2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Review

　　

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The name pretty much tells you everything you need to know. The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is simply an electric version of Hyundai's Kona extra-small crossover SUV. It provides punchy performance from its 201-horsepower electric motor and can go more than 250 miles before recharging. Otherwise, it's a lot like the regular gas-powered Kona. It even has the same amount of cargo space. It's a genuinely fun little car to drive that just happens to be electric.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below

　　

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric EV Insights

Trim:Kona Electric SEL

　　SEL 4dr SUV (electric DD) - $37,390 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (electric DD) (Most Popular) - $42,000 MSRPUltimate 4dr SUV (electric DD) - $45,600 MSRP

　　

Estimated Range Based on Age

 zzdcar TESTED

　　297 milesThe range for a used 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is estimated to be 297 miles because electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year, with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 297 miles.Electric cars typically experience 1-2% of range loss per year with slightly faster degradation over the first 50,000 miles as the car settles into its long term state, according to Recurrent's study of 15,000 EVs.

　　Estimated range mapThis map is a visual representation of the possible one-way and round-trips by this vehicle (on a full charge) from the geometric center of Rutland, North Dakota. The depicted ranges are based on the estimated new vehicle range value provided by the EPA, rounded down to miles for one-way and miles for round-trip. Actual range will vary depending on the condition of this vehicle’s battery pack, how you drive, driving conditions and other factors.Map display generated using: © openrouteservice.org by HeiGIT | Map data © Recurrent contributors | Recurrent

　　from 58067

　　

EV Battery Warranty

　　10 yrs or 100,000 milesThe federal government requires that EV batteries be warrantied for a minimum of eight years or 100,000 miles. The EV battery warranty includes replacement if your battery capacity drops below a certain percentage of the original capacity.

　　Estimated battery warranty remaining is 7 years or 58,000 miles for this car.Warranty remaining value is based on the vehicle year, and on driving 14,000 miles per year. Confirm exact warranty coverage for each vehicle with the dealers and the manufacturer before purchasing.

　　

Charging at Home

　　9 hours

　　Total Charging Time (240V outlet)

　　SAE ComboStandard port for most electric models. Supports Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast charging.

　　Plug Type

　　

EV Tax Credits & Rebates

　　$4,400

　　Available Rebates. Restrictions apply.

　　Federal Credit

　　$4,000

　　Restrictions: Under the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers taxpayers a Used Clean Vehicle Tax Credit equal to 30% of the sale price up to a maximum credit of $4,000 for the purchase of a used plug-in electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2024, Clean Vehicle Tax Credits may be initiated and approved at the point of sale at participating dealerships registered with the IRS. Dealers will be responsible for submitting Clean Vehicle Tax Credit information to the IRS. Buyers are advised to obtain a copy of an IRS "time of sale" report, confirming it was submitted successfully by the dealer.

　　For the vehicle to qualify: Price cannot exceed $25,000. Need to verify the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Must be at least two model years older than the current calendar year in which the vehicle was purchased. Must be sold through a dealership, private sales not permitted. Not have already been transferred after August 16, 2022, to a qualified buyer.

　　For individuals to qualify: Must meet income eligibility, depending on modified adjusted gross income (AGI) and tax filing status. Must not be the first owner of the qualifying vehicle. Has not been allowed a credit under this section for any sale during the 3-year period ending on the date of the sale of such vehicle. Purchased for personal use, not a business, corporation or for resale.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　Utility EV Charger Offer

　　$400

　　Restrictions: Otter Tail Power offers EV owners a rebate of up to $400 towards the installation of a Level 2 charging station. To qualify for this rebate, the customer and/or charging station must meet the following requirements: Receive electricity from Otter Tail Power.

　　To learn more, visit Recurrent

　　

Cost to Drive

　　$59/mo

　　Kona Electric

　　vs

　　$166/mo

　　SUV Avg.

　　Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　

Am I Ready for an EV?

