The 2027 Hyundai Kona has appeared in newly leaked images from South Korea, providing the clearest look yet at the crossover’s complete redesign. The photos, shared by X (formerly Twitter) user Elvis Will Vexillary, confirm the next-generation model adopts styling inspired by the Crater concept while introducing significant exterior and interior changes ahead of its expected debut.
Leaked Images Showcase a Completely Redesigned Hyundai Kona
Spy photos had already suggested Hyundai would skip the traditional mid-cycle facelift in favor of a full redesign for the Kona. The newly leaked images now confirm that approach, revealing a crossover with a more substantial appearance and a noticeably updated design.
Compared with the current model, the new Kona features a cleaner and more cohesive exterior. While it retains a split-headlight layout, the upper daytime running lights and turn signals are now integrated into a full-width light bar filled with numerous miniature pixel elements.
The leaked images also show what appears to be an additional lighting element positioned below the Hyundai badge, although its purpose has not been identified. Lower on the front fascia, the primary headlights sit inside nearly rectangular housings with more pronounced body sculpting beneath them.
Near the center of the front end, two additional openings appear to be incorporated into the fascia. These could be intended for radar or other sensors, but their function has not been confirmed.
Exterior Styling Takes a Different Direction
The redesigned Kona further emphasizes the floating roof effect while adopting a more conventional body shape than the current generation. Although the leaked images do not show the rear of the vehicle, the Crater concept suggests the production model could feature a slim rear light bar with squared pixel elements extending across the width of the vehicle.
2027 Hyundai Kona Interior to Feature PLEOS Infotainment
Previous previews have already offered an early look at the new Kona’s cabin. The interior is expected to feature dual displays alongside physical controls, following an approach similar to the Hyundai Ioniq 3.
The PLEOS infotainment layout places a central touchscreen at the heart of the dashboard, while a thin display positioned below the windshield provides driver information. There is no display behind the steering wheel, and unlike BMW’s Neue Klasse layout, the new Kona will continue to include numerous physical buttons.
Expected 2027 Debut
Overall, the redesigned Hyundai Kona is expected to be more visually refined, more technologically advanced, and reportedly slightly larger than the current model. Hyundai is expected to introduce the new crossover as a 2027 model, with a full reveal anticipated in the coming months.
