The redesigned Kona is becoming easier to read through its camouflage, and these latest spy photos reveal a small crossover undergoing hot-weather testing at high altitude. Pictured in Spain, the camouflaged vehicle pulls the Kona away from the softer proportions of the outgoing model.
More upright than ever before, the front-biased sport utility vehicle is rocking a visibly higher hood that gives the front end a bluffer appearance. Its roofline and door frames come together to support the rugged makeover, a change that is obviously supported by the boxier front and rear arches.
Adding visual depth to the Kona formula, these arches sure look similar to what Hyundai showed us on the Crater concept. Also inspired by the Venue and Tucson, the design language includes a rising beltline, a rakish windshield, and wheels designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind.
The camouflage wrap at the front makes it exceedingly difficult to establish the finest of details with certainty, although we can see a shark nose with lower-mounted headlights and a prominent upper light bar. Around back, the taillights move toward the center of the fascia to emphasize width.
A broad liftgate also needs mentioning, then there’s the visible exhaust outlet beneath the rear bumper, confirming that internal combustion will carry over. That leads to the most interesting part of the SX3, namely its heavily anticipated self-charging hybrid powertrain option.
Photo: SH Proshots
Hyundai is supposedly taking the 1.6-liter hybrid powertrain from the redesigned Kia Seltos for European markets, a setup that produces 152 mechanical horsepower in optimal conditions. The kicker here is that optional all-wheel drive adds a rear-mounted electric motor, increasing maximum output to 176 ponies.
Beyond the improved fuel economy, this hybrid system is also special when viewed through the lens of vehicle-to-load functionality. The Seltos marks the first time Kia has applied this technology, which is typically found in electric vehicles, to a hybrid.
Interior V2L capability allows the customer to power appliances and electronic devices from the cabin at no more than 3.52 kilowatts. Stay Mode is a function that allows the V2L system to operate when the engine is off by utilizing the traction battery. Said technologies would help the 2028 Hyundai Kona Hybrid stand out in the crowd.
In a similar fashion to the exterior, the cabin is also getting a tremendous update. Expected to be minimalist, the redesigned dashboard is likely dominated by a Pleos Connect-powered touchscreen infotainment system. This Android Automotive-based OS offers Gleo AI, a dedicated app ecosystem, smartphone-like menus, and multi-window functions.
In the United States market, a hybrid option with V2L functionality would be particularly significant. For now, however, the South Korean automaker hasn’t offered any clues as to whether the Kona Hybrid will hit American dealer lots.