Chances are you landed here because you are intrigued by the idea of driving an innovative battery-powered vehicle. Well let me tell you, Hyundai’s first-ever all-electric subcompact SUV makes a compelling case to join the EV revolution. This in-depth review of the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric Vehicle (EV) will empower you to decide if its blend of real-world range, high-tech features and crossover flexibility matches your needs.
A Quick Intro to Hyundai’s Kona EV
As Korean auto giant Hyundai’s initial flagship EV model built on dedicated architecture, the Kona EV debuted abroad in 2018 before reaching North America for model year 2019. You can currently drive home versions of this quirky compact crossover in snowbound Canada, sunny California and roughly 20 EV-friendly states.
So what vehicle segment does the Kona EV compete in? Classified as a subcompact SUV, its natural combustion-engine rivals range from the Mazda CX-30 to Chevy Trax in terms of size and pricing. Other closely matched EV alternatives wanting your hard-earned dollar include Volkswagen’s ID.4, Kia’s Niro and Nissan’s Leaf Plus.
Overall this nimble battery-driven people mover targets young urban families, environmentally conscious commuters and tech-savvy professionals rather than wilderness adventurers. Let‘s discover why the Kona EV is earning attention across these demographics.
Kona EV Styling – Stand Out or Blend In?
Love it or hate it, the Kona EV’s exterior styling sets itself apart from cookie-cutter crossovers. That origami-inspired front grille flanked by arrowhead daytime running lights looks anything but subtle. Luckily, two-tone paint schemes provide some added restraint if you prefer sleek over shouty.
Performance specs reveal this EV prioritizes pointy handling over rugged trails thanks to its 3,500 pound curb weight and low center of gravity afforded by the underfloor battery placement.
Inside, vibrant color accents and body-hugging seats echo the dynamic aesthetic up front. Designed around American driver height averages, the dashboard promotes excellent forward visibility despite the higher ride height. For anyone moving from a low-slung sedan, the elevated seating position enhances confidence in highway merging and parking maneuvers.
Occupants in the rear seats and cargo area fare reasonably well in space efficiency metrics for this compact segment too. Let’s break down exactly what the ???Konas shape and storage solutions offer passengers and payload.
Kona EV Interior Dimensions
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Passenger Volume | 93.1 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume (rear seats up) | 19.2 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume (rear seats folded) | 45.8 cubic feet |
| Front Headroom | 38 inches |
| Rear Headroom | 37.7 inches |
| Front Legroom | 41.5 inches |
| Rear Legroom | 33 inches |
Note the boxy dimensions translate into excellent head clearance front and rear. Over six feet tall? No need to slouch in the Kona EV unlike many low-slung sport sedans.
For context, that competitive cargo capacity beats out the Mini Clubman at 17.5 cu ft but trails the gas Kona’s 19.2 to 45.8 cu ft. Really hauling heavy or bulky items? Check out the Ioniq 5 or Volkswagen’s ID.4 instead.
Kona EV Performance – Quicker Than Most SUVs
Let’s address the electric elephant in the room – how far and fast can the Kona EV take you using just battery power?
The permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor churns out 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. That instant all-electric acceleration launches you to 30mph from 0 in just 3.2 seconds – hot hatch quick off the line! Roll-on acceleration proves peppy for highway passing maneuvers thanks to the abundance of twist.
Flat out the Kona EV tops out at 104mph – not Polestar fast but wholly sufficient for legal speeds. Shadowing a Porsche probably requires a Tesla instead! More pertinent for everyday commuting, the Kona EV zips to 60mph in 6.4 seconds – handily quicker than almost any combustion SUV outside of luxury marques.
Kona Electric Driving Performance Specs:
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Peak Power | 201 horsepower |
| Max Torque | 291 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph Time | 6.4 seconds |
| Top Speed | 103 mph |
Okay, straight-line bursts tick the boxes but what about round the bends? Well, handling impresses too thanks to that low-slung battery integrating into the chassis for a lower center of gravity. Little body lean lets you attack winding roads with gusto. The ride/handling balance trends towards taut rather than cushy but soaks up bumps reasonably smoothly.
Altogether the Kona EV delivers a remarkably engaging driving experience belying its frumpy exterior styling. Dare we say it even borders on fun once you become familiar with managing all that instant torque!
