Review: Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric wants to prove that affordable EVs don’t have to be boring — but does it deliver? With a refreshed design, improved range, and a price tag that undercuts rivals, this subcompact SUV could be the perfect city runabout. Does this electric crossover excel at city life, or does it fall short where it matters most?
Table of Contents
Pros and Cons
Advantages
- Competitive Range and Efficiency: Offers up to 261 miles of EPA-estimated range (454-514 km WLTP) with the larger battery, which is competitive for its class.
- Improved Interior Space and Practicality: The redesigned model offers significantly more passenger room (especially rear legroom) and increased cargo capacity compared to the previous generation.
- Comfortable and Refined Ride: Delivers a smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride quality, prioritizing comfort over sporty handling.
- User-Friendly Controls: Features a well-designed dashboard that retains physical buttons and knobs for key functions like climate and audio, alongside modern digital displays.
- Compact and Maneuverable: Its smaller size makes it easy to navigate city streets and park in tight spaces.
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Capability: Allows the car's battery to power external electrical devices, adding versatility for activities like camping or during power outages.
Disadvantages
- Modest DC Fast-Charging Speed: Limited to a peak charging rate of around 100 kW due to its 400V architecture, resulting in longer charging stops on road trips compared to some rivals.
- Basic Interior Material Quality: Relies heavily on hard plastics in the cabin, which may not feel premium, especially considering the price of higher trims.
- Unremarkable Acceleration: While adequate for daily driving, the acceleration (0-60 mph in ~7.5s for higher trims) isn't as quick or exciting as many other electric vehicles.
- No All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Option: Available only in front-wheel drive (FWD), which could be a drawback for buyers needing enhanced traction in snowy or icy conditions.
- Modest Cargo Space: The boot space is decent for daily use but can be limiting for larger items or significant luggage compared to some rivals. Tiny ‘frunk’.
Let's Pick Your Perfect Hyundai Kona Electric
Get ready to meet the Hyundai Kona Electric — a super stylish and fun-to-drive compact electric SUV! It offers a fantastic blend of cool design and everyday usability, perfect for city commutes and weekend getaways alike.
The Kona Electric has evolved over the years, so let's break down the main versions to help you pick the best fit!
Generation 1 (Pre-Facelift: 2018 - 2021)
This is where the Kona Electric story began, making waves with its impressive range (for the time) in a compact form.
Kona Electric Standard Range
- Price in the US: Not sold
- Price in Europe: From €15,999 (used)
- Range: WLTP ~190 miles (305 km)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph (≈97 km/h) in ~9.5 seconds
The original Standard Range was a great entry point, especially for European buyers. Perfect for city driving and shorter commutes, it offered the distinctive Kona style and electric benefits at a more accessible price point. If you don't need massive range, it's a solid used buy in markets where it was sold.
Kona Electric Long Range
- Price in the US: From $11,499 (used)
- Price in Europe: From €19,250 (used)
- Range: EPA ~258 miles (415 km)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph (≈97 km/h) in ~7.6 seconds
This was the star of the show, especially in the US! Offering a class-leading range at launch, this version proved that compact EVs could handle longer journeys. It remains a very popular and highly-regarded used EV choice for its blend of range, performance, and value.
Generation 1 (Facelift: 2021 - 2023)
Hyundai gave the Kona Electric a fresh look and some tech updates, keeping it competitive.
Kona Electric Standard Range (Facelift)
- Price in the US: Not sold
- Price in Europe: From €20,995 (used)
- Range: WLTP ~190 miles (305 km)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph (≈97 km/h) in ~9.5 seconds
The facelifted Standard Range got the updated exterior design (smoother front end, new lights) and interior tweaks (like a larger optional screen). Performance and range specs remained largely the same, continuing its role as the efficient city-focused option in relevant markets.
Kona Electric Long Range (Facelift)
- Price in the US: Starting around $13,500 (used)
- Price in Europe: Starting around €22,900 (used)
- Range: EPA ~258 miles (415 km)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph (≈97 km/h) in ~7.6 seconds
Like its Standard Range sibling, the Long Range facelift benefited from the updated styling and interior tech options. The excellent range and strong performance carried over, making it still one of the most practical and desirable compact EVs on the used market during this period. It offered a great balance for those needing more distance.
Generation 2 (2023 - ...)
A complete redesign brought a futuristic look, significantly more interior space, and the latest Hyundai tech.
Kona Electric Standard Range
- Price in the US: From $32,675 (new), $20,798 (used)
- Price in Europe: From €42,640 (new), €32,989 (used)
- Range: EPA ~200 miles (322 km)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph (≈97 km/h) in ~8.5 seconds
The new entry-level Kona Electric gets a slightly larger battery than the old Standard Range, boosting its usability. It features the bold new design and a much roomier, tech-forward cabin. It’s positioned as the value choice within the new generation, ideal for urbanites who love the new style but have moderate range needs.
Kona Electric Long Range
- Price in the US: From $36,675 (new), $22,986 (used)
- Price in Europe: From €47,840 (new), €37,390 (used)
- Range: EPA ~261 miles (420 km)
- Acceleration: 0-60 mph (≈97 km/h) in ~7.5 seconds
This version pairs the generous new interior space and updated tech with a substantial range that's well-suited for longer journeys. It provides a more polished and roomy ride, making it the prime choice for those seeking the greatest flexibility from the new Kona Electric.
Verdict
- Budget-Focused/City Use: Look at used Gen 1 Standard Range (Europe) or Gen 1 Long Range (offers great value now). The Gen 2 Standard Range is the entry to the newest model.
- Best Range & Value (Used): The Gen 1 Long Range (both pre-facelift and facelift) is hard to beat on the used market for its range-per-dollar.
- Latest Tech & Space: You'll want the Gen 2 (2023+). Choose Standard Range for lower cost or Long Range for maximum range.
The Hyundai Kona Electric consistently delivers style and practicality. Consider your budget and typical driving distances, and take a test drive to see which generation and range option feels right for you! While Kona Electric stands out as a solid budget EV, it’s worth comparing it against the other choices on the market.
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