Hyundai has reportedly canceled plans for a mid-life facelift of its popular Kona SUV, instead fast-tracking the development of the next-generation model, expected in showrooms by 2028. This decision marks a departure from the brand’s usual update cycle, where facelifts typically occur three years after a vehicle’s initial launch.
Kona’s Strong Performance and Market Position
The Kona is currently Hyundai’s best-selling model in Australia and dominates the small SUV segment, outpacing rivals like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Nissan Qashqai. In 2025, it led all Hyundai sales and secured the top spot among small SUVs, beating out competitors like the Chery Tiggo 4 and MG ZS. The current second-generation model launched in 2023, making a 2026 facelift seemingly logical – but Hyundai has chosen a different path.
The Shift in Strategy
According to The Korean Car Blog, Hyundai will bypass the typical mid-life update, prioritizing the arrival of the third-generation Kona (“SX3”). This suggests a more aggressive product development timeline, possibly driven by market pressures or internal strategic shifts.
Design Evolution: Angular and Muscular
Early spy shots, via Shorts Car, reveal a significantly bolder design for the SX3. The new Kona appears larger, more angular, and less rounded than the current model. This aligns with Hyundai’s emerging “Art of Steel” design language, already previewed in concepts like the 2025 Hyundai Crater and upcoming Venue facelift.
Key Design Features
- Sloping roofline inspired by the Crater Concept
- Aggressive lines and fuller mudguards for a more rugged look
- New door-handle design, side skirts, and integrated roof spoiler
The new Kona’s aesthetic represents a clear departure from its softer, more approachable predecessor.
Interior and Technology Updates
The interior is also expected to reflect the Crater Concept’s design cues. The SX3 will likely feature Hyundai Motor Group’s new Pleos Connect infotainment system. Powertrain options will include existing petrol, hybrid, and electric configurations, with a potential addition of extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) technology.
Broader Hyundai Strategy
This move aligns with Hyundai’s broader product strategy, announced in 2024, which includes launching over 18 hybrid models by 2030 and expanding its N performance lineup. The company also plans to introduce a mid-size pickup, with potential availability in Australia. Hyundai aims to reach 5.55 million global sales by 2030.
The decision to skip the facelift for the Kona and accelerate the next-generation model underscores Hyundai’s commitment to rapid product iteration and aggressive market positioning. The shift in design language and powertrain options suggests a bold step forward for one of the brand’s most successful vehicles.
