The future of driving is undoubtedly electric. But for many car buyers, EVs still seem too expensive, impractical, or unfamiliar compared to traditional gas-powered vehicles. The Hyundai Kona EV aims to change that perception. As one of the most affordable and accessible all-electric crossovers on the market, it offers an appealing balance of long range, zippy performance, quality interior, and high-tech features – all at a very reasonable price point.
After spending a week testing the Kona EV in a variety of driving situations, I came away highly impressed overall. While it may not have the flashy styling or brand recognition of a Tesla, the Kona proves you don‘t have to pay luxury prices to get a highly capable EV that checks all the right boxes. Let‘s take a closer look at what makes the Hyundai Kona EV a smart pick for drivers ready to make the switch to an emissions-free ride.
Kona EV Pricing and Specs: Long Range, Solid Value
The 2023 Hyundai Kona EV starts at $33,550 for the base SEL trim, undercutting rival EVs like the Chevy Bolt EUV ($33,500), Kia Niro EV ($39,900), and VW ID.4 ($37,500). All Kona EV models come standard with a large 64 kWh battery pack and a single front-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque.
That setup is good for an impressive EPA-estimated range of 258 miles – significantly more than the base 232-mile Chevy Bolt and 219-mile Standard Range ID.4, and on par with the 253-mile Kia Niro EV. In my real-world mixed city and highway driving, I was able to get very close to that 258 mile maximum, which should be more than enough for most drivers‘ daily needs.
Like other EVs, the Kona uses a single-speed direct-drive transmission. It scoots from 0-60 mph in around 6.4 seconds, which is quick enough to feel very lively in city driving. Top speed is capped at 103 mph.
The Kona EV is front-wheel drive only; there‘s currently no all-wheel drive option like some competitors offer. Curb weight ranges from 3,715 to 3,836 pounds depending on trim, making it a bit lighter than the Niro EV and ID.4.
Beyond the base SEL, Hyundai offers the better-equipped Kona EV Limited, starting at $41,550. It adds niceties like leather seating, premium audio, a sunroof, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers and more. However, even the base Kona EV is so well-equipped – as we‘ll detail more later – that many buyers will be perfectly happy saving with the SEL.
Unfortunately, the Kona EV is currently imported from Korea, so it does not qualify for the $7,500 US federal tax credit. But state, local and utility incentives may still apply. And its sub-$35K starting price remains very attractive for a long-range EV crossover.
Exterior Styling: Sleek and Sporty
The Kona EV shares its basic "cute ute" proportions with the gasoline Kona, but gets a unique front end treatment with a smoothed-over grille area, lower air intakes, and redesigned headlights. Contrasting gray body cladding and silver rear skid plate give it a rugged crossover look.
17-inch aero-optimized alloy wheels are standard on both trims, with a distinct design for the Limited. Seven exterior color choices are available including both bold and neutral tones. A black roof is optional on Limited for a two-tone look. Roof rails and a rear spoiler add practicality and sportiness.
Overall, the Kona EV has a modern, sculpted design that‘s more stylish than a Niro EV or Bolt EUV, if not quite as expressive as Hyundai‘s Ioniq 5. To my eye, it strikes a nice balance of looking sleek and contemporary without being too polarizing for mainstream buyers. It‘s clearly an EV, but not a spaceship.
Interior and Tech: Spacious and Well-Equipped
Inside the Kona EV, material quality is a step above main rivals like the Bolt and Leaf. Soft-touch plastics cover major surfaces and controls have a solid, substantial feel. The front seats offer power adjustment, good bolstering and a tall seating position with great visibility. Rear seat space is about average for a subcompact crossover – knee room is a bit tight for taller passengers but headroom is generous.
Cargo space measures 19.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with them folded – similar to a Niro EV and more than ID.4‘s 30.3 cubic feet. The rear seats fold flat and there are useful under-floor compartments for stowing the charging cables. Interior storage up front includes large door pockets, cupholders, a big glovebox and center armrest bin.
Technology and connectivity are Kona EV strong suits. A crisp 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster and equally large 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, real-time traffic, and EV-specific displays come standard on all trims. The graphics are modern and response times snappy. Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included and two front USB ports and a wireless charging pad are standard.
The Limited trim adds an excellent 8-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, as well as the full Hyundai Digital Key system that lets you unlock and start the vehicle with a smartphone app. Over-the-air software updates can add new features and functions over time. All told, the Kona EV‘s infotainment and tech setup feels a generation ahead of most competitors.
