Hyundai Kona Electric Review Long Range and Value for Money

Hyundai Kona Electric review

There's loads of head and leg room in the back too. A six-footer with long legs will have no trouble sitting behind an equally tall front-seat passenger.

That means rear-seat passengers will be able to stretch out more than in a Jeep Avenger or Peugeot e-2008. Even middle-seat occupants get impressive shoulder room, and the floor is flat, so they get just as much foot space as people either side of them.

As with many of the Konas rivals, theres not much space for feet under the front seat. To boost comfort, the backrest can tilt back by a few degrees, plus theres a centre armrest.

All versions get versatile 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats, allowing you to slide longer items through from the boot while still having two outer rear seats. Thats better than youll find in an Avenger, an e-2008 and a Smart #1.

The boot is a handy size and shape, with easy access through the broad opening. With an overall capacity of 466 litres, it absolutely trounces the Avenger (380 litres), the e-2008 (434 litres) and the #1s 273 litres, but isnt quite as big as a Niro EV (475 litres). We managed to squeeze in six carry-on suitcases, compared with five in the e-2008 and three in the #1.

Practicality overview

Strengths Generous space for occupants; big boot; height-adjustable boot floor is standard; additional storage area under the bonnet

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric

Overview

The newest iteration of the Hyundai Kona Electric is meant to turn heads. And it will. Beginning its second generation as a more cyborg-inspired fully-electric crossover, the new Kona Electric's design makes the last five years of the Kona look like a total yawn. The 2024 Kona has grown in length, width, and wheelbase resulting in more space, room for a larger battery, and a smoother ride. The maximum driving range is up too, though only barely, to an estimated 260 miles. The Kona Electric is front-wheel drive only and the two battery packs offered, differ in output by 133- and 201 horsepower. The gas-powered Kona, reviewed separately, also gets a complete overhaul for 2024.

What's New for 2024?

The 2024 model marks the beginning of an all-new generation of the Hyundai Kona Electric. It's longer, wider, and uses a longer wheelbase to maximize its utility. A fresh new look makes the 2024 Kona Electric unmistakably different from the outgoing model. With wide-spanning LED headlights and taillights, the theme for the new Kona is pixels.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The SEL trim offers a variety of standard equipment that the base SE misses out on. Its heated front seats are an important feature for areas that experience low temperatures but are not necessary everywhere. All three trim levels are equipped with the same battery pack and the same permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

All Kona Electrics are front-wheel drive and powered by a single electric motor. The entry-level offering makes 133 horsepower but a more powerful 201-hp version is available too. We had a chance to briefly test drive the more powerful of the two in Europe. Acceleration felt perky the Kona Electric lacks the neck-snapping satisfaction we've come to expect from other EVs. Handling is competent but the Kona's clearly been tuned with comfort in mind, and the quiet operation of the electric powertrain and the isolated cabin make it an easy-going commuter. When we tested the previous-generation Kona Electric, we recorded a 60 mph time of 6.4 seconds. Although this new version is slightly more powerful, we estimate it will ultimately prove slightly pokier. When we get a chance, we'll take the new one to our test track and update this story with test results and more driving impressions.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

The Kona Electric offers two different battery packs. The base Kona Electric uses a 48.6-kWh unit with an estimated range of about 200 miles. A larger 64.8-kWh battery is available and bumps the estimated driving range to about 260 miles. Hyundai claims that the Kona Electric can recharge its battery pack from 10 percent to 80 percent in 43 minutes during DC charging.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

The Kona Electric earned EPA fuel economy estimates of 129 MPGe city and 103 MPGe highway. When we get a chance, we'll take the Kona Electric on our 75-mph highway fuel economy test and update this story with real-world test results. For more information about the Kona Electric's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The new Kona Electric receives a massive improvement in fit and finish for the new generation. To elevate the subcompact EV from an eco-friendly-feeling box, Hyundai opens up the interior space with a floating horizontal center pad to remove some of the division between front passenger seats. Ambient lighting also brings a little bit of moodiness and personalization to the cabin that helps illuminate the new Kona's fresh cockpit design. Unlike other EVs, the Kona Electric offers only a small front trunk suitable for storing the SUV's portable charging cables. Luckily, there's a much larger cargo area behind the rear seats.