Range and Charging – Maximizing Your Driving Distance
Now to the crucial battery range equation for anxious EV intenders. The 64 kWh lithium-ion packs supply adequate electrons for a healthy 258 miles given gentle driving styles and moderate ambient temperatures. Blasting the climate control, piling on passengers or rocketing along the highway will trim that down.
How does that range stack up against key competitors? The Kona EV beats the Nissan Leaf Plus on range and undercuts the Chevy Bolt EUV on starting price making a strong case in affordability metrics. Only Hyundai’s own stellar Ioniq 5 offers better overall value thanks to its sleek styling and faster charging capability.
2023 Affordable Electric SUV Driving Range Comparison
| Model | Battery Capacity | Max Range | Price (starting MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona EV | 64 kWh | 258 miles | $34,000 |
| Chevrolet Bolt EUV | 65 kWh | 247 miles | $28,195 |
| Nissan Leaf Plus | 62 kWh | 215 miles | $36,040 |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 58/77 kWh | 220/303 miles | $39,700 |
Home charging rings in cheaper than gassing up. Replenishing 30-80% at a DC fast charger takes around 47 minutes. But expect far longer runtimes using more common 240V (Level 2) or regular 120V wall outlets.
Plan ahead for charging stops on road trips and take advantage of helpful apps like PlugShare that locate stations along your route. The free Electrify America network offers members 500 kWh annually allowing you to skip a few paid public charging sessions.
Kona EV Charging Times:
| Method | 10-80% Charge Time |
|---|---|
| 240V Level 2 Charger (7.2 kW) | 9 hours 15 minutes |
| DC Fast Charger (50 kW) | 64 minutes |
| DC Fast Charger (100 kW) | 47 minutes |
Based on my testing, homeowners can expect around 3 miles of range per hour plugged into a typical wall outlet. Forget topping up overnight – budget 10 hours minimum! Install Level 2 charging at home for faster, more convenient overnight charging adding 25 mile per hour.
Kona EV Trims – Which Spec Level Suits You?
Currently offered in 24 states plus Washington DC, the 2023 Hyundai Kona EV comes in three familiar trim levels:
SE – $34,000
SEL – $37,500
Limited – $42,000
You’ll also pay the mandatory $1,225 destination fee on top. How do equipment levels and pricing stack up across the lineup? Let’s explore key features by trim.
Kona Electric SE
Representing the entry point for Kona EV ownership, the SE may show some cost-cutting but still surprises with its decent specification tally considering the sub-$35k pricing.
Outside you’ll spot projector beam headlights with automatic on/off functionality and arrow-shaped LED daytime running lights matching the rear lamp design. Paint color choices span five options – three monotone and two with the contrasting black roof. 16-inch alloy wheels fill the arches.
Inside the story continues with single-zone automatic climate control, height-adjustable fabric seats and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel putting many controls at your fingertips. The centerpiece is a 10.25-inch color touchscreen with Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Integration meaning your phone apps appear on screen. Built-in navigation with EV Technology makes routing to chargers simpler.
Also included is the full gamut of active safety features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist and driver attention warning. Blind spot collision avoidance and rear cross traffic alerts add extra peace of mind during lane changes.
With the SE already well equipped for tech and convenience features, where does the SEL model improve the ownership experience?
Kona Electric SEL
The mid-range SEL asks a $3,500 premium but counters with some worthwhile upgrades focused on comfort and driving aids.
Visually the SEL distinguishes itself via LED headlights, privacy glass, silver roof rails and 17-inch alloys. The exterior styling enhancements continue with body-colored side mirrors with integrated turn signals.
Inside you’ll appreciate partial leather seats, an auto-dimming rear view mirror, a 10-way power driver’s seat and ventilated front chairs with heat functionality. A second USB port allows charging for rear passengers too.
On the safety front, newly added tech includes high beam assist for the LED headlamps, rear occupant alert and parking collision avoidance assistance. Want a panoramic glass roof to enhance the airy, modern cabin ambiance? Tick that $1,150 option box.
Kona Electric Limited
Topping the range, the loaded Limited trim extends the technology tally further to bridge the gap with premium rivals. Up front, full LED headlights automatically adapt beam direction and intensity for maximum road visibility matched to conditions.
Rain sensing wipers add convenience by automatically sweeping away precipitation on the glass. Inside, drivers benefit from eight-way power front passenger seats with heat and ventilation matching the driver‘s perch. Expect perforated leather upholstery swathing the multi-adjustable seats and heated steering wheel.
