 1.0-litre, turbocharged direct injection petrol engine producing 118 hp (120 PS; 88 kW), or a 1.6-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine producing 175 hp (177 PS; 130 kW), with all-wheel-drive option available on selected models.

[45] In 2019, Hyundai released a special Iron Man edition Kona (co-branded with Marvel)[48] to promote Avengers: Endgame.

The limited edition Kona was finished in matte gray with red accents and features blue daytime running lights, Stark Industries graphics, an Iron Man-themed instrument cluster, arc reactor imagery, and Tony Stark's signature on the dashboard.

[49][needs update] The first-generation Kona body is made from 51% advanced high strength steel with 'hot stamping' and adhesives for added rigidity.

[50] Standard safety equipment in some countries includes six airbags, lane keeping assist and a driver attention monitor.

[61][62] According to Hyundai, the second-generation Kona was first designed as a battery electric vehicle before being adapted for other variants.

[76] The Kona was launched in Singapore on 8 August 2023, in a sole variant powered by a 1.6-litre Hybrid petrol.

[79] Following multiple introductions since the 31st Indonesia International Motor Show,[80] the Indonesian market second-generation Kona went on sale in July 2024 at the 31st Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, only available as the battery electric version, the Kona Electric.

[84] It is assembled at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Indonesia (HMMI) plant in Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java,[85] with the first trial units rolling out in 3 June 2024, during the establishment of Hyundai LG Indonesia (HLI) Green Power EV battery plant in Karawang, West Java,[86] while its mass production began on 16 July 2024.

[89] The Kona was launched in Brunei on 17 May 2024, in a sole N Line variant powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine.

[90] In April 2024, Hyundai Australia recalled over 1,700 Kona cars equipped with the 1.6-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine, as they pose a potential fire hazard.

[103] In 2023, Hyundai Kona won the 'Car of the Year' prize at the Auto Express New Car Awards.