The 2025 Kona lineup starts with SE and goes up to N Line, with distinct feature sets at each level

Hyundai offers the 2025 Kona in five main trim levels: SE, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, and N. Each trim adds features and upgrades over the one below it. The SE is the base model with essential equipment; the N is the performance-focused top tier. Between them, the SEL and SEL Plus add comfort and technology, while the N Line bridges everyday driving and sportier handling.

Engine choices depend on which trim you pick. Most trims use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower. The N and N Line models get a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 201 horsepower. All 2025 models come with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Wheel drive is another configuration choice. Front-wheel drive is standard across all trims. All-wheel drive is available on every trim level and costs extra. AWD improves traction in snow and wet conditions but reduces fuel economy slightly compared to front-wheel drive.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 Kona comes in five trim levels—SE, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, and N—each with different standard features and price points.
  • Base and mid-level trims use a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine; the N and N Line use a turbocharged 1.6-liter with more power.
  • All-wheel drive is available on every trim but adds cost and slightly reduces fuel economy compared to front-wheel drive.
  • Interior and technology features increase as you move up trims, from a basic touchscreen on SE to a larger display and more driver information on higher trims.

SE trim: what comes standard

The SE is the entry-level configuration. It includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, air conditioning, power windows and locks, and a rearview camera. Safety features include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The SE does not include a sunroof, heated seats, or premium audio.

The SE uses the 2.0-liter engine and front-wheel drive as standard. You can add all-wheel drive as an option. Fuel economy for the SE with front-wheel drive is rated at 28 city / 32 highway / 30 combined miles per gallon (EPA estimates).

SEL and SEL Plus: mid-range configurations

The SEL adds a larger 8-inch touchscreen, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and blind-spot monitoring. It also includes a six-speaker audio system instead of the four speakers in the SE. The SEL Plus builds on the SEL with an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, a sunroof, and leather-trimmed seats.

Both the SEL and SEL Plus use the same 2.0-liter engine as the SE. All-wheel drive is available on both trims. The SEL Plus is the last trim level that does not include the turbocharged engine as an option—the N Line and N require it.

N Line: sport-focused mid-tier

The N Line is Hyundai's performance-oriented version of the Kona. It comes with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine standard, which produces 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This engine is noticeably more powerful than the 2.0-liter in lower trims and improves acceleration and passing performance.

The N Line includes sport-tuned suspension, a sport-styled body kit with a rear spoiler, and 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, it has the 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, and a leather steering wheel. All-wheel drive is available on the N Line and is often paired with this trim for better handling balance.

N trim: the high-performance configuration

The N is the top trim and the only one engineered specifically for performance driving. It uses the same turbocharged 1.6-liter engine as the N Line but with tuned calibration for higher output. The N includes an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, adaptive damping suspension, and larger brakes than other trims.

Exterior features on the N include a more aggressive front bumper, side skirts, a larger rear wing, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the N has an 8-inch touchscreen with navigation, leather and suede sport seats, and a flat-bottomed steering wheel. All-wheel drive is available on the N, though many buyers choose front-wheel drive for the lighter weight and sharper handling feel.

Technology and safety options across trims

A 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available on SEL Plus, N Line, and N trims as an upgrade. This larger display includes navigation and a digital instrument cluster. Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite—which adds lane-keeping information, lane-following information, and adaptive cruise control—is standard on N Line and N, and available on lower trims.

A power panoramic sunroof is standard on the N and available on the SEL Plus, N Line, and higher trims. Heated and ventilated seats are standard on the N Line and N. A wireless charging pad for smartphones is available on SEL Plus and higher trims.

Color and interior choices

The 2025 Kona is offered in ten exterior colors: Calypso Red, Ebony Black, Platinum Silver, Polar White, Sonic Silver, Cyber Gray, Sunset Orange, Calypso Blue, Portofino Blue, and Lime Twist. Not all colors are available on all trims, and some colors cost extra.

Interior colors vary by trim. Lower trims typically offer black or gray cloth interiors. Higher trims offer black leather or a two-tone black and gray leather option. The N trim adds a sport-specific interior with suede accents and contrast stitching.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Both use the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, but the N has a more powerful version, sport-tuned suspension with adaptive damping, larger brakes, a limited-slip differential, and more aggressive styling. The N is built for performance driving; the N Line is a sportier version of the standard Kona.

Can I get all-wheel drive on every trim?

Yes. All-wheel drive is available as an option on the SE, SEL, SEL Plus, N Line, and N. It costs extra and reduces fuel economy by approximately 1 to 2 miles per gallon compared to front-wheel drive.

Does the base SE have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes. The SE includes a 7-inch touchscreen with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A larger 8-inch screen is standard on the SEL and higher trims. A 10.25-inch screen is available on SEL Plus, N Line, and N.

What engine does the N Line have?

The N Line comes with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. This is the same engine family as the N, though the N's version has different tuning for higher performance.

Is the sunroof standard on all trims?

No. A power sunroof is standard only on the N trim. It is available as an option on the SEL Plus, N Line, and N. The SE and SEL do not offer a sunroof.