Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023) Review
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Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023) At A Glance
Two models available: 39KWh with a range of 180 miles and a 64KWh version with a 279-mile range. High spec and good value for money.
Some rivals are more spacious.
The Hyundai Kona Electric added another string to the bow of the Korean firm’s small SUV range and provided EV buyers with a fine choice. It might not be the roomiest SUV, but it looks good and is very well made. The Hyundai Kona Electric also drives well and the larger battery model has a usefully long range compared to the likes of the Renault Zoe, stylish but flawed Honda e or popular Vauxhall Corsa Electric. Read on for our full Hyundai Kona Electric review.
It’s surprising how swapping a petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor can transform a car. While the standard Hyundai Kona is a below-par rival to the SEAT Arona and big-selling Nissan Juke, the Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most desirable electric cars on the market.
There are two models available. It’s the pricier 64kWh model that grabs the headlines with its impressive 279-mile range, but the more affordable 39kWh version can cover 180 miles – enough for most drivers.
Batteries located under the floor mean there’s a reasonable amount of room inside – although, as per the standard car, the rear seats are a bit short of legroom, leaving adults sitting awkwardly with their knees above their waist.
The cabin looks pleasingly modern compared to the standard car, with buttons on the centre console to select forward or backwards. Search for hard plastics and you’ll find them, but it’s not as offensive as a relatively affordable electric car could be.
The highlight of the Hyundai Kona Electric is how it drives around town. The 64kWh model in particular is surprisingly quick off the line, accelerating forwards with little noise except the scrabble of the tyres as they struggle to find grip. Even those used to the instant torque of electric cars might be surprised by just how eager the 64kWh Hyundai Kona Electric is to accelerate.
It’s a heavy car and it can’t hide that entirely in bends, but a low centre of gravity means it remains relatively composed.
By offering Tesla-rivalling electric range in a desirable package for an affordable price, Hyundai’s Kona Electric has plenty of appeal. It has its flaws – a small boot, for example – but it’s still a massively attractive electric car.
Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar's Hyundai Kona review.
Reviews for Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023)'s top 3 rivals
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Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023) handling and engines
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023): Handling and ride quality
With all that power going through the front wheels, hit the accelerater hard and the wheels will squeal before propelling you forward with entertaining urgency.
Such antics aren’t great for range, of course, but it’s much more fun to drive than any petrol or diesel Hyundai Kona.
The Hyundai Kona Electric’s haste does fade as you approach motorway speeds, while it’s difficult to hide its weight on twisty roads. It’s a competent handler but – despite its low centre of gravity – it doesn’t remain as composed during spirited driving as the Hyundai Ioniq Electric.
It’s a relaxing car to drive, though, without the usual noise from a combustion engine. There’s a little wind noise on the motorway, but this is only noticeable because there isn’t an engine to drown it out. Turning up the radio fixes that.
If you’re concerned that pedestrians or cyclists might not hear you approaching at low speed, Hyundai does provide an audible hum. It’s quite distinctive and seems to work well in our experience.
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023): Engines
Instant acceleration from the 204PS motor means the Hyundai Kona Electric’s at its best when darting in and out of traffic around town.
Even the standard 39kWh battery model can cover 0-62mph in 9.7 seconds, while the higher-powered Hyundai Kona Electric covers it in 7.6 seconds.
That’s quicker than the likes of the Volkswagen e-Golf, Hyundai Ioniq Electric and even some versions of the BMW i3, but at low speeds it feels even sprightlier than its figures suggests.
You can adjust the amount of regeneration using shifters behind the steering wheel, meaning it can decelerate as you lift off the accelerator without touching the brakes.
To an extent, you can resort to one-pedal driving around town – a cool feature of many electric cars.
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023): Safety
Every Hyundai Kona Electric comes with a raft of airbags, ABS, ESP, eCall and hill start assist. You also get automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, smart cruise control, Isofix child seat mounts and a tyre pressure monitoring system.
Rear parking sensors and a rear view camera, plus a speed limiter, are included, too.