Infotainment and Connectivity

To stay competitive in the pixel wars, the new Kona Electric is outfitted with two 12.3-inch displays to handle vehicle info and infotainment. This new seamless unit replaces the previous generation's standard 8.0-inch touchscreen and is larger than the available 10.3-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will likely be standard equipment.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Hyundai hasn't officially released all of the Kona Electric's standard and optional features, but we suspect it will come with the same suite of driver-assistance features as the gasoline-powered Kona. That package of features includes automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, but other tech such as a driver-monitoring system and a self-parking feature are also available. For more information about the Kona Electric's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai's warranty coverage is legendary at this point, and the Kona EV benefits further from a three-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan. Like other EVs, the Kona Electric has no oil, oil filter, or spark plugs to change, so the complimentary scheduled maintenance includes tire rotation, cabin air-filter changes, and a variety of different system inspections.

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Battery warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle Type: front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE (C/D EST)Base: $35,000

POWERTRAINMotor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 133 or 201 hp, 188 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 48.6 or 64.8 kWhOnboard Charger: 10.8 kWPeak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 100 kWTransmission: direct-drive

DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 104.7 inLength: 171.5 inWidth: 71.9 in Height: 62.0 inPassenger Volume, F/R: 5255/45 ft³ Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 64/26 ft³ Curb Weight (C/D est): 35003700 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 6.78.6 sec100 mph: 17.619.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 15.217.1 secTop Speed: 101107 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)Combined/City/Highway: 113122/126136/101108 MPGeRange: 197260 mi

More Features and Specs

2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

Overview

The Kona Electric is a pleasant and efficient little crossover that subscribes to the idea that electric vehicles should be just like gas carsbut powered by electrons instead of petroleum. It encompasses everything we appreciate about the funky, gas-powered Kona, but replaces that models fossil-fuel-burning four-cylinder engine with a lithium-ion battery pack and a permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor. The resulting power output and estimated driving rangea crucial factor for most shoppers who are trying to determine which EV is right for themare reasonable enough, as is the electrified Konas price tag. Its obedient on-road manners, feature-rich interior, industry-leading warranty coverage, and convenient complimentary maintenance package still hold up reasonably well against its small-EV competition.

What's New for 2023?

The 2023 Kona Electric carries over from the 2022 model year with only minor changes. What was previously referred to as the SEL trim becomes the SE, and the SEL Convenience Package model becomes the SEL trim. The Limited remains the range-topper. Heated front seats with eight-way power adjustability and lumbar support for the driver become standard along with a rear USB port and auto up-down power front windows. The 10.3-inch display with built-in navigation is now standard on both SEL and Limited models, rather than just the latter.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We'd recommend the SEL trim, which now includes features from the Convenience package as standard equipment including a sunroof, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, and heated front seats. Also standard are heated front seats with an eight-way power function and lumbar support for the driver seat, a rear USB port, and auto up-and-down windows for the front doors. All three trim levels are equipped with the same battery pack and the same permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

A 201-hp electric motor drives the front wheels (all-wheel drive isn't offered) and is powered by a 64.0-kWh battery pack. At our test track, the Kona Electric hauled itself from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, 0.2 second quicker than the regular Kona. As with the regular Kona, the electric version offers sprightly driving dynamics, which makes it fun to scamper along a twisty two-lane. It doesn't offer sports-car-level thrills, but for a subcompact SUV it's engaging to drive. It also cruises smoothly at highway speeds and feels substantial and planted thanks to the heavy battery mounted in the floor and its resulting low center of gravity.

