Which Hyundai Kona Has Turbo? The Complete 2025 Guide to Every Turbocharged Kona Variant

Introduction: Understanding the Turbocharged Side of the Hyundai Kona

When we talk about the Hyundai Kona lineup, we’re stepping into a diverse family of engines, trims, and personalities. And when the burning question is “which Hyundai Kona has turbo?”, we aren’t just talking engines — we’re talking attitude. A turbocharged Kona feels like the moment your morning coffee kicks in: more punch, more responsiveness, more life. Here, we take a deep dive into every Kona generation, every turbo engine option, and every trim that carries that coveted boost.

Why Turbo Engines Matter in the Kona

Turbocharged engines bring a different kind of energy to the Kona range. They offer:

• Faster acceleration
• Stronger mid-range power
• More engaging driving
• Improved efficiency vs larger non-turbo engines
• Better towing capability

Turbo Konas don’t try to overpower—they just make everyday driving feel effortlessly alive.

Overview of Turbo Options Across All Hyundai Kona Generations

To answer the core question, we need to break down the Kona’s history:

• First Generation (2017–2023)
  • Turbo engines available in 1.0L and 1.6L formats
• Second Generation (2023–Present)
  • Returns with a more refined turbo 1.6L Smartstream engine

If your Kona has ever felt unusually quick, chances are—it’s turbo.

First Generation Hyundai Kona (2017–2023): The Birth of Turbocharging in the Kona Lineup

The 1.0L T-GDi Turbo Engine (Lower Trims, Global Markets)

Not the most powerful, but eager and efficient. This engine featured in several entry-level trims internationally.

• Power: ~120 PS
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Drive: Front-wheel drive
  This setup isn’t a rocket, but it pulls with enthusiasm once the turbo spools.

The Popular 1.6L Turbo GDi (North America, Europe, and Select Markets)

The 1.6L turbo is what made people talk about the Kona in the first place.

• Power: ~175 hp (US)
• Torque: 195 lb-ft
• Transmission: 7-speed DCT
• Drive: FWD or AWD
  This engine gave the Kona surprising speed — think “compact SUV with warm-hatch vibes.”

Trims That Featured the 1.6L Turbo in Gen 1

• Hyundai Kona Limited
• Hyundai Kona Ultimate
• Hyundai Kona N Line (in some markets)
• Hyundai Kona SEL Plus (varying by region)

Wherever the 1.6L turbo showed up, it instantly became the one enthusiasts hunted for.

The Kona N: The Ultimate Turbocharged Kona

Before we jump to the second generation, we must talk about the beast — the Kona N.

• Engine: 2.0L turbo, 276 hp
• Drive: FWD
• Transmission: 8-speed DCT
• Theme: Hot-hatch disguised as a crossover

If the regular turbo Konas sip energy drinks, the Kona N is chugging rocket fuel.

Although discontinued for 2024+ in many regions, it remains the king of Kona performance.

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Second Generation Hyundai Kona (2023–Present): The Reinvented Turbo Era

The Return of the 1.6L Turbo Smartstream

Hyundai re-polished their turbo strategy for the new generation.

• Power: ~195 hp
• Torque: ~195 lb-ft
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drive: FWD or AWD
  It’s smoother, quieter, and more refined — a grown-up turbo Kona.

Second-Gen Trims That Feature the Turbo

• Hyundai Kona N Line
• Hyundai Kona Limited
• Hyundai Kona Ultimate (in select regions)

The N Line is once again the “fun one,” with sportier styling and a turbo heart.

Identifying if Your Kona Has Turbo: Quick Checklist

Sometimes you’re standing in your driveway wondering, “Does mine have the turbo?” Here's how to check:

Look for These Signs:

• N Line badge → Almost always turbo
• Limited trim (2018–2023 & 2024+) → Typically turbo
• Dual exhaust outlets (sportier trims)
• 7-speed DCT or 8-speed auto
• High horsepower: 175+ hp or 190+ hp
• Under the bonnet: “Turbo GDi” badge

If you tick two or more of these, you’re likely driving a turbocharged Kona.