　　EV ownership works best if you can charge (240V) at home or at work This typically means a 240V home installation, but you could also have a similar setup at your office or other places your car is already parked for several hours each day. Don't expect a regular household outlet (120V) to suffice unless you've got a plug-in hybrid, in which case overnight charging at home is feasible.

　　If you can’t charge at home, charging at a charging station could take at least 10x longer than at a gas station With public charging infrastructure still in its infancy, the user experience can be maddeningly inconsistent. Tesla owners tend to rave about the reliability and speed of the company's proprietary Supercharger stations, but rival DC fast options have thus far been plagued by technical issues and overcrowding. It's an evolving landscape and our best advice is to do your research on the available options for the EV you want to buy.

　　Adding a 240V home charging system could cost up to $1,600 or more If your existing electrical service can handle the additional demands of EV charging, you may be able to add Level 2 charging at home for less than a grand, including installation. But your costs will multiply if you need to upgrade your electrical panel or add a dedicated circuit.

　　On the downside, rear legroom is tight (just like in the regular Kona) and availability is limited to select states. You can read our in-depth Expert Review to learn more. Other top EVs in this class worth checking out include the Chevrolet Bolt, Kia Niro EV, Nissan Leaf and upcoming Volkswagen ID.4.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Want to know even more about the Kona Electric? Our team of experts have tested a Hyundai Kona Electric as part of our long-term program, in which we drive vehicles for a year and report to you what they are like to own. Read our Recurrent to see what we've learned about aspects such as the Kona Electric's reliability, electrical efficiency and charging over the long haul.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.1

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Kona Electric drive? The Kona Electric feels more like an electric performance hatchback than the crossover SUV it's marketed as. It gets going in a hurry, merges onto freeways easily, and has no trouble on steep grades. We measured a spirited 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds at our test track.

　　The Kona Electric also changes direction readily and feels steady and composed around turns. It's fun to drive, even if the eco-minded tires don't offer a whole lot of grip. For more casual driving, the Kona Electric is smooth and easy to drive. We also like that the regenerative braking system has three selectable levels. You can easily pick one to suit your personal preference or driving situation by using the steering wheel-mounted paddles. Pulling and then holding the left paddle also brings up even stronger regenerative braking that you can use to come to a complete stop.

　　

Comfort

8.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Kona Electric? The Kona Electric rides with a poise not usually found in this class of car. The low-slung mass of the battery and sophisticated rear suspension design help settle the car's motions when you drive over bumps. We also like the Kona's comfortable and supportive front seats. In back, the seat bottom is a bit flat, but the seatback angle is comfortable.

　　The electric motor is silent at all speeds, and wind and road noise is not evident when cruising the highway. As of 2019, all electric vehicles must emit a low-speed pedestrian alert sound, and you can hear the Kona's inside the car until it fades at about 18 mph. Some of our editors liked the spacey sound. Others hated it.

　　

Interior

8.0/10

　　How’s the interior? Most of the Kona Electric's interior is like the regular Kona's. The Electric's center console is more prominent, and the controls are laid out a little differently. But they are attractive and easy to use. Similar functions are grouped together, and learning how to operate the infotainment interface is intuitive.

　　There's plenty of head- and legroom up front, and the cabin feels airy despite a center console that takes up some space. The rear seat isn't as accommodating. The seat area is wide, and there's a decent amount of headroom, but legroom is tight if the driver's seat is set back much beyond the middle of its sliding range.

　　

Technology

8.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The infotainment system's graphics look dated and boring, but don't let that fool you. It is a well-designed and easy-to-use system thanks to prominent volume and tuning knobs, shortcut buttons around the screen's perimeter, and logical virtual buttons on the responsive touchscreen. The available Infinity audio system produces impressive sound quality.

　　As for the Kona Electric's driving aids, the base SEL comes standard with just about everything. The top Ultimate trim has a more sophisticated adaptive cruise system that works in stop-and-go traffic. Overall, these systems work effectively and aren't overly intrusive.

　　

Storage

7.0/10

　　How’s the storage? The Kona's cargo area behind the rear seats is not the biggest we've seen, but it's usefully shaped. Luggage laid lengthwise fits easily behind the rear seats. Up front, the Kona Electric has a suitable amount of storage space for small items such as phones and water bottles.