On top of that lot, there’s also blind spot detection for the Premium trim, while the Ultimate goes further with a head-up display, lane follow assist, Highway Drive Assist and front parking sensors.
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023): Towing
Hyundai offers a towing kit for the Hyundai Kona Electric, but oddly there are no official figures for its towing capacity with a braked or unbraked trailer.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 39kWh | - | 9.7–9.9 s | - |
| 64kWh | - | 7.9 s | - |
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023) interior
- Boot space is 332–1114 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4180–4205 mm |
| Width | 2070 mm |
| Height | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023): Practicality
The lack of a conventional transmission means there’s extra room underneath the centre console, providing considerably more storage inside the Hyundai Kona Electric than the regular Hyundai Kona.
However, the Hyundai Kona Electric isn’t quite as spacious as you might expect. It’s fine up front, with lots of adjustment in the driver’s seat and steering wheel meaning you’ll soon find a comfortable seating position.
Adults won’t be quite so happy in the rear, however. Headroom is reasonable, but it’s pretty tight in terms of legroom.
The boot is pretty small, too – the batteries eat into an already quite limited luggage area. By the time you’ve loaded the charging cables, you’re left with 332 litres of space – less than in a Hyundai Ioniq Electric, for example, or the Volkswagen e-Golf.
Fortunately, the rear seat splits 60:40 and folds easily, but access to the boot isn’t great, with a high lip over the rear bumper.
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023): Quality and finish
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the most expensive Hyundai Kona you can buy, and you can tell that the company has tried to give it a premium feel inside.
It’s got a unique, raised centre console, finished in silver with buttons to make the car move, instead of a conventional automatic gear shifter.
But it doesn’t feel quite as upmarket as the likes of the BMW i3.
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023): Infotainment
All Hyundai Kona Electric models now come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen. It’s clear and easy to use, and has Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included.
There’s also a matching 10.25-inch instrument supervision cluster for the main dials that can be configured in different ways to suit the driver’s tastes.
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023) value for money
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023): Prices
At the time of writing, a brand-new Hyundai Kona Electric costs from £32,750 for the SE Connect, while the Premium is £33,800. The top-spec Ultimate trim comes in at a more substantial £40,200.
On the used market, a three-year-old Hyundai Kona Electric with 20,000 miles under its wheels will cost you around £20,000, which represents quite a saving over new.
It will still have the balance of its original five-year warranty left to run to give you added peace of mind.
Hyundai Kona Electric (2019 – 2023): Running Costs
A fast charger (such as those at motorway services) can charge the Hyundai Kona Electric’s battery up to 80% in around an hour, while a home wallbox will charge it in around nine hours, 40 minutes (for the 64kWh Hyundai Kona Electric) or six hours, 10 minutes for the 39kWh model.
You can also charge it using a three-pin socket if required, but this will take more than 30 hours to top up the higher-powered Hyundai Kona Electric.
Charging it is easy, with the charging port located in the front of the vehicle next to the Hyundai badge. It’s also worth noting that the official ranges of 180 miles and 279 miles for the 39kWh and 64kWh models are under new WLTP tests, so these figures should be fairly achievable in the real world.
Road tax is free for the Hyundai Kona Electric at present, and insurance for this model sits in groups 22 to 27.
While that’s higher than many small SUVs, it’s still lower than for a lot of EVs.
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The Hyundai Kona Electric SE Connect features a 10.25-inch audio display including DAB, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors with a rear view camera, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls and a leather steering wheel.
Automatic lights, climate control, driver’s side electric lumbar support and keyless entry with start/stop button are also standard.
The Hyundai Kona Electric Premium adds privacy glass, LED rear lamps, front parking sensors, auto dimming rear mirror and automatic windscreen wipers, a KRELL audio system with eight speakers and wireless charging for compatible devices. It also has smart cruise control and a heated steering wheel.
