Hyundai Kona Electric Review 2024
Written by Andy Brady
Quick overview
Pros
- Comfortable and easy to drive
- Impressive range of up to 319 miles
- Spacious, user-friendly interior
Cons
- Likes to bong and beep to the point of distraction
- Bold design won't be to everyone's taste
- Faces stiff competition from China
Overall verdict on the Hyundai Kona Electric
"As it enters its second generation, the Hyundai Kona Electric has gained a bit of swagger. While the old model was good, this new car combines a roomier interior with striking looks and one of the longest electric ranges available in an an electric SUV. There's a lot to like but - in a market that's growing at a rapid rate - does the Kona Electric remain at the top of the class?"
Remember when the old Hyundai Kona Electric went on sale in 2019? Back then, it didn't have a great deal in the way of competition - and its affordable price tag combined with very useable range meant it was a very desirable electric car. It proved to be so popular, in fact, that Hyundai had to take it off sale in the UK because waiting lists were spiralling out of control.
So here we are, then, with the difficult second album. And just look at it. There's nothing bland about the way the new Kona Electric looks - from its futuristic light bars to its angular wheel arches, this is a car that isn't in danger of blending in.
It's grown in size, too, which means there's more interior space than before. You could comfortably use the new Hyundai Kona Electric as your main family car - something we wouldn't have said about its predecessor, nor rivals like the Jeep Avenger or Peugeot e-2008.
The cheapest Hyundai Kona Electric uses a 48kWh battery pack which provides a range of up to 234 miles. Most buyers will go for the bigger 65kWh battery, though, with its range of up to 319 miles. That's the kinda range that'll tempt even the most reluctant EV buyer away from their petrol or diesel car.
There are few other little features that make the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric easier to live with, too. It can be rapid charged at a range of up to 102kW, adding 100 miles of range in as little as 15 minutes. And the standard-fit heat pump gives it the edge over the Kia Niro EV, adding some welcome efficiency over the winter months.
Buyers get a choice of four trim levels, ranging from Advance to Ultimate with the sporty N Line and N Line S models sitting in the middle. All are well-equipped, although you'll need one of the higher-spec models for the most comprehensive amount of safety kit.
Should the new Hyundai Kona Electric be on your electric SUV shortlist? Read our full Hyundai Kona Electric review to find out.
Looking for a used car for sale? We've got 100s of Hyundai Approved Used Cars for Sale for you to choose from, including a wide range of Hyundai Kona Electric cars for sale. Looking for the older version, you need our used Hyundai Kona Electric (2019-2023) review.
Is the Hyundai Kona Electric right for you?
The Hyundai Kona Electric remains one of the best electric SUVs you can buy. It feels more grown up than its predecessor, but its bold looks mean it can't be accused of following the crowd. If you want a comfortable and spacious electric SUV with an impressive long-distance electric range, the Hyundai Kona Electric is an excellent choice.
What’s the best Hyundai Kona Electric model/engine to choose?
Buy the highest-spec model you can afford. While the bigger battery won't be necessary for a lot of buyers, the extra range and performance is welcome, while the entry-level Kona Electric Advance is missing some desirable features (such as heated seats and the wireless phone charger). If budget allows, the Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate is a very appealing SUV.
What other cars are similar to the Hyundai Kona Electric?
Don't buy a Hyundai Kona Electric without also looking at the Kia Niro EV. The Kia is a more sensible, staid alternative to the Kona, with slightly more interior space and - as it's been on sale for longer - more tempting deals available on the used market. Other desirable small electric SUVs include the Smart #1, BYD Atto 3, Renault Megane E-Tech, Volvo EX30, along with the Jeep Avenger, Peugeot e-2008 and Vauxhall Mokka Electric.
Volkswagen Group's electric cars are also worth a look, particularly the practical Skoda Enyaq iV and the stylish Volkswagen ID.3 or ID.4 SUV. If you like the Hyundai Kona Electric but would prefer something a little bigger, we'd recommend the excellent Hyundai Ioniq 5.
Comfort and design: Hyundai Kona Electric interior
"The new Hyundai Kona Electric's cabin is unrecognisable compared to its predecessor. It's more mature and grown up, helped by the impressive technology that's fitted as standard on even the most affordable models."
It feels like there's a lot more space inside the new Hyundai Kona Electric - thanks partly to increased dimensions, but also due to thinner seats and a narrower centre console.
While the infotainment remains the same no matter which Kona Electric trim level you go for, the rest of the cabin is pretty spec-dependent. N Line and N Line S models come with sporty aluminium pedals, for example, while the latter also comes with part Alcantara and leather seats.
Minimalists will hate the button-heavy dashboard but we think it's pretty user-friendly. It might not look as modern as the haptic controls found elsewhere, but we like the ability to adjust the climate control without being distracted from the important business of driving.
