How to shop for a Hyundai Kona in Houston

Start online: look at our Kona inventory, get a trade-in offer by license plate and get pre-approved for a loan. Then pick your trim from Hyundai’s published figures and ask for the out-the-door price in writing before you visit Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston at 10301 Southwest Freeway.

The sticker price is only the start. Texas adds sales tax, a title fee and registration fees, and a dealer can add a documentary fee. Knowing those numbers before you visit keeps the final price from surprising you.

Keep reading below, then schedule a test drive in Houston. Bringing your own numbers to the lot settles this faster than any spec sheet.

Shop for a Kona in Houston online first, then finish in store

Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston sells new Kona models, so you can search our Kona listings before you come in. If the Kona does not fit your needs, our new inventory also includes the Venue, Tucson and Palisade. Our store is at 10301 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77074.

Which Hyundai Kona trim fits your budget?

The 2026 Kona starts at $25,500 for the SE, the lowest-priced trim. The SEL Sport starts at $26,825, the SEL Premium at $28,425 and the Limited at $32,535, according to Hyundai’s published 2026 specifications. Pick the lowest trim that has the features you need, then add Texas tax and fees to that starting price before you set a budget.

Should you buy a new, used or certified pre-owned Kona?

Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston sells new Kona models. If you are weighing a used one, Hyundai’s certified programs set the rules a vehicle must meet first. Hyundai Certified Used Vehicles accepts vehicles six model years old or newer with 80,000 miles or fewer, and each one gets a 173-point mechanical, safety and appearance inspection (Hyundai Motor America, 2026).

Hyundai Select Used takes vehicles six model years old or newer with 80,000 to 120,000 miles, and vehicles seven to 10 model years old with 120,000 miles or less. Its inspection is 117 points, and its powertrain limited warranty runs 90 days or 5,000 miles from the date of retail sale, with a $50 deductible per repair visit (Hyundai Motor America). Ask which program a used Kona falls under before you sign, because the coverage is different.

What will a Kona cost with Texas tax and fees?

Your out-the-door price is the MSRP for your trim plus Texas motor vehicle sales tax and title and registration fees. The sales tax is 6.25% of the sales price, minus any trade-in allowance (Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, 2026). Registration is $50.75 plus local county fees, and Harris County adds $11.50 (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, 2026).

Every figure in this example is hypothetical. Say, hypothetically, the sales price is $30,000 and your trade-in allowance is $8,000. The title fee is $33 for a Harris County resident (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Motor Vehicle Title Manual, 2026).

How do you get a trade-in offer and pre-approval before you visit?

You can get a trade-in offer online before you visit, and no appointment is needed to bring in a trade or sell a vehicle. Pre-approval also starts online. Shoppers can get pre-approved for a car loan online.

Our online credit application covers a loan or a lease, has two steps, and takes minutes to complete. Bring that approval to the desk so the financing talk starts from a number you already have.

What should you ask for before you sign for a Kona?

Ask for the out-the-door price, every fee and any add-ons in writing, and the financing rate before you agree to anything. Texas sets no hard dollar cap on a documentary fee. A fee above $225 requires the seller to file a notice and a cost analysis with the Office of Consumer Credit Commissioner.

The contract must also carry a notice in capital letters: “A DOCUMENTARY FEE IS NOT AN OFFICIAL FEE. A DOCUMENTARY FEE IS NOT REQUIRED BY LAW, BUT MAY BE CHARGED TO BUYERS FOR HANDLING DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE SALE. A DOCUMENTARY FEE MAY NOT EXCEED A REASONABLE AMOUNT AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES. THIS NOTICE IS REQUIRED BY LAW.” (Texas Finance Code, Section 348.006).

In our count of one- and two-star Google reviews of eight rival dealers, 39 of 240 complain about pricing, hidden fees, add-ons or a charge not agreed to. In a July 2026 Google review, Daniel R. wrote: “Ron made our car-buying experience a great one. He was patient, knowledgeable, and thorough throughout the entire process, taking the time to answer all of our questions without ever making us feel rushed. He genuinely went out of his way to make sure we were completely satisfied with our purchase. What really stood out was his commitment after the sale. After we got home, we noticed a few issues and reached out to him. Ron responded promptly, addressed our concerns, and made sure everything was taken care of. That level of customer service is rare and made us feel confident that he truly cared about our experience, not just making a sale. If you’re looking for someone who is honest, professional, and puts the customer first, I highly recommend asking for Ron.”