The range-topping Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate 64kWh model has electrically adjustable and heated/ventilated front seats, plus heated rear outer seats.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4180–4205 mm |
| Width | 2070 mm |
| Height | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2600 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1535–1743 kg |
| Boot Space | 332–1114 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / 60000 miles |
| Servicing | 10000–20000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £29,495–£37,200 |
| Insurance Groups | 22–27 |
| Road Tax Bands | Exempt |
| Official MPG | - |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until October 2023
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Premium 136 PMSM 39KWH 5dr Auto | £31,800 | - | 9.9 s |
| Premium 204 PMSM 64KWH 5dr Auto | £35,050 | - | 7.9 s |
| SE Connect 136 PMSM 39KWH 5dr Auto | £30,450 | - | 9.9 s |
| Ultimate 204 PMSM 64KWH 5dr Auto | £37,200 | - | 7.9 s |
On sale until April 2021
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 39KWH Electric Premium Auto 5dr | £30,870 | - | 9.7 s |
| 39KWH Electric SE Auto 5dr | £29,495 | - | 9.7 s |
| 64kwh Electric Premium Auto 5dr | - | - | 7.9 s |
| 64kwh Electric Premium SE Auto 5dr | - | - | 7.9 s |
Model History
- June 2018: Hyundai Kona Electric UK specs and prices announced
- December 2018: Corrected figures for Hyundai Kona Electric announced
- January 2020: Hyundai slashes waiting times for Kona Electric
- November 2020: Hyundai Kona Electric updated with revised looks and fresh technology
- March 2021: Updated Hyundai Kona Electric priced from £30,125
- April 2021: Hyundai Kona Electric given price cut following Plug-in Car Grant changes
June 2018
Hyundai Kona Electric UK specs and prices announced
Hyundai has announced the pricing and specification of the Kona Electric, which will be available to order from the 2 August.
Kona Electric is the latest electrified model from Hyundai, joining both the Ioniq family and the forthcoming Nexo as the brand drives towards 18 new electrified models by 2025. It brings the very latest in battery electric powertrain and connected technology, with an impressive driving range of up to 300 miles, all packaged up in an evolution of the Kona's striking exterior design.
Front styling changes include a signature silver garnish connecting the high level daytime running lamps, a closed grille incorporating the charge point and a redesigned front bumper with active air flaps. At the rear of Kona Electric, the bumper has been redesigned for improved airflow, as well as housing resigned turn signal and fog lamp units. From the side, its dedicated 17-inch alloy wheels, lower side skirt and wheel arch side claddings are clear differentiators from the internal combustion engine versions of Kona.
The Kona Electric models come with a high level of standard safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Recognition (AEB), Forward Collision Warning (FCW) Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Smart Cruise Control (ASCC) and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) with individual tyre pressure display. Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Follow Assist (LFA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) are also available dependant on trim level.
Prices will start from £29,495 (excluding Plug In Car Grant) for the Kona Electric SE 39kWh, with equipment including a 7-inch display audio including DAB, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, rear parking sensors with rear view camera, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls and a leather steering wheel. Automatic lights, climate control, driver’s side electric lumbar support and keyless entry with start/stop button are amongst the key specification items.
Kona Electric Premium 39kWh is the next model up in the range, which starts from £30,870 (excluding Plug In Car Grant). The specification builds on the SE trim level by offering customers additional equipment including, privacy glass, LED rear lamps, front parking sensors, auto dimming rear mirror and automatic windscreen wipers, 8-inch touchscreen display audio system with Navigation, DAB, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, combined with the KRELL audio system with 8 speakers and wireless charging for compatible devices. Kona Electric Premium is available with two drivetrains; the 39kWh battery with 100kW motor providing 136PS, or the 64kWh battery with 150kW motor with 204PS.
The range topping Kona Electric Premium SE 64kWh is available from £36,295 (not including Plug In Car Grant), which adds additional equipment to the Premium including LED headlamps with High Beam Assist (HBA), static cornering lights and head up display. Additional enhancements over the Premium specification include leather seat facings, electrically adjustable and heated/ventilated front seats and heated steering wheel.