　　This EV isn't a great choice if you have small children. The rear safety seat anchors are easy to access, and the door opening is big enough not to cause any problems. But the lack of rear cabin space means bulky rear-facing infant seats won't fit without sliding a front seat forward significantly.

　　

Range and Efficiency

9.0/10

　　How are the range and efficiency? The Hyundai Kona Electric is EPA-rated to deliver 258 miles of range, which is right at the top in the affordable EV class. We tested it out in the real world and it delivers that, and then some. In zzdcar' EV range test, we saw 315 miles of range, which outperforms the second-best Kia Niro by 30 miles.

　　The EPA estimates the Kona Electric will consume 27 kilowatt-hours of electricity for every 100 miles driven, but it our testing the Kona was far more efficient, using only 22.3 kWh per 100 miles. It's not the most efficient vehicle in the class, but it's close to it.

　　

Value

9.0/10

　　Is the Kona Electric a good value? The Kona Electric is built to a higher standard than a regular Kona, and that difference shows up most on the inside. The panels fit together well, the materials are nice-looking, and the buttons and knobs feel well made. Sure, it isn't built to a luxury standard, but it's quite pleasing.

　　The Kona is strong on value too. You get a lot of standard safety and technology features for what you pay. Then there's Hyundai's strong warranty coverage: five years/60,000 miles for the overall vehicle, 10 years/10,000 miles for the powertrain (including the battery), and three years of free scheduled maintenance.

　　The Kona comes with a 7.2-kW onboard charger can be fully charged from an empty battery in about nine-and-a-half hours from a proper 240-volt wall unit. It also has a listed DC fast-charging capability of up to 100 kW, though in our testing it never peaked higher than around 75 kW.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　The Kona's rounded nose and gray wheel-arch body cladding may provoke debate, but this EV is a lot more entertaining to drive than we expected based on its crossover categorization. It has the proportions, power and poise of a performance hatchback. And 258 miles of range is enough that you can largely forget about how it's powered and just enjoy driving it.

　　

Which Kona Electric does zzdcar recommend?

Ventilated seats and a sunroof are certainly nice to have, but we'd rather save several thousand dollars and stick to the base SEL. It's very well equipped, and since all Kona Electrics share the same battery pack and electric motor, you won't miss out on any added range or performance.

　　

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric models

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a small EV available in three trim levels: SEL, Limited and Ultimate. The Kona Electric uses a 64-kWh battery pack to power a 150-kW electric motor rated to deliver 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft. All Kona Electrics are front-wheel-drive and have an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles on a full charge. Highlight features include:

　　SEL

　　Includes a lot of standard equipment, such as:

　　Keyless entry with push-button start LED daytime running lights 17-inch wheels Heated front seats Leather-wrapped steering wheel 7-inch infotainment touchscreen Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibilityThe Kona Electric also comes with:

　　Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle behind you is about to cross your vehicle's path while you're in reverse) Lane keeping assist (steers the Kona Electric back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)Limited

　　Adds features including:

　　Battery heater (improves battery performance in very cold weather) LED headlights Sunroof Leather seating surfaces Wireless charging pad Auto-dimming rearview mirror Power-adjustable driver's seatUltimate

　　Tops the range with:

　　Rain-sensing windshield wipers Heated steering wheel Ventilated front seats 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen Upgraded Infinity sound system Head-up display Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Kona Electric and the car in front) Rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible behind the vehicle when parking) Pedestrian detection (alerts the driver when a pedestrian is in close proximity to the front of the Kona Electric)

　　

2021 Kona Electric Highlights

Trim: SELLimitedUltimateSEL

　　

Base MSRP	$37,390
EV Tax Credits & Rebates	$4,400
Engine Type	Electric
EPA Electric Range	258 miles
Cost to Drive	$59/month
Total Charging Time (240V)	9.0 hours
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	19.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	5 years / 60,000 miles
EV Battery Warranty	10 years / 100,000 miles