Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range

Overview

The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric "Standard Range" was a zippy little electric SUV, though primarily offered in Europe and now discontinued. Think of it as the entry-ticket to Hyundai's EV party back then. While this specific 39.2 kWh version didn't officially hit US showrooms, where a larger battery model took the spotlight, it showcased Hyundai's early commitment to practical, affordable electric motoring. Its compact size and efficient powertrain made it a compelling city runabout. US pricing for this particular trim remains speculative due to its market focus.

What's New for 2019?

For 2019, the big news was the Kona Electric itself, bursting onto the scene as Hyundai’s first all-electric subcompact SUV. This "Standard Range" variant, with its focus on accessibility, would have been part of that initial global rollout. While US buyers mainly saw the longer-range model, 2019 marked the Kona EV's electrifying debut, bringing fresh styling, a dedicated EV platform’s benefits like a flat floor, and Hyundai's latest tech to the burgeoning small electric crossover segment. It was a bold statement in a rapidly evolving market.

Design & Exterior

The 2019 Kona Electric Standard Range rocked a funky, futuristic look that still turns heads! It's a compact SUV measuring 164.6 inches long, 70.9 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 61.8 inches tall. You got those cool split headlights, a unique closed-off grille signaling its electric heart, and rugged plastic cladding giving it an adventurous vibe. While other trims might have flashier wheels or accents, this version kept the distinctive Kona charm, making it a stylish alternative to bland-boxes on the road. It definitely wasn't shy!

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the 2019 Kona Electric Standard Range offered a surprisingly practical and modern cabin for five. Material quality was decent for its class, with a focus on functionality. You got a respectable 19.2 cubic feet of trunk space, expanding to a handy 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats flopped down – pretty good for a little guy! No frunk here, though, according to the specs. Infotainment typically featured a responsive touchscreen (likely 7 or 8-inch) with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keeping you connected on the go.

Performance & Driving Experience

This Kona Standard Range might not be a drag race champ, but its 100 kW (around 134 hp) Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) delivered a punchy 291 lb-ft of torque right from a standstill! That meant a 0-60 mph sprint in a respectable 9.3 seconds with its front-wheel-drive setup. It felt nippy around town, perfect for darting through traffic. The ride was generally comfortable, and selectable regenerative braking modes helped you squeeze out extra miles. It was more about smooth, efficient cruising than outright thrills.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Standard Range packed a 39.2 kWh (usable) battery, giving a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of around 153 miles – solid for daily duties. Efficiency was a strong suit at about 3.9 mi/kWh. For charging, its standard 7.2 kW on-board AC charger could top it up fully in roughly 5.5 hours. On the road, it supported DC fast charging up to 44 kW. For the US market, this vehicle would have utilized a CCS Type 1 charge port for DC fast charging compatibility.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

The Kona platform generally scored well in safety, with this version earning a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. While US NHTSA ratings for this specific EU-focused trim aren't directly applicable, the broader Kona family performed commendably. For a 2019 model, you could expect Hyundai's SmartSense suite, potentially including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning as standard or available. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were likely found on higher trims or as options, but core safety was a Hyundai priority.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai's warranty coverage back in 2019 was a big selling point! For its EVs in the US, this typically meant a 5-year/60,000-mile basic limited warranty and an impressive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for the electric powertrain components, including the battery pack, often covering degradation to a certain percentage. Complimentary maintenance for a period (e.g., 3 years/36,000 miles) was also common. EVs generally mean less maintenance – no oil changes here, just smooth, quiet electric motoring! Reliability for Hyundai EVs has generally been good.