2024 Hyundai Kona Electric SUV

　　2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Review

　　byCameron RogersManager, News

　　Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at zzdcar include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).

　　4/05/2023

　　

What You Need to Know

Hyundai steps up its small SUV game with tech-heavy new Kona Electric for 2024A modern interior and class-exclusive driving aids are among the many highlights.New short-range model now availableLaunches the second-generation Kona for 2024

　　What is the Kona Electric?

　　Even though it received a recent styling update and had a sporty N model added to the lineup, the Hyundai Kona is set for an upcoming full redesign. The automaker just pulled the wraps off the U.S.-bound version of the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric at this year's New York International Auto Show, and the result is nothing short of transformative.

　　On the outside, the upcoming Kona features the same SUV-like profile as the current model. But there's a lot more going on up front (in a good way), giving the Kona a distinctive face. This is especially true of the purely electric model, which has a unique pixelated take on the new full-width LED light bar and a lower bumper treatment that differentiates it from not only the other Konas but also its amorphous predecessor. Hyundai says the new Kona grows nearly 6 inches in overall length, with 2.3 inches of that between the wheelbase. This translates to a few more inches in legroom — a welcome addition since the current model is a little cramped in the rear. It's worth noting that while both the 2024 Kona and Kona Electric are a bit roomier than the respective outgoing models, the standard version has a bit more interior space than the EV (likely a product of the location of the battery pack and/or motor).

　　What's under the Kona Electric's hood?

　　The Kona Electric adds a short-range variant for the 2024 model year. Total capacity is 48.6 kWh, which is honestly pretty small for a new electric vehicle. To wit, Hyundai says this pack provides up to 197 miles of range, which would theoretically place this version of the Kona Electric near the bottom of our list of EVs with the worst range. The pack is paired to a single electric motor up front that makes a modest 133 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. It won't be the most awesome electric vehicle on the market, but the presumably lower price tag should open up EV ownership to more cost-conscious buyers.

　　The longer-range Kona Electric utilizes a familiar powertrain. A 64.8-kWh pack returns to provide juice for a more potent electric motor, which develops 201 hp and 188 lb-ft. Eagle-eyed Kona Electric aficionados will note that this is more than 100 lb-ft of torque less than last year's model. As such, we don't expect the new Kona Electric to come close to the blistering 6.6-second 0-60 mph figure achieved by its predecessor. Nuking performance has done little to benefit the range, as the new model is projected to offer 260 miles of range — just 2 miles better than the 2023 Kona Electric.

　　Since some versions of the Kona Electric do feature a robust 400-volt charging system, it refills fairly quickly when plugged into a DC fast charger. Hyundai says the Kona Electric can charge from 10% to 80% capacity in a rapid 43 minutes. However, the 400-volt system is noted as "available" for the Kona Electric, which makes us believe that lower-priced versions may do with a less potent rail that caps the maximum charging rate. The Kona Electric also allows for bidirectional charging at rates of up to 1.7 kWh, in case you need to provide power to equipment on the road. Camping in a Kona? It's now a possibility.

　　How's the Kona Electric's interior?

　　The new Kona's sleek, modern interior looks more cohesive than the previous model. The center console has been trimmed down, and relocating the transmission selection buttons to a stalk behind the steering wheel frees up space for a large storage area. Perfect for Big Gulps or just stashing a lot of gear. We dig the Kona's new steering wheel (which it appears to share with the heavily refreshed list of EVs with the worst range), and the front passenger enjoys extra utility thanks to a storage shelf on the dash. Thoughtful touches like ambient lighting strips sprinkled throughout the cabin ensure the interior looks as tech-forward as the exterior.

　　Speaking of which, the centerpiece of the Kona's cabin is undoubtedly the wide panel display that houses twin 12.3-inch displays. The display touchscreen is loaded with Hyundai's newest infotainment system, which supports over-the-air updates to keep the software current. New features include Digital Key 2 Touch (allowing owners to use their smartphone as a vehicle key), a surround-view parking camera and a Bose premium audio system.

　　Also on deck are additional advanced safety systems. A remote parking system (accessed via the key fob), a blind-spot camera, lane centering assistance, and front cross-traffic warning all join the list of features now available on the Kona. They join existing aids that include forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control and a safe-exit alert system. Many of these aren't available on competitors at all. If you prioritize advanced driving aids above all else, you might want to start your small SUV search with the Kona.

　　zzdcar says

　　The redesigned 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric aims to improve upon what was already one of our favorite small SUVs. It's a shame the powertrains were untouched or degraded since other aspects of this little crossover seem impossible to resist.

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Hyundai Kona Electric EV Insights

Trim:Kona Electric SE

　　SE 4dr SUV (electric DD) - $32,675 MSRPSEL 4dr SUV (electric DD) (Most Popular) - $36,675 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (electric DD) - $41,045 MSRP

　　

Range

　　197 miles

　　EPA Estimated Range

　　EV batteries lose 1-2% of range per year. Est. range for this car is 167 miles after 8 years.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 list of EVs with the worst range'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 © list of EVs with the worst range contributors | list of EVs with the worst range

　　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.

　　

Charging at Home

　　5 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

　　No rebates available in 58067

　　

Cost to Drive

　　Not Available

　　Kona Electric

　　vs

　　$167/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.