![The Hyundai Kona is in for a big overhaul inspired by this cool EV concept [Video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/01/Hyundai-Kona-new-look.jpeg?resize=1200%2C628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1 "The Hyundai Kona is in for a big overhaul inspired by this cool EV concept [Video]")
The Hyundai Kona is about to look a lot different. Hyundai is scrapping plans for a mid-cycle facelift and will instead introduce an entirely new Kona.
The Hyundai Kona will get more than just a new look
It’s been three years since Hyundai launched the second-generation Kona in 2023. The second-gen Kona introduced a new EV-derived design that has been its signature ever since.
As it does with most of its vehicles, Hyundai was expected to give the compact SUV, including the EV variant, a mid-cycle refresh before releasing the third-generation model.
It doesn’t look like that will be the case with the new Kona. A camouflaged Hyundai vehicle, believed to be the next-gen Kona, was recently caught in South Korea with the codename “SX3,” indicating it’s the third-generation model.
The new video from ShortsCar suggests the Kona is undergoing more than a simple refresh. It appears to be undergoing a complete overhaul, including software and hardware updates, a new design, and more.
Although it’s still an early-stage prototype, the vehicle looks strangely similar to the Crater Concept. Hyundai unveiled the Crater Concept at the LA Auto Show in November, a compact off-road electric SUV that shows “the next evolution” of its XRT models.
Like the concept, the prototype appears to feature dense pixel lights and a cleaner front bumper design, giving it a taller, more high-tech feel.
The new Kona is also expected to have a full-length LED light bar, similar to the concept. Overall, it appears to share Hyundai’s updated design, as seen on the Santa Fe and Tucson facelift models.
While details are still limited at this point, the new Kona appears to be equipped with Hyundai’s new PLEO infotainment system, featuring a massive screen (shown below on the right).
The system features a smartphone-like UI with split-view and multi-window functionality, as well as AI voice recognition. If included, the Kona could be Hyundai’s first compact vehicle, outside of the IONIQ 3, to feature the new system.
Since it’s still in the early stages, the Kona design could change before production. The new Kona is expected to launch globally, but when remains up in the air. We should learn more soon with prototypes now out for testing.
How do you feel about the changes? Should the Kona look more like the rugged Crater Concept? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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