Outsider Reviews

Testing the 2026 Hyundai Kona AWD: Is the Torque Vectoring Actually Good?

How does the 2026 Hyundai Kona N Line AWD actually handle when the roads get slick? To find out, I took this 1.6L turbocharged crossover out onto some challenging snow and ice-covered roads for a dedicated winter driving and handling test. In this real-world winter review, we are hyper-focusing on the Hyundai HTRAC all-wheel-drive system to see if it lives up to the hype. I cycle through the different drive settings—putting Normal, Sport, and the dedicated Snow mode to the test—to show you exactly how the computer alters power output and traction control on the fly to maximize grip. We also take a deep dive into the Kona's torque vectoring system. I'll show you just how quick and responsive it is when you need to make sudden maneuvers on ice. Plus, we discuss how the ultra-smooth suspension setup plays a massive, underrated role in keeping those tires planted on the ground for optimal traction. If you are cross-shopping winter-ready subcompact SUVs like the Subaru Crosstrek or the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, you need to see how the mechanical AWD system in the Kona performs before making a decision! Let me know in the comments: What is your current daily driver, and how does it handle the deep snow? 👇 #HyundaiKona #KonaNLine #WinterDriving #AWDTest #TorqueVectoring #2026HyundaiKona #SnowDrive #HTRAC #CarReview #SubcompactSUV #WinterTires #HyundaiCanada