Hyundai Kona Import Guide from Korea 2025 – Gasoline, Hybrid, Electric & N Model
Introduction
The Hyundai Kona is one of Korea’s most successful compact SUVs, launched in 2017 and now in its second generation (SX2, 2023–present). What makes the Kona special for overseas buyers is its wide lineup:
- Gasoline models for affordability and durability
- Hybrid models for better fuel economy
- Kona Electric (EV) for eco-friendly regulations
- Kona N – Hyundai’s first high-performance SUV
With multiple powertrains and a proven export record, the Kona is a flexible choice for importers across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Europe.
(Insert image: Hyundai Kona lineup – ALT: Hyundai Kona models import Korea 현대 코나 세대별 수출 استيراد / modelos de Kona / поколения Kona)
Hyundai Kona Generations & Variants
| Generation / Model | Years of Production | Powertrain Options |
|---|---|---|
| Kona (SX2) | 2023 – Present | Gasoline / Hybrid / Electric |
| Kona Hybrid (SX2) | 2023 – Present | Hybrid (1.6L GDi + Electric motor) |
| Kona Electric (SX2) | 2023 – Present | Fully Electric (39.2 kWh / 64 kWh) |
| The New Kona (Facelift) | 2020 – 2023 | Gasoline |
| The New Kona Hybrid | 2020 – 2023 | Hybrid |
| Kona (OS, 1st Gen) | 2017 – 2020 | Gasoline 1.6cc 12.2~13km/ℓ |
| Kona Hybrid (OS PE) | 2019 – 2020 | Hybrid 18.1~19.8km/ℓ |
| Kona Electric (OS) | 2018 – 2023 | Fully Electric 4.7~5.5km/kWh |



Hyundai Kona N – High Performance Model
The Hyundai Kona N was revealed on April 27, 2021 during Hyundai’s N Day and launched on July 14, 2021. It is Hyundai’s first N SUV and the fifth N model overall.
Kona N Specifications (2021–Present)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Class | Subcompact SUV / Hatchback |
| Manufacturer | Hyundai Motor Company |
| Production | 2021 – Present |
| Assembly Plant | Ulsan, South Korea |
| Engine | Hyundai Theta 2.0 T-GDI (N Flat Power) |
| Max Power | 280 PS @ 5,500–6,000 rpm (290 PS with NGS) |
| Max Torque | 40.0 kg·m @ 2,100–4,700 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 8-speed wet dual-clutch (DCT) |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h |
| 0–100 km/h | 5.5 sec |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline, 10km/ℓ |
| Related Models | Veloster N, i30 N |

What Does “N” Mean in Hyundai Kona N?
The “N” in Hyundai Kona N has three meanings:
- Namyang (Korea) – Developed at Hyundai’s Namyang R&D Center.
- Nürburgring (Germany) – Tested at the world’s toughest racetrack.
- Chicane (N logo shape) – Symbolizes cornering fun and track spirit.
So when you see “N”, it guarantees a true high-performance machine built for both road and track.
Importing Hyundai Kona from Korea
Vehicle Prices in Korea (Approx.)
- Gasoline: $8,000 – $18,000 (used, depending on year)
- Hybrid: $12,000 – $20,000
- Electric (EV): $15,000 – $28,000 (battery capacity affects price)
- Kona N: $20,000 – $35,000 (used to new models)
Shipping Options
- RoRo Shipping: $950 – $1,400 (recommended for single units)
- Container Shipping (20ft/40ft): $1,200 – $1,600 (for multiple cars/auto parts)
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Import Costs (Varies by Country)
- Customs Duty: 5–40%
- VAT/Import Tax: 10–20%
- EV incentives: EU, USA, some Asian countries provide tax credits
Buyer FAQs
Q1. Which Hyundai Kona is best to import in 2025?
👉 For budget markets: 2018–2020 Gasoline.
👉 For eco-friendly markets: Kona Hybrid or Kona Electric (64kWh).
👉 For performance: Kona N (280 PS).
Q2. Is the Kona Electric reliable for long distance?
👉 Yes. The 64kWh model offers up to 480 km range per charge.
Q3. Do I need a Korean business license to buy Kona?
👉 No. Buyers can use a Korean export agent service.
Q4. Which regions demand the Kona most?
👉 Africa & Middle East → Gasoline & Hybrid
👉 EU & North America → Electric
👉 Latin America → Gasoline, limited EV
Conclusion
The Hyundai Kona is one of the most versatile Korean SUVs, offering buyers multiple choices – from gasoline and hybrid to fully electric and the high-performance N.
For overseas buyers, this means:
- Flexibility to match local market demand
- Affordability compared to Japanese/European rivals
- Reliability backed by Hyundai’s global reputation
Whether you want an affordable SUV for Africa, an EV for Europe, or a performance SUV for Middle East buyers, the Kona lineup makes it an excellent choice to import from Korea in 2025.
🌍 Multilingual Summary
English (EN)
Hyundai Kona offers gasoline, hybrid, electric, and N performance models. Import costs range from $8,000–35,000 depending on year and variant. Popular worldwide for reliability, efficiency, and affordable performance.
Arabic (AR)
هيونداي كونا متوفرة بمحركات بنزين، هجينة، كهربائية ونسخة N عالية الأداء. تكلفة الاستيراد تتراوح بين 8000 و 35000 دولار حسب الطراز. شائعة عالميًا لجودتها وكفاءتها وأدائها.
Spanish (ES)
Hyundai Kona está disponible en versiones de gasolina, híbrida, eléctrica y N de alto rendimiento. Los costos de importación varían de $8,000 a $35,000 según el modelo. Popular por su fiabilidad, eficiencia y precio competitivo.
Russian (RU)
Hyundai Kona выпускается в бензиновой, гибридной, электрической и спортивной версии N. Стоимость импорта от $8,000 до $35,000 в зависимости от года и модели. Популярна во всем мире за надежность, экономичность и доступную мощность.