Driving Experience: Quick and Controlled
On the road, the Kona EV immediately impresses with its smooth, silent, and instant acceleration. The 201 hp electric motor provides more than enough punch for confident passing and merging and the aggressive regenerative braking allows for easy one-pedal driving.
While not a sports car, handling is tidy and controlled thanks to the low-mounted battery pack and well-tuned suspension. The Kona EV corners flatter and with more composure than taller EV crossovers like the Bolt EUV and Niro EV. The steering is light but precise and the brakes are easy to modulate.
Ride quality is on the firmer side but never harsh. Road and wind noise are minimal, making for a very serene cruising experience. Advanced driver assists like adaptive cruise, lane centering, and forward collision warning all work well. Overall, the Kona EV is an exceptionally pleasant EV to drive daily.
Charging: Speedy DC Fast Charging Available
When it comes to charging, the Kona EV gives you multiple options. Using a standard Level 1 120V household outlet, you can add around 4-5 miles of range per hour. That‘s too slow for anything but overnight top-offs.
Stepping up to a Level 2 240V charger bumps that to 25-30 miles of range per hour, allowing a full charge from empty in about 9 hours. That‘s the sweet spot for most owners, as you can easily charge up overnight at home or during the workday at the office.
For road trips, the Kona EV can DC fast-charge from 10-80% in as little as 47 minutes using a 100 kW charger or 64 minutes on more common 50 kW units. That‘s competitive with key rivals and makes long highway jaunts much more feasible.
Rivals: How The Kona EV Compares
The Kona EV‘s closest competitor is its corporate cousin, the Kia Niro EV. It offers very similar range, power, features and interior space, with a slightly roomier back seat. The Niro starts about $2K higher but its styling is more conventional. The Hyundai edges it out in handling and value in my book.
Other key rivals include the Chevy Bolt EV/EUV, VW ID.4, and Nissan Leaf. The Bolt is a bit cheaper and nearly matches the Kona in range, but has a much cheaper interior and clunky infotainment. The ID.4 is pricier and less efficient but offers available AWD and more premium cabin. Meanwhile, the Leaf now feels dated in range, tech, and refinement compared to newer options like the Kona.
Verdict: A Highly Compelling Affordable EV
After thorough testing, the Hyundai Kona EV earns my strong recommendation. For buyers looking to switch to an EV without spending luxury-car money, it offers an excellent blend of long driving range, peppy acceleration, ample features, and crossover practicality. The high-quality interior and leading infotainment tech seal the deal.
While not as sexy as a Tesla or as rugged as some EV SUVs, the Kona Electric nails the basics that matter most to pragmatic buyers. Factoring in Hyundai‘s long warranty, strong reliability record, and fast-growing EV expertise, it‘s a smart choice for going emissions-free. The Kona proves affordable EVs have really arrived.
About Hyundai‘s EV Efforts
The Kona Electric first launched in 2018, making it one of the earliest battery-powered crossovers on the market. But Hyundai‘s EV story started even earlier with the Ioniq Electric hatchback in 2016.
Since then, the Korean automaker has quickly become a leader in EVs, with hit models like the retro-futuristic Ioniq 5 crossover and stunning Ioniq 6 sedan. By 2025, Hyundai aims to have nearly a dozen EVs globally covering everything from city cars to large SUVs. An electric Genesis luxury sub-brand is part of those plans as well.
Sibling brand Kia is making similarly large investments in going electric, with models like the EV6 and upcoming EV9 three-row SUV. The two companies hope to sell 1.7 million EVs annually by 2026. Their success with the Kona EV and other models suggests they are well on their way.
Kona EV Sales and Accolades
Since launching in 2018, the Kona Electric has sold steadily in the US, with over 37,000 total units moved through the end of 2022. While that pales in comparison to Tesla‘s Model 3 and Y, it outsold the Nissan Leaf, Kia Niro EV, and VW ID.4 last year, trailing only the Chevy Bolt and Mustang Mach-E among non-Tesla EVs.
The Kona EV has racked up impressive accolades along the way. US News named it the Best Electric Vehicle in 2019 and MotorTrend called it SUV of the Year in 2019, the first time either publication chose an EV. Car and Driver have consistently included it on their 10Best and Editors‘ Choice lists. It also earns top marks for safety from the IIHS.
While the Kona Electric may not grab headlines like Hyundai‘s flashier new Ioniqs, it remains core to their EV strategy as an effective EV ambassador for everyday drivers on a budget. As I learned while testing it, a week with the Kona EV is enough to make almost anyone an EV convert.