Most drivers will be able to get comfortable pretty quickly in the Kona Electric. There's a wide range of adjustment in both the seats and steering wheel, while the driver's seat gets adjustable lumbar support as standard.
Quality and finish
Infotainment: Touchscreen, USB, nav and stereo in the Hyundai Kona Electric
A centrepiece of the Hyundai Kona Electric's interior is the wide 12.3-inch navigation screen which sits alongside another 12.3-inch LCD digital instrument display. It looks suitably modern but, as with the climate control, isn't too heavily reliant on touchscreen operation - there's a useful bank of physical shortcut buttons positioned below the main screen.
The infotainment system is easy to navigate, while Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on hand to provide access to your favourite apps on the move. All Hyundai Kona Electric grades but the entry-level Advance get a wireless phone charger, while you'll need an N Line S or Ultimate model for the desirable BOSE premium sound system.
Space and practicality: Hyundai Kona Electric boot space
The Hyundai Kona Electric is a fair bit bigger than before, meaning it's now practical enough to use as a family car rather than simply an urban runaround. It measures 4350mm in length, 1825mm wide and 1575mm high, while luggage capacity has increased to 466 litres.
It certainly feels pretty spacious up front, while those in the back will have more room than they would in a Smart #1 or Jeep Avenger. There's a flat floor in the back, too, meaning middle-seat passengers won't be struggling for somewhere to put their feet.
While the boot isn't quite as big as the Kia Niro EV's, it's still a very handy size - while an adjustable boot floor reduces the amount of lip for lifting items over. If you need more space, the rear seats split 40:20:40 (on N Line models and above), dropping to provide up to 1300 litres of luggage space.
Handling and ride quality: What is the Hyundai Kona Electric like to drive?
"The Hyundai Kona Electric is the ultimate car for people who don't care for driving and want to go about their business with minimal fuss."
It's exceptionally easy to drive, helped by an extensive (and almost irritating) amount of driver-assistance features. You'll soon learn how to turn some of these off (the bongs every time the speed limit changes are particularly annoying) but, that aside, the Kona Electric is the perfect companion to almost any journey.
The Hyundai Kona Electric is pretty softly sprung, meaning it rides well over broken road surfaces but things do get a little floaty at speed. We've only tried the Kona Electric on 19-inch alloy wheels (which are fitted as standard to most of the range) - go for the entry-level model with the 17-inch wheels and we suspect it'll be even more comfortable at dealing with low-speed imperfections in the road.
One of our favourite features of a lot of electric vehicles is regenerative braking. This uses the electric motor to slow the car down in a more efficient way than applying the brakes. It works particularly well in the Kona Electric, with paddles behind the steering wheel to adjust the amount of regen. With it ramped up to the max, the Kona Electric can be brought to a stop entirely without touching the brake pedal - with a bit of practice, it's great around town.
What motors and batteries are available in the Hyundai Kona Electric?
The most affordable Hyundai Kona Electric comes with a 'standard range' 48kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor that drives the front wheels. This produces 156PS and takes the Kona Electric from 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds - not particularly speedy, but more than adequate for a sensible little SUV like this.
Most buyers will go for the 'long range' model with its bigger 65kWh battery pack and increased performance. With 218PS, this accelerates to 62mph a second quicker than the regular car. It's still not Tesla quick, but the Kona Electric feels pretty sprightly - it certainly has more urgency than, say, the Jeep Avenger.
Maximum electric range in the Hyundai Kona Electric
Even if you buy a Hyundai Kona Electric with the smaller 48kWh battery pack, official WLTP tests suggest you should be able to travel 234 miles between charges. The bigger battery model has an official range figure of 319 miles - that's an impressive distance for a relatively affordable electric vehicle.
Of course, the Hyundai Kona Electric's real-world range depends on factors like how it's driven and even the weather conditions. A heat pump is standard, though, meaning the Hyundai Kona Electric should be more efficient in winter than other electric cars (such as the Kia Niro EV) which aren't fitted with one.
Compared to rivals, the Hyundai Kona Electric performs very well in terms of range. For comparison, the most a Kia Niro EV can manage is 285 miles, the Smart #1 can cover 273 miles, while the Jeep Avenger is limited to 248 miles. If you need to travel further on a charge, you'll be looking at some of the longest range electric cars like the Tesla Model 3.
Refinement and noise levels
While there's a slight whine from the electric motor, the Hyundai Kona Electric is generally exceptionally refined. You won't notice a huge amount of wind or road noise, and it's certainly a much more relaxing small SUV than any petrol or diesel alternative.
Safety equipment: How safe is the Hyundai Kona Electric?
The crash safety bods at Euro NCAP have smashed the Kona Electric to smithereens and concluded it's generally a pretty safe car, awarding it a four star safety rating. It lost marks for the performance of its safety assist features, which is surprising considering the sheer amount of beeps and bongs you'll notice when driving the Kona.