Kona Electric is available in a choice of 6 colours. Galactic Grey (metallic) is a no cost option finish, with Chalk White (pearl), Tangerine Comet (metallic), Ceramic Blue (pearl), Pulse Red (pearl) and Acid Yellow (metallic) being a £565 option. A two-tone roof is available to order as a £420 option on the Premium & Premium SE models.
Kona Electric will initially be available to order exclusively from Hyundai’s Click to Buy website with rollout across the dealer network in 2019.
All Kona Electric models come with Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty, roadside assistance package, 5 Year annual health check, and 12 year anti corrosion warranty.
Kona Electric Pricing – NOT INCLUDING PLUG IN CAR GRANT
|
Model |
Fuel Type |
CO2 Emissions (g/km) |
VED Band |
Recommended On The Road Price |
P11D Value |
BIK % |
|
SE 39kWh |
Electric |
0 |
A |
£29,495.00 |
£29,440.00 |
13 |
|
Premium 39 kWh |
Electric |
0 |
A |
£30,870.00 |
£30,815.00 |
13 |
|
Premium 64 kWh |
Electric |
0 |
A |
£33,995.00 |
£33,940.00 |
13 |
|
Premium SE 64 kWh |
Electric |
0 |
A |
£36,295.00 |
£36,240.00 |
13 |
|
Optional Extra |
||||||
|
2 Tone roof |
Premium, Premium SE |
£420 |
||||
|
Metallic / Pearl paint |
SE, Premium, Premium SE |
£565 |
||||
December 2018
Corrected figures for Hyundai Kona Electric announced
Hyundai Motor has issued a correction to the official Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) combined all-electric driving range (AER) stated for the Kona Electric.
All new cars to be sold in the European Union are subject to the new WLTP tests, which use a standardised test programme set and overseen by designated testing authorities. In testing the Kona Electric to establish its homologated electric vehicle driving range, the independent organisation overseeing the process accidentally provided an incorrect testing methodology and then approved the results it generated. This led to the Kona Electric being tested for a disproportionate length of time on the WLTP ‘urban’ cycle – comprising lower overall vehicle speeds and a reduced energy requirement – resulting in an overestimation of the vehicle’s all-electric range.
The Kona Electric in 39kWh specification is due to be recalculated with an AER combined range of 289 kilometers (180 miles). The AER of Kona Electric 64kWh is due to be recalculated with a range of 449 kilometers (279 miles).
Hyundai says it's taking the matter seriously and seeking an explanation from the independent body responsible for the error.
January 2020
Hyundai slashes waiting times for Kona Electric
In response to significant customer demand, Hyundai Motor UK has announced that customer waiting times for the new 2020 Kona Electric will be significantly reduced from 12 months to 4 months. The move follows a significant ramp up in availability of its sought-after fully electric model, through the introduction of production in its European Czech-based plant and by increasing existing supply from its facility in Ulsan, South Korea.
In order to streamline the ordering process, the 39kWh model has also been dropped. It accounted for less than one per cent of sales in the UK.
The 2020 Kona Electric is now available to order from across the dealer network with customers benefitting from Hyundai’s comprehensive five-year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assistance package.
November 2020
Hyundai Kona Electric updated with revised looks and fresh technology
Exterior highlights include new lights and bumpers front and rear, while the interior now features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Customers also get access to a new Bluelink upgrade which allows them to conrol features of the car via their smartphone. The Kona Electric also gets a host of new SmartSense safety features, including:
- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA)
- Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA)
- Safe Exit Warning (SEW)
- Rear Seat Alert (RSA)
March 2021
Updated Hyundai Kona Electric priced from £30,125
The Kona Electric has undergone a series of exterior design updates; at the front with a new-look closed grille and new LED Daytime Running Lights and new, sharper headlamps that incorporate multifaceted reflector (MFR) technology. Air inlets in front of the wheel arch claddings enhance its aerodynamics and reduce turbulence in the front wheelhouse area and the functional air intake in the lower bumper is visually enhanced by horizontal satin accent bars. To the side, new painted wheel arch claddings give the New KONA Electric a fresh new look, with a new 17” alloy wheel design, new rear bumper and revised rear lamps completing the design changes.
