Introduction
Electric vehicles are growing in popularity thanks to their high-tech features, instant torque delivery and low environmental impact. Two intriguing new EVs are the upcoming Polestar 4 crossover and recently updated 2023 Hyundai Kona. How do these electric SUVs compare? Let‘s analyze the key specs and information we know so far.
Overview and History
Polestar 4
Polestar is an electric performance brand jointly owned by Volvo Car Group and its parent company Geely. After launching the Polestar 1 hybrid coupe and all-electric Polestar 2 fastback, Polestar revealed plans for two new SUVs:
- The midsize Polestar 3 launched in October 2022
- The Polestar 4 compact crossover set for 2023-2024
Polestar officially unveiled the 4 as a concept vehicle at the 2022 Beijing Auto Show. It will ride on Geely‘s SEA architecture which allows 500 km (311 mi) of range from a 100 kWh battery.
As a smaller sibling to the Polestar 3, the production Polestar 4 aims to blend sporty driving dynamics with progressive Scandinavian design. Unique elements include pixel headlights/taillights, a glass roof, rear-view camera replacing the wing mirror, and phone-as-key technology.
Hyundai Kona Electric
The subcompact Hyundai Kona debuted in 2017 as the South Korean automaker‘s first entry into the fast-growing compact crossover segment. The Kona Electric arrived a year later with an EPA-rated 258 miles of range.
For the 2023 model year, Hyundai gave the Kona Electric a mid-cycle refresh. Upgrades span a sharper exterior style, upgraded tech and safety features. However, the powertrain remains unchanged:
- 201 horsepower electric motor
- 64 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
- 258 miles of EPA-rated driving range
Over 250,000 Kona EVs have been sold globally since 2018, making it one of the world‘s top-selling electric crossovers. Hyundai continues innovating toward an electrified future under its "Ioniq" EV sub-brand.
Exterior Design
As a dedicated EV riding on Geely‘s SEA architecture, the Polestar 4 enjoys a blank slate to optimize aerodynamics and interior space. The concept model revealed in Beijing wears a futuristic look with a low, sweeping profile. Design highlights include:
- Flush door handles and cameras replacing side mirrors to enhance aero
- Distinctive pixel LED lighting front and rear
- Large wheels and short overhangs promote sporty stance
- Panoramic glass roof for airy, spacious cabin
The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric also turns heads with its high-tech exterior styling. Changes over the outgoing model include:
- New front and rear bumper fascias
- Updated grille/intake design
- Full-width pixelated light bar with LED turn signals
- Silver skid plates and side cladding accents
- Vibrant paint colors and contrasting black roof
Both electric crossovers make strong first impressions, but the concept Polestar 4 appears more revolutionary in terms of aero-optimized, forward-thinking design.
Performance and Range
Specifications for the production Polestar 4 remain unannounced. However, Polestar confirmed the concept model has a 100 kWh battery enabling 500+ km (311+ miles) of range. This likely means over 350 miles of EPA range.
Dual motors provide AWD capabilities while lowering the center of gravity for sharp handling. Expect strong straight-line acceleration on par with Tesla‘s Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach E crossovers.
The 2023 Kona Electric is propelled by a 201 hp electric motor powered by a 64 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack. This results in:
- 0-60 mph in 7.6 seconds
- Top speed of 104 mph
- EPA-estimated range of 258 miles
While respectable performance for a subcompact crossover, the Polestar 4 should deliver quicker acceleration, higher top speed, and 80+ more miles of driving range.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The Polestar 4 concept‘s interior remains hidden. However, we can expect a minimalist Scandinavian design ethos similar to the Polestar 2 and 3. The glass roof should also give the cabin an airy, open feel.
Polestar‘s Android-powered infotainment system provides Google services tightly integrated with the vehicle. Expect a large touchscreen display, personalized profiles, expansive voice control, and constant over-the-air software updates.
Hyundai freshened up the Kona Electric‘s interior for 2023. New tech features consist of:
- Standard 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster
- Available 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment
- Multi-Bluetooth connectivity
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- OTA update capability via Bluelink telematics
- Enhanced natural voice recognition
Interior dimensions remain unchanged, with adequate room for four adults and 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space. While a high-tech cabin for its class, the Polestar 4 likely leverages a larger overall size for greater passenger and cargo volume.
Safety and Driver Assistance Tech
As an integral brand under Volvo Cars, expect Polestar to make safety a top priority for the 4. While details remain unpublished, the advanced sensor suite will likely enable sophisticated driver assistance features.
For the updated 2023 model year, Hyundai expanded the Kona Electric‘s safety tech. All trims now include:
- Forward Collision Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Following Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Blind Spot Collision Warning
Upper trims add features such as parking collision avoidance, rear cross traffic alerts, and a 360-degree monitor. Hyundai also upgraded the side curtain airbags for improved passenger safety.
Until Polestar reveals detailed specs, we can presume comparable active safety suites between both electric crossovers. Polestar may hold an edge in more advanced self-driving capabilities.
Cost to Own
As a new niche performance brand, Polestar vehicles currently carry higher pricing than mass-market rivals. We can expect a base price around $60,000 for the Polestar 4 before incentives or options.
In comparison, the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric starts from an MSRP of $34,000 plus destination fee. That‘s around half the expected cost of the Polestar. However, the Kona Electric still offers strong value given its efficiency, feature set, and warranty coverage.
Prospective owners will need to weigh priorities like performance, range, interior space, brand prestige, and overall affordability. The Polestar 4 caters more toward premium early adopters, while the refreshed Hyundai Kona Electric now includes more tech and safety at an attractive price point.
Conclusion
Based on concept details and company heritage, the upcoming Polestar 4 takes aim at the Tesla Model Y with gorgeous Scandinavian design, Google-based tech, and 300+ miles of all-electric range.
Although the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric carries lower performance and range figures, its recent updates only expand the value proposition. Few EVs can match its combination of real-world usability, cutting-edge features and approachable pricing.
For shoppers seeking a tech-focused luxury crossover, the Polestar 4 promises to impress. But the Hyundai Kona Electric offers outstanding efficiency and quality for the cost today. Both compelling electric SUVs cater to slightly different audiences while advancing EV adoption through innovation.
FAQs
What is the Polestar 4‘s release date?
Polestar has not announced an exact on-sale date, but expects the Polestar 4 to launch sometime in 2023 as a 2024 model year vehicle.
How much can the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric tow?
The refreshed Kona Electric retains a 1,500-pound max tow rating. Trailer tow packages are not offered.
Will the Polestar 4 qualify for the new Clean Vehicle tax credit?
Likely yes. The revamped $7,500 federal tax credit for EVs contains caps based on MSRP and final assembly location that the Polestar 4 should meet.
How long is the range for the Hyundai Kona Electric?
258 miles is the EPA-rated maximum driving range on a full battery. Real-world range will vary based on conditions like temperature, terrain, speed and accessory use.
I hope you found this comprehensive comparison of the Polestar 4 and Hyundai Kona EVs to be helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions!