Standard safety equipment across the Hyundai Kona Electric range includes a driver status monitor (which constantly monitors the driver's face and warns you to pay attention or take a break when necessary), as well as Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Manual Speed Limit Assist (MSLA), Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA 1.5), Rear View Monitor (RVM), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Highway Drive Assist (HDA) 1.5 and Hyundai's eCall system.
High-spec Kona Electric models also come with a Surround View Monitor, Blind Sot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) and Blind Spot View Monitor (BVM).
Charging times: How much does it cost to charge the Hyundai Kona Electric?
"Charging the Hyundai Kona Electric is as easy as plugging in your iPhone. Simply open the flap at the front of the car, connect a charging lead and leave it to it. When you return, the Kona will be fully charged and ready to go."
We'd always recommend having a 7kW wallbox installed for easy home charging - it's the most frugal and efficient way of topping up the car. Connect the Kona Electric to one of these and it will take around eight hours to fully charge (or six hours for the smaller battery model), at a cost of around £15 to £20 depending on your electricity tariff. For even cheaper electric car charging, it's worth looking into tariffs with cheaper overnight rates - doing so could save a significant amount of money.
If you need to travel further than the Hyundai Kona Electric's range, a rapid charger will provide will provide a welcome top up in the time it takes you to grab a coffee. That's because it can charge at a rate of up to 102kW (that's quicker than the old Kona Electric or the latest Kia Niro EV) - adding 100 miles of range in just 15 minutes. You'll pay for the convenience, with some rapid chargers costing as much as 85p per kWh - meaning a 70% charge could hit your wallet by as much as £40. That's still less painful than refuelling a petrol car at the motorway services, though.
How reliable is a Hyundai Kona Electric?
Hyundai has an excellent reliability record, especially with its electric vehicles, so we have no doubt that the new Hyundai Kona Electric will be a totally dependable choice. If that doesn't put your mind at rest, the Hyundai Kona Electric comes with the brand's five year, unlimited mileage warranty - including five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks. The battery, meanwhile, is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Insurance groups and costs
Insurance groups for the Hyundai Kona Electric are yet to be confirmed. Electric car insurance is often more expensive than insuring a petrol or diesel car, so do some research before buying a new Hyundai Kona Electric.
VED car tax: What is the annual road tax on a Hyundai Kona Electric?
Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. You won't currently pay any tax on a Hyundai Kona Electric - even those with a list price of more than £40,000 (which would, if they were petrol or diesel, be stung by the government's premium car tax). That's set to change in 2025 but, for now, enjoy the savings while you can.
How much should you be paying for a used Hyundai Kona Electric?
"With prices for a new Hyundai Kona Electric starting from £34,995, it undercuts the Kia Niro EV, Smart #1 and BYD Atto 3 - although the MG ZS EV is even cheaper."
While the Hyundai Kona Electric is definitely one fo the more affordable electric SUVs, it's easy to start spending serious money on one. That £34,995 start price is for an entry-level Hyundai Kona Electric Advance with the smaller 48kWh battery. Most buyers will want the long-range version, which starts from more than £38,500 in Advance trim. Kona Electric N Line models are more than £40,000, while the Ultimate trim is £43,095.
At the time of writing, the latest Hyundai Kona Electric is too new for any bargain hunters to grab a deal on the used market. That said, used electric car prices are currently being hit hard by depreciation, and there are some incredible savings available on the old Hyundai Kona Electric. Give it a few months, and we reckon there might be some cheeky offers available on the new Kona Electric.
Trim levels and standard equipment
The range kicks off with the Hyundai Kona Electric Advance. Available with the Standard or Long Range battery, spec highlights include 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, smart cruise control, a heat pump, front/rear parking sensors, keyless entry and a three-pin internal plug.
The Hyundai Kona Electric N Line is a sportier choice, with 19-inch alloys, privacy glass and N Line cloth interior trim. The front and rear seats are heated in the Kona Electric N Line, as is the steering wheel. The N Line also comes with an electric tailgate.
Building on this, the Hyundai Kona Electric N Line S adds electric adjustment for the front seats, N Line Alcantara and leather trim, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, BOSE premium sound system and a range of driver-assistance tech (including Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Surround View Monitor and Blind Spot View Monitor).
The Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate is only available with the Long Range battery pack. It builds on the Advance trim with an opening sunroof, part eco suede and leather seats, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats, an electric tailgate and BOSE premium sound system with seven speakers and subwoofer. The Kona Electric Ultimate also adds the Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Surround View Monitor and Blind Spot View Monitor.
Ask the heycar experts: common questions
What is the real-world range of a Hyundai Kona Electric?
How long will the Hyundai Kona Electric's battery last?
Is the Hyundai Kona Electric a good electric car?
Get our latest advice, news and offers
Keep me updated by email with the latest advice, news and offers from heycar.
By submitting you agree to our privacy policy
