Although the Hyundai Kona Electric was the company’s first all-electric vehicle, it is rapidly becoming less and less relevant in both the automaker’s portfolio and the broader EV industry. Hyundai had intended for the 2018 gas-powered Kona subcompact vehicle to have room for a large battery from the outset. New for 2019, the Kona Electric provided an EV alternative that was unexpectedly capable without sacrificing the interior space of the gas-powered Kona. All eyes are now on Hyundai’s impressive array of ground-up electric vehicles, which exceeds the Kona Electric in every way since the Ioniq 5 was cancelled for 2022. In 2024, a wholly redesigned Kona Electric will debut. All that’s left is an antiquated, exorbitant holdover model.
Additionally, half of the nation cannot access it. The Kona Electric is only available in 26 states, whereas Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and upcoming Ioniq 6 are sold nationwide. It’s not a negative option because of the limitation, but in addition to limited inventory and supply difficulties, it may complicate the Kona Electric purchasing experience. Hyundai updated the car’s essential equipment for 2023 but left it unaltered from its modest 2022 redesign. The same powerplant is shared by three trims (renamed SE, SEL, and Limited), but there are differences in convenience, technology, and safety features. We look at the performance of the Kona N and the gas-powered Kona separately.
The Nissan Leaf SV Plus, Kia Niro EV, and Chevrolet Bolt EUV are the rival compact electric SUVs that the Kona Electric faces off against. It is incomparable to the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, and bigger brother Ioniq 5. The Kona Electric has several positive aspects. Its 64 kWh battery can take up to a 100 kW fast charge, approximately twice as much as the Bolt EUV and Leaf Plus can manage. Its EPA-estimated 258-mile range outpaces that of any rival in the class.
The Limited, equipped with floor mats and extra-cost white paint, was tested and priced at $43,495; the SE has a starting price of $34,885. Both Bolt EUVs are thousands less expensive. For the same price, the all-new 2023 Kia Niro EV is available. With a single front motor producing 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque, the Kona Electric’s performance easily outperforms the gasoline-powered Kona and is comparable to other small EVs. The brake regeneration settings enhance the athletic character and crisp handling.
In contrast to the fragmented, low-quality appearance of the gas versions, the inside is more luxurious than the standard Kona’s. A silver-painted, higher-mounted centre stack links to the centre armrest. Still, this is a vehicle for two people and a dog. The overall load capacity surpasses the Nissan Leaf’s, and the rear seat is too small for people.
At a combined 120 MPGe, the Kona Electric boasts the most fantastic range and the highest efficiency. When compared to comparable EVs, it consumes less energy each mile. Due to a recent government initiative to support American manufacturing, the foreign-made Kona Electric is no longer qualified for the $7,500 tax incentive. It’s too late to get the credit if you haven’t bought a Kona Electric. For the most excellent bargain, however, stay with the basic SE since it has many standard features.
Performance: Hyundai Kona Electric
The Kona Electric sports a 64 kWh battery and a single-front permanent-magnet synchronous motor. The automobile restricts the 291 pound-feet of torque produced by the powertrain during severe off-the-line acceleration until the narrow, low rolling-resistance tires acquire grip. We may overlook this behaviour since the starting price of a Tesla Model Y with all-wheel drive is more than $20,000 more than that of a Kona Electric. Like its contemporaries, it has 201 horsepower.
Like any other EV, the Kona Electric pulls softly and effortlessly once it gets going. Although it lacks Hyundai’s i-Pedal technology, which enables automated one-pedal driving, its brakes employ regenerative modes controlled by the left and right steering wheel paddles (you must hold the left paddle to slow the vehicle down entirely). Additionally, unlike the Ioniq 5, the Kona lacks radar sensors and adaptive brakes to pace the car ahead of it. The sensation of the brake pedal is soft.
A tight chassis and communicative steering provide excellent handling on rural roads. Because of the additional weight of the battery, it rides substantially better than the gas Kona, but at the limit, it also seems less responsive. This car’s limits are out of reach for most owners, but that’s a fair trade-off for a cosier, more accommodating suspension. Because of its weight, the Kona Electric seems more steady and comfortable on the highway than its gas-powered counterpart and road noise is comparatively muffled. Reaching 60 mph in 6.2 seconds is somewhat quicker than the gas-powered Kona.