Turbo vs Non-Turbo Kona: Which Should You Choose?

Go Turbo If You Want:

• Faster acceleration
• Better highway passing power
• A sportier feel
• More towing flexibility
• A modern, enthusiastic driving character

Stick With Non-Turbo If You Prefer:

• Maximum efficiency (1.6 NA hybrid, 2.0 MPI)
• Lower maintenance costs
• Simplicity over speed

Turbo Konas aren’t for everyone—just for the ones who like a little spice.

Performance Breakdown: Turbo Engines Compared

1.0L T-GDi (Gen 1)

• 120 PS
• Best for city driving
• Quick but not aggressive

1.6L Turbo (Gen 1 & Gen 2)

• 175–195 hp depending on market
• Smooth, punchy, and highly responsive

2.0L Turbo (Kona N)

• 276 hp
• Laugh-out-loud acceleration
• Purist performance

This is the scale: 1.0L fun → 1.6L fast → 2.0L furious.

Efficiency: Do Turbo Konas Use More Fuel?

Yes and no. Turbos can be surprisingly efficient, but when pushed, they will drink more.
Expect:

• 1.6L Turbo: 28–33 mpg combined (US)
• Kona N: 20–27 mpg combined

It’s the classic trade-off: more power = more fuel—but only when you ask for it.

Reliability: Are Turbo Konas Reliable?

Modern Hyundai turbo engines have proven robust, especially the Smartstream 1.6L.
Key reliability notes:

• Regular oil changes are crucial
• Turbo engines prefer high-quality fuel
• Transmission servicing keeps DCT/8-speed smooth

Take care of the turbo, and it takes care of you.

Driving Impressions: What a Turbo Kona Feels Like

The turbo Kona drives like a small SUV with a mischievous side.
Expect:

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• Immediate torque
• Confident overtaking
• Smooth highway merging
• Sportier throttle response
• Quicker steering feel (on N Line trims)

It’s the kind of drive that makes morning commutes feel less ordinary.

Market Availability: Where Turbo Konas Are Sold

Turbo variants are widely available but vary by region:

• USA: Strong availability of 1.6L turbo trims
• UK/EU: Mix of 1.0L and 1.6L turbo options
• Asia & Australia: Broadest variety of turbo choices
• Latin America: More limited turbo availability

The global appeal is clear — turbo adds personality.

Used Market: How to Spot a Turbo Kona When Buying Pre-Owned

Used buyers should look for:

• Trim badges (N Line, Limited, Ultimate)
• Turbo GDi engine cover
• Dual-clutch gearbox listings
• AWD availability
• Higher resale pricing

Turbo Konas tend to hold value better because they’re more desirable.

Is the Turbo Kona Worth It?

Absolutely — if performance is even 10% of your decision.
We recommend the turbo Kona for:

• Commuters wanting extra passing power
• Drivers in hilly regions
• Those who want a sportier feel without going full “Kona N”
• Buyers who value refinement

The turbo models hit that sweet spot between fun and practical.

Conclusion

When you ask, “which Hyundai Kona has turbo?”, the answer spans multiple trims, multiple years, and multiple personalities. From the zippy 1.0L to the punchy 1.6L and the ferocious Kona N, the turbocharged Kona lineup offers something for everyone who craves a more spirited drive. If you want a Kona with lively acceleration, confident overtakes, and a sportier edge, the turbo variants remain the ones worth chasing.

FAQs

1. Does every Hyundai Kona N Line have a turbo?

Yes—N Line trims are almost always paired with the 1.6L turbo engine.

2. Does the 2024–2025 Hyundai Kona come with a turbo option?

Yes, the 2nd-gen Kona continues offering the 1.6L turbo in N Line and Limited trims.

3. Is the Hyundai Kona 2.0 non-turbo fast enough?

It’s adequate for everyday driving, but it lacks the punch of the turbo models.

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4. Which Kona engine is the most powerful?

The 2.0L turbo in the now-discontinued Kona N—offering 276 hp.

5. Is the turbo Kona good for long drives?

Absolutely. It’s smoother, quieter, and offers effortless acceleration at motorway speeds.

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