On the infotainment front, an upgraded Harman Kardon premium audio system promises concert hall sound quality from its eight speakers. Navigation functionality also gains connected routing and predictive traffic elements to keep your mapping optimized on the move.
For safety, Limited models introduce blind view monitoring and Highway Drive Assist comprising lane centering control and smart adaptive cruise features. The comprehensive roster of advanced driving aids makes long trips less tiring.
Key Spec Comparison By Trim
| Feature | SE | SEL | Limited |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (plus destination) | $34,000 | $37,500 | $42,000 |
| LED Exterior Lighting | None | Headlights only | Full suite |
| Leather Upholstery | None | Partial | Perforated |
| Ventilated Front Seats | None | Driver only | Both front |
| Collision Avoidance Tech | Basic | Adds parking sensors | Enhanced |
| Audio System | 6-speaker Infinity | 6-speaker Infinity | 8-speaker Harman Kardon |
| Glass Roof | No | Optional | $1,150 option |
With a $9,000 price walk from base to flagship, that Limited does pile on tempting interior upgrades plus next level driving assistance. Ultimately feature preferences and budget will dictate finding the best Kona Electric value balance for your household.
Kona EV Ownership Costs – Way Cheaper Than Gas
Saving money matters to most shoppers – what should running the Kona EV cost compared to compact crossover competitors? EV electrons intrinsically undercut $5 per gallon gas prices but calculating total cost of ownership gets complicated by many factors.
Let’s break down key ownership considerations over say a five year timeline:
Energy: Electricity costs about half as much per mile compared to efficient gas vehicles. I estimate the Kona EV would cost $600 in home charging annually given average US residential electricity rates and 12,000 miles.
Maintenance: Far fewer mechanical components and no oil changes mean lower annual service bills too – perhaps only $300 for tires and inspections based on my experience.
Insurance: Expect to pay $100-$150 more annually for EV coverage based on replacement battery values.
Battery health: Hyundai warrants the lithium battery pack for 10 years/100k miles against total failure. But degradation dragging down max range emerges closer to the 5-7 year mark. Replacement remains extremely rare during ownership but costs around $5,800 out of warranty.
Resale Value: Strong demand for used EVs suggests better residual values at average 8 years ownership. Early Kona EVs already command over 50% of new MSRP when selling private party with under 40k miles.
Adding everything up over 60k miles, the Kona EV could save roughly $5,800 overall versus a gas compact crossover while offering a smoother, quieter driving experience. Take advantage of federal or state incentives where available to further boost your savings.
What Critics & Owners Say About Kona EV
The Kona EV continues to garner positive reviews from professional auto journalists a few years into its lifecycle:
"It offers excellent range and value along with attractive styling and engaging road manners." – Edmunds
"The Kona Electric delivers the most all-around value among affordable electric vehicles." Car and Driver
Owners similarly award it 4.7 out of 5 stars overall citing driving range, peppy performance and value for money as standout attributes. One Seattle reviewer who uses the EV as a daily commuter says:
“We bought the car in late 2021 and it had met our expectations so far. Great acceleration and handling with decent storage and back seat room. Love the regenerative braking!”
Owners do report frustrations around charge times using wall outlets and reliability of phone integration. Reviewers overwhelmingly endorse the Kona EV as their primary household vehicle rather than a second car though.
Let‘s Wrap Up – Is Kona EV Right For You?
If you made it this far reading my in-depth Kona EV review, congratulations! You now possess enough insights to determine if Hyundai’s inaugural all-electric crossover deserves a spot on your shopping list.
In closing, I suggest the zippy, affordable Kona ElectricVehicle checks the right boxes for urban families and commuters wanting a sustainable vehicle combining generous seating space, lively performance and reasonable range.
Younger drivers will appreciate the funky styling and modern tech like over-the-air software updates. Features such as quick acceleration, composed handling and a quiet comfortable cabin further heighten its everyday appeal.
Any negatives? Rear seat and cargo dimensions trail combustion counterparts, so shop accordingly. Cold weather saps batter range considerably too – plan ahead in northern states to prevent being stranded!
For additional advice or observations from my own year behind the wheel, feel free to reach out directly! Knowledge is power when navigating the transition to an electric lifestyle.
