Oct 28, 2025
Should I Choose HTRAC All Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai KONA in San Bruno, CA?

Hyundai of San Bruno – Should I Choose HTRAC All Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai KONA in San Bruno, CA?

If you’re shopping the 2026 Hyundai KONA in San Bruno, CA, one of the first questions that comes up is simple and important—should you choose HTRAC All Wheel Drive? At Hyundai of San Bruno, we help local drivers decide every day. With our city’s hills, coastal fog, and quick trips to Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, or Tahoe, the right drivetrain can make daily life smoother and weekend plans more confident. The good news: HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available on every 2026 KONA trim, from SE and SEL Sport to SEL Premium and Limited, so you can pair added traction with the features you love.

HTRAC All Wheel Drive is Hyundai’s intelligent system that can proactively distribute power between the front and rear wheels to help maximize grip. In real driving, that means cleaner starts on wet pavement, steadier control on steeper grades, and reassuring stability as conditions change. If you opt for the available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed automatic transmission on SEL Premium or Limited, HTRAC adds a composed, confident feel to the KONA’s already nimble nature—great for lane merges onto Highway 101 or winding roads around the Peninsula.

To help you zero in on a decision, here are fast, real-world reasons San Bruno drivers consider HTRAC on the 2026 KONA.

  • Microclimate confidence: Our coastal fog and surprise showers can make pavement slick—HTRAC helps the KONA find traction sooner.
  • Hills and driveways: From rolling neighborhood streets to parking-garage ramps, power going to all four wheels can steady low-speed climbs.
  • Weekend flexibility: Heading to Pacifica beaches, Mount Tam trails, or Tahoe—HTRAC supports light off-pavement and variable road surfaces.
  • Everyday stability: When the road gets uneven or paint lines are wet, AWD can help the vehicle feel planted and predictable.
  • New-driver assurance: Families often appreciate the added margin of control for teen or new drivers in mixed conditions.
  • Seasonal preparedness: If you venture into snow, HTRAC pairs well with quality all-weather or winter tires for improved control.

If you prefer a quick, structured way to decide, work through the five-minute checklist below. It leads many of our guests to a clear yes or no.

  1. Daily routes: Think about your most common roads—are they hilly, shaded, or often damp from fog?
  2. Parking realities: Do you regularly navigate sloped driveways or tight, multi-level garages?
  3. Lifestyle plans: Do weekend trips include beaches, trailheads, or mountain travel where traction varies?
  4. Feature pairing: Are you eyeing SEL Premium or Limited for the 190-hp turbo? HTRAC complements that responsive power.
  5. Test-drive feel: Schedule back-to-back KONA FWD and HTRAC AWD drives with our team—feel the difference on real streets.

Beyond traction, the 2026 KONA is loaded with thoughtful tech that elevates confidence no matter which drivetrain you choose. Standard Hyundai SmartSense includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Cyclist, and Junction Turning Detection and Direct Oncoming (FCA-JT DO), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW), and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA). On Limited, features like Surround View Monitor (SVM), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), and Remote Smart Parking Assist bring premium ease to tight city spaces. Inside, available Bluelink+ connectivity, Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ keep your day moving.

Trim selection is straightforward. SE and SEL Sport provide a balanced foundation with Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go and a 12.3-inch touchscreen display. Step up to SEL Premium for the 190-hp turbo, H-Tex® trimmed seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Limited adds upscale conveniences such as a hands-free smart liftgate with auto open, Bose® Premium Audio, and ventilated front seats—all of which pair seamlessly with available HTRAC for all-season versatility.

Local ownership is easy with America’s Best Warranty and convenient service right here at Hyundai of San Bruno. Our 180,000 sq ft indoor showroom makes browsing comfortable year-round, and our factory-trained technicians keep your KONA performing at its best with OEM parts and recommended maintenance. Whether you want an efficient commuter in Atlas White or a stylish weekend companion in Abyss Black Pearl, we’ll help you configure the KONA that fits your life—and answer every AWD question along the way.

Still deciding? Our product specialists can set up a route that mimics your daily commute and a short hill climb so you can feel HTRAC working under real conditions. We’ll also review tire options, seasonal travel plans, and the features that matter most to you. When a short drive tells the full story, the choice gets easy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does HTRAC All Wheel Drive affect the KONA’s efficiency?

There’s a modest difference. For 2.0L models, EPA estimates list 31 mpg combined in FWD and 27-28 mpg combined with HTRAC AWD. For 1.6L turbo models, estimates show 28 mpg combined in FWD and 26 mpg combined with HTRAC AWD. Your driving style and routes will influence real-world results.

Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive available on every 2026 KONA trim?

Yes. HTRAC All Wheel Drive is available on SE, SEL Sport, SEL Premium, and Limited, so you can select the drivetrain that fits your needs without giving up your preferred features.

Do I still need winter tires if I choose HTRAC AWD?

AWD helps you accelerate and maintain traction, but tires provide the grip. For regular trips into snow or near-freezing mountain conditions, dedicated winter tires are strongly recommended, and you should carry chains where required.

Does HTRAC AWD require special maintenance?

Follow the Hyundai maintenance schedule in your Owner’s Manual. Our certified team handles inspections and fluids for AWD components as needed. Service intervals are straightforward, and we use genuine Hyundai parts and fluids to help ensure long-term reliability.

Ready to compare KONA FWD and HTRAC AWD in person? Visit Hyundai of San Bruno at 1178 El Camino Real for a tailored test drive, or contact our team to build your 2026 KONA with the features and confidence that fit your life in San Bruno.

Request more 2026 Hyundai Kona information