What You Get in Each 2025 Kona Trim Level

The 2025 Hyundai Kona comes in five main trim levels: SE, SEL, N Line, Limited, and N. Each step up adds features and capability, but the base SE already includes essentials like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rearview camera. The SEL adds a larger 8-inch screen and wireless phone charging. The N Line focuses on sportier styling with a more aggressive front grille and unique wheel designs. The Limited brings leather seats, a power liftgate, and a panoramic sunroof. The N is the performance variant with a turbocharged engine, sport suspension, and racing-inspired interior details.

Your choice between trims depends on what features matter most to you. If you want the lowest price and basic connectivity, the SE works. If you spend time on long drives and want comfort upgrades, the Limited or N Line makes sense. If you want the fastest acceleration and handling, the N is the only option.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Kona offers five trims (SE, SEL, N Line, Limited, N), each with different standard features and price points.
  • Engine choices are a 2.0-liter four-cylinder in SE through Limited trims, or a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine in the N trim.
  • All trims come standard with front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is available on every model except the N, which is AWD-only.
  • Safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping information are standard across all trims, with additional driver-information options on higher trims.
  • Interior space and cargo capacity remain the same across all trims; differences are in materials, comfort features, and technology.

Engine and Powertrain Options

The standard engine across SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited trims is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This engine pairs with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and comes with front-wheel drive as standard. All-wheel drive is available on these trims as an option and improves traction in snow and wet conditions, though it slightly reduces fuel economy.

The N trim uses a different engine entirely: a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes with all-wheel drive as standard. The N is noticeably quicker off the line and on the highway, but it uses premium gasoline and costs more to fuel. The N trim cannot be ordered with front-wheel drive.

Fuel economy for the standard 2.0-liter engine ranges from the mid-20s to low-30s miles per gallon depending on whether you choose front-wheel or all-wheel drive. The turbocharged N engine achieves the mid-20s in combined driving. Real-world mileage varies based on driving habits, terrain, and traffic conditions.

Interior Features and Technology Across Trims

The SE comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. The SEL upgrades to an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, and a six-speaker system with better sound quality. The N Line keeps the 8-inch screen but adds sport-themed interior trim and unique seat fabric.

The Limited adds a 10.25-inch touchscreen (the largest available), a Bose premium audio system with eight speakers, leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The N includes the 10.25-inch screen, Bose audio, leather sport seats with bolstering, and an electronic parking brake. Navigation is available as an add-on for all trims but does not come standard on any model.

Climate control is manual on the SE and SEL, dual-zone automatic on the N Line and Limited, and three-zone automatic on the N. All trims include air conditioning and defrost, but higher trims give you more independent control over temperature zones.

Safety and Driver-information Features

Every 2025 Kona includes Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite as standard, which means automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping information, and lane-departure warning are on all trims from the start. Forward collision warning and driver-attention monitoring are also standard. These features work together to alert you to hazards and can explore the brakes if a collision is imminent.

The Limited and N trims add blind-spot collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking distance warning. The N also includes a surround-view camera system that shows a 360-degree view of the vehicle when parking. Adaptive cruise control (which maintains distance from the car ahead) is available on SEL and higher trims as an option.

All trims come with six airbags, stability control, and a backup camera. The Kona has performed well in crash testing, though independent ratings vary by testing organization and year.

Exterior Styling and Wheel Options

The SE and SEL have a standard appearance with 16-inch or 17-inch wheel options. The N Line distinguishes itself with a more aggressive front bumper, a unique grille design, side skirts, and a rear spoiler. Wheel choices for the N Line include 17-inch or 18-inch designs with a sportier look.

The Limited uses 17-inch or 18-inch wheels and adds chrome trim accents, a power liftgate, and roof rails. The N comes standard with 18-inch wheels and includes a lowered suspension, unique front and rear bumpers, a larger rear wing, and side skirts that give it a track-ready appearance.

All trims are available in the same exterior colors: Calypso Red, Ebony Black, Polar White, Sonic Silver, and Portofino Gray. The N Line and N offer an additional color option, Cyber Gray, which has a metallic finish. Roof color (black or body-color) can be chosen on most trims.

Cargo Space and Seating Configuration

All 2025 Kona models have identical interior dimensions and cargo space. Behind the rear seats, you get 19.4 cubic feet of storage. With the rear seats folded flat, that expands to 54.8 cubic feet. The rear seat folds in a 60/40 split, so you can fold one side down while keeping passengers on the other side.

Seating is five passengers across all trims: two in front and three in back. The SE and SEL have cloth upholstery, the N Line has sport cloth, and the Limited and N have leather. Seat comfort is subjective, but the Limited and N offer more padding and bolstering. The N's sport seats are designed to hold you in place during aggressive driving but may feel tight for some drivers on long trips.

The rear seat has a center armrest with cup holders on all trims. Rear passengers get two USB ports on the SE and SEL, and USB-C ports on higher trims. Legroom and headroom are the same regardless of trim.

Pricing and Value Considerations

The SE is the entry point and offers the best value if you want basic transportation with modern safety and connectivity. The SEL adds meaningful comfort features like wireless charging and a larger screen for a modest price increase. The N Line appeals to buyers who want sportier looks without the performance cost of the N. The Limited is the choice for buyers who prioritize comfort, premium materials, and a larger infotainment screen.

The N is significantly more expensive than other trims and is aimed at drivers who want performance and are willing to pay for it. The turbocharged engine, sport suspension, and all-wheel drive come as a package; you cannot order just the engine upgrade on a lower trim.

Pricing varies by region and dealer, and incentives change throughout the year. Comparing the actual out-the-door price (including destination charges, taxes, and any dealer fees) across trims at your local dealership will give you the clearest picture of value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get all-wheel drive on the N trim?

The N comes with all-wheel drive as standard and cannot be ordered with front-wheel drive. All other trims offer all-wheel drive as an option, but front-wheel drive is the standard configuration.

What is the difference between the N Line and the N?

The N Line is a styling package with sportier exterior appearance and interior trim. The N is a performance variant with a more powerful turbocharged engine, sport suspension tuned for handling, and all-wheel drive standard. The N is faster and more expensive; the N Line looks sportier but drives like other Kona trims.

Does the 2025 Kona have a hybrid or electric version?

Hyundai offers a separate Kona Electric model, but the standard 2025 Kona lineup uses only gasoline engines. The Kona Hybrid is not currently available in the U.S. market for 2025.

Is navigation included in any trim?

Navigation is not standard on any 2025 Kona trim. It is available as an add-on option that can be installed at the dealership or through the touchscreen on trims with an 8-inch or larger display. Many owners use their smartphone's built-in maps instead.

Which trim has the best fuel economy?

The SE and SEL with front-wheel drive achieve the best fuel economy, typically in the low-30s miles per gallon on the highway. All-wheel drive reduces this by a few miles per gallon. The N trim, with its turbocharged engine, achieves the lowest fuel economy in the lineup.