Power Consumption, Charging, and Range:
The Kona Electric has a 258-mile maximum range, although that decreases in colder climates. Before embarking on a 105-mile interstate journey in temperatures between 30 and 40 degrees, our vehicle said it would go an estimated 229 miles on a full charge. The vehicle’s range was just 8% less than comparable EVs, such as the Bolt EUV (247) and Leaf Plus (226). However, when you crank up the air conditioning, the Kona Electric’s miles vanish before your own eyes, just as with any other EV, particularly one with a fully electric cabin heater rather than a heat pump.
According to Hyundai, the Kona Electric’s internal 7.2-kW charger can fully recharge its battery in less than nine hours, from 10% to 100%. The business forecasts 47 minutes for a DC fast-charger from 10% to 80%. We didn’t get much more than 50 kW on an EVGo charger rated up to 200 kW on a cold day in the mid-40s (the absolute max for the Kona Electric is around 75 kW). The battery’s temperature, charge state, and capacity affect the actual charging rate (two of the four stations were not operational at the time). Though the new Niro EV has an excellent charging time of 85 kW, charging times are still better than the maximum 55 kW of the Bolt EUV and the Leaf Plus.
Yet, the Kona’s economy is commendable, particularly considering its combined ratings of 120 MPGe, 106 MPGe on the highway, and 134 MPGe in the city. This beats out every vehicle in the competitive class, including the Niro EV (113 MPGe overall). In addition, it uses the least amount of energy—just 27 kWh/100 kilometres.
Driver assistance and safety:
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have not evaluated the Kona Electric, in contrast to the gas-powered Kona. Because the Electric is between 700 and 900 pounds heavier, the two versions are not comparable depending on the equipment. Hyundai’s supplier, LG Chem, was involved in a battery fire recall for earlier 2019 and 2020 models because the company mismanufactured the cells at its facilities in China and South Korea.
There are no knee airbags on the Kona Electric. However, there are many driver-aid features. Lane-keep assistance, forward emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic warning are standard features. Higher trim levels come with Highway Driving Assist. This semi-automated technology works effectively on designated highways but lacks the automatic lane change functionality seen in other Hyundai and Kia cars. Additionally, standards are safe exit alerts and a driver attentiveness monitor. The top Limited trim level has automatic high lights and adaptive cruise control.
Coziness & Space:
The Kona Electric is a good option for commuting inside the city for two individuals. Driving and parking this automobile is a breeze. It’s also relatively straightforward from the driver’s seat. Although the chairs are excellent, you won’t be able to stay comfy for more than a few hours before you need to stop and refuel. Auto-down/up front windows, heated front seats, and an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support are now standard.
With just 33.4 inches of legroom, passengers in the rear will have to snuggle in more tightly. That is somewhat less than the Bolt EUV’s 39.2 inches and the Kia Niro EV’s 36.9 inches but roughly equal to the Leaf Plus’ 33.5 inches. It is more comparable with rivals up front.
Infotainment: Hyundai Kona Electric
On the SEL and Limited models, Hyundai has added a rear USB port as standard and enabled wireless updates for the navigation system. The SE comes standard with an 8.0-inch touchscreen, while the Limited (and now the SEL) features a 10.25-inch touchscreen with a split display that always displays alternate information in the far right corner of the screen and makes it much simpler to choose sub-menus.
Oddly, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are only available with the cheapest infotainment system. Only USB cords are compatible with the bigger screen. Hyundai’s UI is fast, but at first sight, it’s difficult to tell what each of the icons on the home screens represents because of how similar they are in form and colour. An EV app provides the current estimated charging time and the energy used to power the accessories in your car.
