Hyundai Kona Electric Long Range

Overview

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric "Long Range" was a cracking little electric SUV, offering a zesty driving experience and solid real-world range without breaking the bank, especially now on the used market with an estimated price around $11,499. It packed a punch with its instant torque, making it a fun companion for city sprints and daily commutes. Its distinctive looks helped it stand out, and for a compact crossover, it brought a decent amount of practicality to the EV party, making it a strong contender for first-time EV buyers or those wanting an efficient second car.

What's New for 2021?

For the 2021 model year, the Kona Electric "Long Range" pretty much stuck to its winning formula, rolling over largely unchanged from the previous year. Hyundai didn't introduce any major styling updates or significant powertrain tweaks for this iteration; those were saved for the 2022 refresh. So, if you're eyeing a 2021 model, you're getting a machine that was already well-sorted, offering the same peppy performance and feature set that made waves when it first launched. It was a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" for this model year.

Design & Exterior

The 2021 Kona Electric "Long Range" boasts a funky, futuristic design that certainly turns heads. Up front, it sports a unique closed-off grille with an embossed pattern and a neatly integrated charge port, flanked by sleek LED Daytime Running Lights sitting above the main headlamp clusters. It’s got that distinctive compact SUV stance, measuring 164.6 inches in length, 70.9 inches in width (excluding mirrors), and 61.8 inches in height. Riding on 17-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels, its bold plastic cladding adds a touch of ruggedness to its urban-chic appeal.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 2021 Kona Electric "Long Range" offers a functional and modern cabin. While some plastics are on the harder side, the layout is driver-focused with a bridge-style center console. Passenger space is decent up front, though the rear can be a tad snug for taller adults. Tech-wise, it typically came with at least a 7-inch or often an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, rocking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Cargo capacity is practical, offering 19.2 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. No frunk here, though!

Performance & Driving Experience

The Kona Electric "Long Range" is surprisingly sprightly! Its front-wheel-drive setup is powered by a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) dishing out 150 kW and a healthy 291 lb-ft of torque. This translates to a 0-60 mph sprint in a respectable 7.6 seconds, making it feel quick off the line. The driving experience is engaging, with nimble handling ideal for city driving, though the ride can be a bit firm. Adjustable regenerative braking allows for efficient driving, and strong regen modes can enable one-pedal style driving which is great in traffic.

Range, Battery & Charging

The heart of the 2021 Kona Electric "Long Range" is its 64 kWh (usable) battery pack, delivering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range estimate of around 250 miles – pretty impressive for its class! It boasts an efficiency of approximately 3.91 mi/kWh. For charging, the standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger can top it up overnight in about 9.5 hours. When you need a quicker boost, it supports DC fast charging via its CCS Type 1 port at speeds up to 77 kW, taking it from 10-80% in under an hour.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Hyundai packed the 2021 Kona Electric with a good suite of safety gear. While specific EV ratings can vary, the gasoline 2021 Kona earned a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, reflecting a strong underlying structure. Standard SmartSense features typically included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. Higher trims like the Limited and Ultimate added goodies like Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, and Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go for more relaxed highway cruising.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai’s warranty for the 2021 Kona Electric "Long Range" was a big selling point. Owners got a 5-year/60,000-mile basic vehicle warranty and an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, which crucially covered the electric motor and battery pack, often with a 70% capacity guarantee for the battery over that period. Adding to the appeal, Hyundai also threw in complimentary maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles. Reliability for the Kona Electric has generally been reported as solid, offering good peace of mind for US buyers.