CardinaleWay Hyundai of El Monte – Does the 2026 Hyundai Kona Offer HTRAC All Wheel Drive for Everyday Confidence around Arcadia, CA?
The short answer is yes — the 2026 Hyundai KONA offers available HTRAC All Wheel Drive — and it is engineered to enhance stability and traction without adding complexity to your daily routine. For drivers navigating neighborhood streets and freeway connectors around Arcadia, CA, HTRAC can help the KONA feel secure when conditions change, from sudden rain showers to slick road paint and gravel-strewn shoulders.
HTRAC’s value shows up in subtle ways: cleaner launches from stoplights in the wet, less wheel slip when corner exits are dusty, and more composed responses when taking a freeway ramp with uneven surfaces. It continuously monitors wheel speed and other inputs, then balances power between the front and rear axles to help maintain grip. Because the system works quickly and seamlessly, you typically notice the absence of drama rather than the system itself. That calm, planted feeling builds trust — especially when you add Hyundai SmartSense technologies like standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection and Direct Oncoming (FCA-JT DO) and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go.
Pair HTRAC with the available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder and the KONA becomes a confident all-rounder. The turbo’s midrange torque and the 8-speed automatic transmission work hand-in-hand to keep the SUV smooth in traffic and responsive on demand. If you frequently head to trailheads, weekend markets with steep parking structures, or simply prefer an extra margin for damp mornings, this combination is a compelling fit.
Inside, the KONA keeps tech simple and accessible. The 12.3-inch touchscreen display and available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster present information cleanly. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep your phone’s core functions front and center, while Bluelink+ allows remote functions from a compatible smartphone. For households sharing vehicles, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch is especially handy — your compatible smartphone becomes your key, and you can share access with family easily.
To decide whether HTRAC is right for you, think about your weekly routine. Do you commute early when roads may still be damp? Do you regularly carry passengers or gear that would benefit from added stability on uneven surfaces? Would you appreciate a calmer, more planted feel when the weather turns quickly? If you answered yes to any of these, HTRAC is worth adding to your shortlist.
When you test drive, try two routes: a city loop with stop-and-go, and a freeway stint with a sweeping on-ramp. Pay attention to how the KONA accelerates from a stop on imperfect pavement, how it feels mid-corner if there is gravel or paint markings, and whether it settles quickly after bumps. The goal is not to “force” the system to activate, but to sense how naturally the KONA maintains composure when conditions are less than perfect.
Trim-wise, you can equip HTRAC across the KONA lineup. If you want the full suite of driver assistance on top of HTRAC, consider the Limited, which adds Surround View Monitor (SVM), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist — Reverse/Forward/Side (PCA-R/F/S). If a balanced blend of power and value is your target, the SEL Premium with the available 190-hp turbo is a smart middle ground.
CardinaleWay Hyundai of El Monte provides side-by-side comparisons and tailored test routes to help you evaluate HTRAC in person. We are serving Arcadia, La Puente, and Monterey Park with knowledgeable product specialists who can walk you through drivetrain choices, Hyundai SmartSense technologies, and helpful accessories that complement your daily driving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive always on?
HTRAC is always monitoring conditions and can proactively adjust power front to rear. It is designed to be seamless, so you simply feel steady traction and confident acceleration when road surfaces vary.
Does HTRAC add a lot of maintenance?
HTRAC is engineered for durability and convenience. Follow your maintenance schedule as outlined in your owner’s manual and consult our service team with any questions about recommended intervals.
Which trims can be equipped with HTRAC?
HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available across the KONA lineup, allowing you to choose the trim features you prefer while adding AWD for traction and stability.
Can I feel a difference in dry conditions?
Yes — even on dry pavement, HTRAC can enhance composure during quick starts, on-ramps with uneven surfaces, and light gravel transitions by optimizing how power is delivered front to rear.
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