Hyundai Bets on Hybrid: Kona Returns, 5 New Models

Hyundai is doubling down on hybrid with the Kona's return and five new models arriving within 18 months. The Korean automaker is taking a measured approach to pure electric in Europe and the US, instead favoring a mixed strategy that mirrors actual market appetite. The Santa Fe gets a refresh while the Ioniq 3 launches this summer.

"We're launching five major models over the next 18 months: Ioniq 3, i20, Bayon, Kona and Tucson" — Xavier Martinet, Hyundai Europe CEO

A new Kona hybrid that prioritizes space

The Kona returns with a hybrid powertrain packing 139 hp that promises consumption of 4.4 L/100km. Here's what's surprising: this B-SUV hides a 466-liter boot—genuinely rare in this segment. Up against the Renault Captur full hybrid or the Toyota Yaris Cross, Hyundai is playing the habitability card without sacrificing efficiency.

The Kona Electric is hitting rough waters. In the US, Hyundai has halted production of the Kona Electric for model year 2026, with a restart scheduled for June targeting the 2027 lineup. The culprit: disappointing sales. Only 3,011 units sold in 2025—a 41% drop versus 2024. That's the kind of decline that makes quarterly calls uncomfortable.

When do the new models arrive?

The Ioniq 3 kicks things off in summer 2026 with a reveal in Milan come April. This Volkswagen ID.3 rival leans on 800V architecture for rapid charging and emotional design to stand out from Chinese imports. Following that: refreshed Tucson, i20, and Bayon within the next 18 months.

The Santa Fe isn't escaping this refresh wave either. Despite solid sales, particularly in the US, its divisive design—rear lights positioned absurdly low—is getting reworked. Early prototypes show more conventional lights arranged vertically, much like the Palisade.

Hybrid as the new growth engine

Hyundai's European strategy hinges on gradual electrification. Already, 80% of European models offer an electrified powertrain, with a target of 100% by 2027. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales jumped 11% in 2025, now accounting for 43% of total volume.

This measured approach contrasts sharply with "all-in electric" rivals. Xavier Martinet openly defends it: "I'd rather give money to customers and dealers than to competitors." Hyundai has sidestepped EU CO2 penalties without pooling arrangements with other brands—a luxury most can't claim.

The Kona Electric hits a speed bump

The Kona Electric is navigating choppy waters. Beyond US production halts, the 2026 model is subject to a recall affecting 4,555 units over faulty steering knuckles. On the bright side, UK buyers now qualify for a £1,500 subsidy after Hyundai aligned carbon targets with the Paris Agreement.

The hybrid version steps into the spotlight with 129 hp combined (1.6L petrol + electric motor) and mixed consumption of 4.5 L/100km. With its 466-liter boot, it shadows larger rivals like the Citroën C3 Aircross (460 liters) while staying true B-SUV format.

Santa Fe: a facelift for 2027

The current Santa Fe will soldier on with a refresh arriving for model year 2027. January 2026 US sales data show "growing demand" for hybrid versions of the large Korean SUV, vindicating the hybrid bet across all segments.

Hyundai is orchestrating a massive European lineup overhaul, betting on hybrid in a market where pure electric is sputtering. The Ioniq 3 will test appetite for zero-emission motoring, while the Kona, Santa Fe, and others lean on hybrid tech to convert new buyers. Pragmatic? Absolutely. Revolutionary? Not in the slightest. But in a market where the hype cycle has outpaced reality, pragmatism is underrated.

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📚 See also

• Hyundai Ioniq 3 2026: Price and Design Revealed