Standard equipment includes a 10.25-inch digital instrument screen with vibrant visuals that change when the driving mode is changed. It’s a straightforward design whose usefulness we hope the primary touchscreen would emulate. SEL and Limited models include wireless charging and an Android device-saveable smart key. The Limited is equipped with Harman Kardon audio, rain-sensing wipers, and cooled front seats as standard.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Perhaps because it often seems more like a tall hatchback, the Kona Electric is the smallest of the compact electric SUVs. It has a shallower rear seat than the Niro EV (20.9) and Leaf Plus (23.6) at 19.2 cubic feet. When the seats are folded, it is not as good as the Bolt EUV (16.3). At 45.8 cubic feet with all seats folded, the Kona Electric falls short of the Bolt EUV (56.9) and the Niro EV (63.7). Leaf’s previous version is limited to 30 cubes. If there is a benefit, the Kona Electric’s big battery doesn’t affect its ability to carry the same amount of stuff as the gas version.
The cabin has door pockets, a glovebox, and a centre console storage bin, but none is roomy or creative.
Design: Hyundai Kona Electric
The Kona Electric has a dynamic flare as an SUV and looks well as a short city vehicle. It parades as a crossover and has a generally appealing stance for a short-wheelbase hatchback. It also sports slim LED running lights. The fenders are shaped intriguingly, with clean lines flowing into the tailgate and the taillights. But you won’t want to return after comparing the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5. When comparing the existing Kona Electric to the expected Kona Electric of 2024, it becomes evident again how much the latter’s design refinement and modernity are lacking. It was smoothed out with a 2022 update, but the subsequent overhaul is still necessary.
This car’s look and interior will seem dated very soon. However, we give Hyundai credit for rapidly updating its array of items. The issue is that it produces high-quality goods, which makes cars like the Kona Electric less appealing.
Is the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Worth it?
The 2023 Kona Electric has a starting price of $33,550 plus a destination fee of $1,335 for the SE model. The SEL costs $38,635 with the charge, while the Limited tops out at $42,885. Other than a few dealer extras like floor mats, no option packages or stand-alone features are available for purchase. The only $400 factory option is the Lunar White colour.
The 2023 Kia Niro EV Wind costs $40,875, whereas the sole equivalent grade, the 2023 Nissan Leaf SV Plus, costs $37,135. The Chevrolet Bolt EUV, on the other hand, outsells all other vehicles in terms of pricing; in 2023, it fell to $28,795 before incentives. Better yet, the Niro EV is a brand-new vehicle. In addition, Hyundai’s new Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 EVs have starting prices in the low 40s, similar to the Kona Electric Limited. Those two vehicles have much more style, are more enjoyable to drive, and have more sophisticated batteries with longer ranges and noticeably quicker charging periods.
However, if we were set on choosing a Kona Electric, we would not go from a basic SE with no upgrades. If there is more than that, you need to consider Hyundai’s more recent and superior EVs (or hold off until the upcoming Kona Electric, which ought to be even more remarkable than this model).
How Much Does the Hyundai Kona Electric 2023 Insurance Cost?
In its comparison context, the Kona Electric is not an expensive vehicle to insure. An average yearly premium for a 30-year-old female driver with a spotless record is around $1,900, although this figure applies to all 50 states. This is in contrast to the standard Kia Niro EV ($2,056), Nissan Leaf SV Plus ($2,164), and Chevy Bolt EUV ($2,075).
Hyundai Kona Electric Generations
First Generation
2019 to Present
The first-generation Hyundai Kona Electric made its debut as a 2019 model in 2018, not too long after Hyundai unveiled the standard gas-powered Kona under a brand-new moniker. Before an anticipated makeover in 2024, it had a minor update in 2022.
Verdict
Although it is ageing more quickly than Hyundai’s flashy and swift EVs, such as the Ioniq 5, the 2023 Kona Electric remains the most efficient subcompact SUV on the electric market. It is more expensive and has less room than competitors; the highest trims start at more than $40,000. In addition, a brand-new model for 2024 is planned. However, it’s simple to enjoy as is because of its 258-mile range and 120 MPGe economy before the upgrades. Along with Kona N’s and gasoline-powered Kona’s performance, which were both updated last year, it provides an affordable all-electric choice, particularly on the sporty base.
