The Hyundai Kona has officially reentered the Philippine market, and this time, it’s packing a hybrid powertrain and an all-new design.
It’s been about three years since the Kona was discontinued in the Philippines, but the nameplate has not stopped developing in Hyundai’s home market of South Korea. There, the Kona has been electrified, turbocharged, and overhauled, even by Hyundai’s N performance division. Which brings us to its latest and probably most practical iteration, the bright Kona Hybrid pictured all above and below.
Hyundai Motor Philippines has debuted the Kona Hybrid with two variants, and a series of colors—in case ‘Neotronic Yellow’ isn’t for you. Here’s everything you need to know about the new Hyundai Kona Hybrid:
Variants and prices
The Hyundai Kona Hybrid can be had in two variants, namely the GLS, or base trim, and the top-spec Premium configuration. The biggest difference between the two is the full suite of Hyundai SmartSense, the brand’s advanced driver-assistance system, on the Premium, as opposed to the basic safety functions on the GLS. Hyundai’s full ADAS comes with adaptive cruise control, surround-view monitoring, and more, while the GLS comes with basic cruise and a rear-view monitor.
Those who opt for the Premium Kona Hybrid will also be riding on larger 18-inch wheels, as opposed to the 17-inch alloys on the GLS. Finally, the Premium is outfitted with an automatic rain sensor and a sunroof.
Hyundai Kona Hybrid 2025 Philippine prices
- Hyundai Kona Hybrid 1.6 HEV Premium 6DCT – P1,688,000
- Hyundai Kona Hybrid 1.6 HEV GLS 6DCT – P1,528,000
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
190,429 cars were sold in PH, as of May 2025
Watch: We try pitting the BYD Seal 5 DM-i against the Honda Civic RS Turbo
Exterior
The new Kona Hybrid looks completely different from the last model that drove on Philippine roads. Its design language is now more in tune with the Stargazer MPV, and the newly released Creta. Like those two models, the Kona Hybrid has a long light bar on its hood, which is then supported by sharp angles that mold its fascia.
More of those dramatic angles can be found around its sides, until it envelopes around the back. On the rear, there are triangular taillights that are connected by another long light bar that stretches across the tailgate. It looks similar to the Stargazer, albeit in a less Star Wars-y manner.
Putting it into numbers, the Kona Hybrid measures in at 4,350mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,585mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,660mm. It puts it right up to bat with the Honda HR-V, and its Korean sibling, the Kia Seltos, in terms of size and form factor.
Interior
The five-seater cabin is mostly dressed in black leatherette, with surfaces made from plastic and other soft-touch materials. It’s all tied together by a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dual 12.3-inch displays that make up the driver’s digital instrument cluster and the main infotainment screen. Audio is then output through a six-speaker system, spread across the cabin. By the screens are two USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad, along with another two USB-C ports mounted in the second row.
And with those second row seats folded down, the Kona Hybrid’s rear cargo space expands to 1,241 liters.
Engine and specs
Both variants of the Kona Hybrid utilize a 1.6-liter gasoline-hybrid engine that makes around 139hp and 144Nm of torque.
That is then mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, with Hyundai’s Smart Regenerative Braking and e-Motion Drive technologies, which should smoothen out the Kona’s ride while keeping fuel consumption efficient.
Extra features
As mentioned, the Premium Kona Hybrid gets the full Hyundai SmartSense package, which also includes lane-keeping and following assists, blind-spot detection, parking assists, and forward-collision assists. The higher-end Kona also gets a 64-color ‘mood lamp’ inside the cabin for ambient lighting.
Both variants of the Kona Hybrid come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a roof rail in case drivers need to haul larger cargo. The tailgate is also powered, with an adjustable height setting.