Range, Charging, and Battery Life

Aggressive regenerative braking allows for one-pedal driving and helps extend the driving range to a claimed 258 milesone mile less than the Bolt EV. Pulling the paddles behind the steering wheel allows the driver to adjust the level of regen; we prefer the most aggressive setting. The Kona Electric can be charged on a 110-volt household outlet, but we wouldn't recommend that on a day-to-day basis; a 240-volt outlet is best for home charging, and the Kona Electric can also be charged at a DC fast-charging station.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Kona Electric has earned a combined rating of 120 MPGe from the EPA. In our real-world highway fuel-economy testing, though, we recorded just 86 MPGe and 160 miles of driving range. However, this test was conducted on a 2019 model in December in our home state of Michigan, where temperatures can frequently register below freezing in the winter. Low temps tend to pull the range of many EVs down significantly. For example, we also tested a Bolt EV in similarly frigid weather and it delivered 140 miles of driving rangefar below its EPA-rated number of 238 miles. For more information about the Kona Electric's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Kona Electric's cabin is much the same as the one found inside its gas-powered counterpart: It's made from quality materials, is comfortable, and rich with features. The rear seat and cargo area are tight, even by subcompact-crossover standards, but since the Kona was designed from the outset to accommodate a battery pack, there's no less room inside the Electric than the standard model. The cargo area is identical to the regular Kona, too; we fit five carry-on suitcases inside with the rear seats in place and a total of 15 with the seats folded.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All models come with a touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, as well as a 10.3-inch reconfigurable digital gauge display; base SE models come with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while upgrading to the SEL or Limited adds a 10.3-inch display with navigation. A six-speaker audio system is standard on base SE and SEL models, while the Limited model comes with an eight-speaker Infinity audio system that sounds much richer.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Blind-spot monitoring and automated emergency braking are standard across the range, but adaptive cruise control is only offered on the top-spec Limited model. For information about the Kona Electric's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning
• Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
• Available adaptive cruise control and pedestrian detection

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai's warranty coverage is legendary at this point, and the Kona EV benefits further from a three-year/36,000-mile complimentary scheduled maintenance plan. Like other EVs, the Kona Electric has no oil, oil filter, or spark plugs to change, so the complimentary scheduled maintenance includes tire rotation, cabin air-filter changes, and a variety of different system inspections. Rival EVs such as the Bolt EV or the Model 3 can't touch the standard warranty that backs the Kona Electric. The Kia Niro EV offers similar warranty coverage but no complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Battery warranty covers 10 years or 100,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for three years or 36,000 miles

Specifications

SPECIFICATIONS

2019 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC

VEHICLE TYPE: front-motor, front-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback

BASE PRICE: $37,495

MOTOR TYPE: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 201 hp, 290 lb-ft; 64.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack

TRANSMISSION: 1-speed direct drive

CHASSISSuspension (F/R): struts/multilinkBrakes (F/R): 12.0-in vented disc/11.8-in discTires: Nexen N'Priz AH8, 215/55R-17 94V M+S

DIMENSIONSWheelbase: 102.4 in Length: 164.6 in Width: 70.9 in Height: 61.2 in Passenger volume: 93 cu ft Cargo volume: 19 cu ft Curb weight: 3767 lb

C/D TEST RESULTSZero to 60 mph: 6.4 secZero to 100 mph: 17.6 secRolling start, 560 mph: 6.4 secTop gear, 3050 mph: 2.3 secTop gear, 5070 mph: 3.5 secStanding -mile: 15.0 sec @ 94 mphTop speed (governor limited, C/D est): 110 mphBraking, 700 mph: 173 ft

C/D FUEL ECONOMYObserved: 88 MPGe75-mph highway driving: 86 MPGeHighway range: 160 miles

EPA FUEL ECONOMYCombined/city/highway: 120/132/108 MPGeRange: 258 miles

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More Features and Specs