Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai Kona the right choice for winter driving around Hastings, NE?

Sep 17, 2025

Hyundai of Grand Island – Is HTRAC All Wheel Drive on the 2026 Hyundai Kona the right choice for winter driving around Hastings, NE?

Choosing the right drivetrain matters when your daily life includes early-morning commutes, unpredictable weather, and weekend detours onto gravel or unpaved lots. For many shoppers comparing compact SUVs, the question isn’t just “Can I get all-wheel drive?”—it’s “Will this AWD system help me feel confident in the conditions I actually face?” On the Kona, available HTRAC All Wheel Drive was engineered to do exactly that, optimizing power delivery to help improve traction and stability when surfaces get slick, rutted, or uneven.

Here’s how that translates into everyday benefits. When rain or snow moves in, HTRAC can help the Kona feel more planted, assisting grip at start-up and when cornering. On loose surfaces—think gravel access roads to parks or lakes—HTRAC works in the background to help the vehicle track straighter and maintain calm, consistent progress. It’s meant to feel seamless and predictable, enhancing the Kona’s nimble character rather than overpowering it. Pair HTRAC with winter-ready tires when temperatures drop, and you’ll elevate both control and braking performance in cold, slushy conditions.

Safety and awareness complement traction. Hyundai SmartSense brings standard technologies like 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), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), and Smart Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go. On Limited, you can add premium assists like Surround View Monitor (SVM), Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Parking Distance Warning (PDW) with Contour warning, Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA), and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist — Reverse/Forward/Side (PCA-R/F/S). These systems help you stay composed when visibility is reduced and traffic is unpredictable.

Technology also helps in winter. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ simplify navigation and communication without cords cluttering the cabin. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with available navigation and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster make critical information obvious at a glance, while available heated front seats, heated steering wheel, and rear air vents keep everyone comfortable as temperatures drop. With the available Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch, you can turn your compatible smartphone into your key—particularly helpful when you want to keep gloves on and get going quickly.

Thinking beyond winter, HTRAC remains valuable year-round. Afternoon storms in spring, muddy shoulders after a summer downpour, or leaves and frost in the fall—each scenario benefits from the added confidence that all-wheel drive brings. Because the Kona is a small SUV, it’s still easy to park and navigate downtown areas or crowded lots. And with available features like a hands-free smart liftgate with auto open, roof side rails, and flexible 60/40 split second-row seats with recline, cargo and passengers fit smoothly into your schedule.

If you’re weighing AWD for peace of mind, look at the whole package. The available 190-hp 1.6L turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder with an 8-speed automatic provides confident merging and passing, while available Bose® Premium Audio, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and Bluelink+ round out the daily experience with sound, connectivity, and convenient remote features. Together, they make the Kona a compelling choice for those who want more than just traction—they want an SUV that’s equally smart, comfortable, and capable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does HTRAC All Wheel Drive make a difference on slush or packed snow?

HTRAC can help the Kona feel more composed on low-traction surfaces, assisting acceleration and stabilizing the vehicle’s path in turns. For best results in sustained winter conditions, pair HTRAC with quality winter tires.

Will AWD affect daily driving comfort or efficiency in dry weather?

HTRAC is designed to work seamlessly in the background, preserving the Kona’s easygoing, nimble feel on clear roads. You’ll notice confidence when you need it—and near-invisible operation when you don’t.

Can I add traction aids without upgrading to AWD?

Winter-rated tires substantially increase cold-weather traction and braking. Even with front-wheel drive, proper tires can boost confidence; combining them with HTRAC offers the most comprehensive benefit.

When you are ready to compare drivetrains and trims, our team can help you test key features like HDA on the highway, the digital cockpit at night, and parking technologies in a safe lot. We’ll walk through real-world routes and answer questions about maintenance, tires, and long-term ownership. Hyundai of Grand Island, serving Hastings, St. Paul, and Central City, is here to make your decision straightforward and tailored to your daily life with the support and product knowledge you expect.