Amongst the specification enhancements for Kona Electric, interior additions include a standard 10.25” driver’s digital supervision instrument cluster with a choice of display options and information displays, whilst the 10.25” AVN system is now standard across the range, with its combination of Bluelink® app control, KRELL premium multi speaker sound and navigation with voice control.
Kona Electric continues with a choice of two powertrain offerings, a 39.2kWh with 136PS and a range of 189 miles, or the 64kWh with 204PS and a range of 300 miles. Both models offer charging flexibility with standard 7 pin Type 2 CCS and 3 pin ICCB charging cables. New KONA Electric can be charged from as little as 47 minutes on a 100kW charger, with a full recharge from a 7.2kW charger obtained in just 6 hours.
Three trim levels are available to customers with the new SE Connect and Ultimate trims joining a revised Premium specification. From £33,125 on the road, the Kona Electric SE Connect 39.2kWh is offered with the usual Hyundai high level of standard specification including a standard 10.25” digital supervision instrument cluster, 10.25” AVN system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 5 year Bluelink subscription and 10 years of map updates via the MapCare scheme. Standard rear parking sensors with a rear view camera, keyless entry with stop/start button and smart adaptive cruise control with stop/go function all provide customers with convenience when driving.
The Premium trim has been revised from the previous model, with standard equipment additions including full LED headlamps, heated front seats heated steering wheel and cabin ambient lighting. Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist (RCA) are also added to the already comprehensive safety equipment list. Other key features for the Premium include front parking sensors, LED rear lights, power folding mirrors, automatic windscreen wipers and wireless device charging point. The Premium is available with a choice of two powertrains, the 39.2kWh battery, 100kW motor with 136PS and 189 mile 1 range or the 64kWh battery, 150kW motor with 204PS and 300 1 mile range.
New to the Kona Electric range is the Ultimate 64 kWh, which now adds an electric tilt and slide sunroof and the Highway Drive Assist function to an already comprehensive specification, including head up display, leather upholstery with full electric adjustments to the front, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats.
New KONA Electric is available with a choice of 10 exterior finishes, including 6 new colours:
|
Colour |
Finish |
Colour |
Finish |
|
Misty Jungle (new) |
Pearl |
Dive in Jeju (new) |
Solid |
|
Surfy Blue (new) |
Metallic |
Galactic Grey |
Metallic |
|
Ingnite Flame (new) |
Special Solid |
Dark Knight |
Pearl |
|
Cyber Grey (new) |
Metallic |
Pulse Red |
Pearl |
|
Atlas White (new) |
Special Solid |
Phantom Black |
Pearl |
|
Model |
Recommended OTR |
Recommended OTR inc PICG |
P11D value |
BIK Tax % |
|
|
SE Connect 39kWh |
£33,125.00 |
£30,125.00 |
£33,070.00 |
0% |
|
|
Premium 39kWh |
£34,475.00 |
£31,475.00 |
£34,420.00 |
0% |
|
|
Premium 64kWh |
£38,225.00 |
£35,225.00 |
£38,170.00 |
0% |
|
|
Ultimate 64kWh |
£40,375.00 |
£37,375.00 |
£40,320.00 |
0% |
|
|
Options |
Models |
Retail Price |
|||
|
Special Solid paint: Ignite flame / Atlas White |
All |
£300.00 |
|||
|
Metallic / Pearl Paint |
All |
£565.00 |
|||
|
Heat Pump |
All |
£875.00 |
|||
April 2021
Hyundai Kona Electric given price cut following Plug-in Car Grant changes
The SE Connect now costs £30,395 and Premium at £31,745 (before first registration fee applied). The Kona Electric 64KWh, capable of travelling up to 300 miles on a single charge, now costs £34,995 in Premium specification and £37,145 for the Premium SE (before first registration fee applied).
