Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range

Overview

The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range was the entry-level ticket to Hyundai's quirky and popular compact electric SUV lineup. Positioned as a value-conscious choice, it offered a practical package for city commuting and daily driving. While this specific "Standard Range" configuration saw its production end in 2023 and was primarily aimed at markets like Europe, its key highlight was balancing usable range with an accessible electric experience. US pricing for this specific discontinued trim is not available. It’s a no-fuss EV for those dipping their toes into electric waters, offering a solid, if basic, electric drive.

What's New for 2023?

For the 2023 model year, the first-generation Kona Electric, including this Standard Range trim, was largely a carryover as Hyundai prepared for an all-new second-generation model. This specific Standard Range configuration was in its final year of production in 2023. So, no major new gizmos or radical design tweaks for this version; it was more about offering a proven, albeit soon-to-be-replaced, package. Think of it as the farewell tour for this particular iteration of Hyundai's compact electric warrior before the next-gen model took the stage with fresh styling and tech.

Design & Exterior

The 2023 Kona Electric Standard Range sported the first generation's distinctive, love-it-or-hate-it styling, featuring a futuristic closed-off grille and signature split headlight design. It's a compact SUV that measures 165.6 inches long, 70.9 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 61.8 inches tall. This trim likely featured more modest wheel designs compared to its pricier siblings, emphasizing its practical nature. Its unique looks certainly helped it stand out in a crowded segment, offering a bit of funkiness in a small footprint perfect for city streets.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Inside, the Kona Electric Standard Range offered a functional and straightforward cabin for five. While materials leaned towards durable rather than plush, the layout was user-friendly. Tech-wise, expect a central touchscreen (likely 8-inch) with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a digital driver's display. Passenger space was decent upfront, though rear seats are best for shorter trips. Cargo is respectable for its class at 19.2 cubic feet in the trunk, expanding to a useful 45.8 cubic feet with seats folded. Unfortunately, there's no frunk for extra bits.

Performance & Driving Experience

Under the hood (well, sort of!), the Standard Range packed a single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) driving the front wheels, delivering 100 kW (around 134 hp) and a punchy 291 lb-ft of torque. This translated to a 0-60 mph sprint in a respectable 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 96 mph. It’s zippy enough for city driving and merging, offering that instant electric shove. The ride is generally comfortable, and its compact size makes it a nimble handler, with selectable regenerative braking modes to tailor the driving feel.

Range, Battery & Charging

The Kona Standard Range is equipped with a 39.2 kWh usable battery pack, offering a Green Cars Compare calculated real-world range of 161 miles – decent for daily duties. Efficiency is rated at a solid 4.11 mi/kWh. For charging, its 7.2 kW on-board AC charger can top up the battery in about 6 hours. DC fast charging peaks at a modest 44 kW, meaning a 10-80% charge might take around 50 minutes. The provided data indicates a CCS Type 2 port (common in Europe); US versions would typically feature a CCS Type 1 port.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

While NHTSA ratings for this specific trim are not available from the provided data, the Kona platform generally performed well, and this version boasts a 5-star Euro NCAP rating. Hyundai typically includes a decent suite of SmartSense active safety features as standard. Expect essentials like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Driver Attention Warning. Higher-tier aids such as Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert might have been optional or reserved for other trims in this first-generation model, so check the specific vehicle’s equipment list.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Hyundai's warranty coverage is a strong selling point. Owners of the Kona Electric Standard Range would typically benefit from a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty. More impressively, the electric powertrain components, including the 39.2 kWh battery, are generally covered by a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, often with a degradation protection clause. Hyundai also frequently offered complimentary maintenance for the first few years (e.g., 3 years/36,000 miles), making early ownership relatively worry-free, especially with an EV’s reduced maintenance needs.