What should you bring to the dealership and what comes after you buy?

Bring a government-issued photo ID. Texas requires one on every title application: “All title applications must include one of the government-issued photo IDs listed in Box 15” (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Form 130-U, 2022).

Our store is at 10301 Southwest Freeway, Houston, TX 77074. The TxDMV’s buyer FAQ lists the documents for a county tax office title and registration application, including proof of current insurance (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Buying a Vehicle FAQs). In a February 2026 Google review, Mark C. wrote: “The experience I had at this location was none other than professional, quick and informative. Gave great feedback with follow up’s and updates throughout waiting for my vehicle to be serviced and inspected.”

FAQ

What does Hyundai’s new-vehicle warranty cover on a Kona?

The Kona carries a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 7-year/unlimited-mile corrosion warranty, according to Hyundai’s published 2026 specifications. These figures apply to the whole Kona line, not to one trim.

How much cargo space and seating does the Kona have?

Every 2026 Kona trim seats five. Legroom is 41.7 inches in row one and 38.2 inches in row two. Cargo space is 25.5 cubic feet behind row two, and max cargo is 63.7 cubic feet.

What are the Kona’s EPA fuel economy ratings?

The FWD Kona is rated 28 city, 35 highway and 31 combined. The FWD SX2 1.6T 8AT is rated 26 city, 31 highway and 28 combined (EPA, 2026).

How do you estimate a Kona monthly payment before you visit?

Our payment calculator lets you enter a trade-in offer amount. Start with your out-the-door total, which is the trim price plus Texas tax and fees, and enter it along with your trade-in offer.

How does the Kona compare with the Venue and Tucson on size and price?

The Kona sits between the Venue and the Tucson on both price and size. The Venue SE starts at $20,550 with 31.9 cubic feet of max cargo. The Tucson SE starts at $29,700 with 80.3 cubic feet of max cargo, or 74.8 by SAE measure (according to Hyundai’s published 2026 specifications).

What do you need to buy a car in Texas?

You need a government-issued photo ID and proof of current insurance, and it helps to settle how you will pay before you shop. Texas requires a government-issued photo ID on every title application (Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Form 130-U). The TxDMV’s buyer FAQ lists proof of current insurance among the documents for a county tax office title and registration application. On top of that, you can get pre-approved online and get a trade-in offer before you visit, so you arrive at Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston, 10301 Southwest Freeway, with your payment and trade numbers already in hand.

Why shop for a Hyundai Kona at Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston?

We have 4.3 stars across 6,022 Google reviews, and 77 in 100 of them are five-star (Google, 2026). In a June 2026 Google review, Frank P. wrote: “Excellent place, I recommend it 100%. Look for Gerardo, he’s the best.” In a July 2026 Google review, Elitecoreninja O. wrote: “Walked in looking to buy a new car, and Gerardo Leal was super helpful, and patient, Finance and negotiating was super easy, would highly recommend this dealership!!!”

The same-brand dealers a Houston buyer compares, with Google ratings and review counts from September 2026:

Start with the Kona inventory at Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston, then bring your pre-approval and trade-in offer to 10301 Southwest Freeway in Houston.

Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston answers this question against the specific vehicle in front of you rather than the model in general. Value your trade and get pre-approved online, then see us at our Houston showroom, or call (713) 981-4400.

Disclaimer: Vehicle features, specifications, pricing, options, and availability may vary based on production timelines and dealership inventory; images are for illustrative purposes only. Starting MSRP figures are national and exclude destination freight charges, tax, title, license, and dealer fees. Standard and available equipment varies by trim, configuration, and model year; confirm the specification of the individual vehicle before purchase. Maximum towing and payload ratings depend on cab, bed, drivetrain, and equipment configuration; see the vehicle’s Owner’s Manual and trailering guide for limits. Electric range and charging times vary with battery, configuration, temperature, terrain, load, and driving habits. Safety or driver assistance features are no substitute for the driver’s responsibility to operate the vehicle in a safe manner. Financing and pre-approval are subject to credit approval. Contact Group 1 Hyundai Southwest Houston for complete details regarding current vehicle inventory, pricing, and equipment.