Hyundai Kona Electric review: super-easy living

Introduction

The original incarnation of the Hyundai Kona Electric was respectable enough and certainly tempting, especially thanks to its impressive range. Now though, Hyundai’s second-generation Kona Electric is a much more complete package, with improved looks helping matters greatly. There’s still plenty of range too – up to 319 from the larger 65kWh battery plus comfort and lots of tech that, well, just works.

I’ve been trying out the Hyundai Kona Electric Ultimate model, with the added bonus of a Lux Pack. What that means is the car you see here came fully loaded and armed with everything to make life easier and more efficient. You can head for lowlier models, armed with a smaller 48kWh battery and fewer toys for less money, but if you’re inclined to mix in frequent longer runs, this car is ideal.

There are actually four different trim levels to choose rising from Advance to N Line and N Line S models, all topped off with the Ultimate edition. Even on the Advance edition you’ll find Hyundai hasn’t skimped on equipment levels and all cars feel like good value for money. The build quality is good and materials feel like they’ll be durable and long-lasting. The Hyundai Kona Electric might not be the most exciting EV to drive, but it’s undeniably practical.

The styling

I rather like the look of the new Hyundai Kona Electric, especially with the funky 19in alloy wheels and stylish metallic paint on my example. It’s certainly grown on me during my time with it and that smoothed-off front end is perhaps my preferred viewing angle. Talking of angles, there are several of these down the sides and towards the back, which might sound like a bit of a mish-mash, but somehow it works.

The biggest transformation with the latest edition of the Hyundai Kona Electric is to be found on the inside. I’ve really enjoyed being in the cockpit of other recent all-electric Hyundai’s including the Ionic 5 and Ionic 6. That theme is emulated to some degree inside the Kona Electric, although it’s slightly more conventional due to the fact that its market is likely to be more family oriented.

Therefore, the interior is simple, stylish and very practical with easy access doors, durable seat and door coverings and, in my example, topped off with a glass roof that makes the cabin area feel very light and airy. The dashboard is a real treat too and for anyone who prefers the feel of a real button to press then you’ll revel in the array of options that sit below the impressive pairing of 12.3in LCD displays that form the core of the infotainment and instrument display.

This being a car aimed at families, the boot capacity is generous at 466 litres, while this can be easily maxed out by dropping the 40/20/40 rear set setup to boost it to 1300 litres. Great for those busy days visiting the dump, without doubt. Underneath the boot floor lie cables for charging, with a flip-out cover at the front end hiding the charging port. In my model, the cover was also heated for easy access, which turned out to be handy in sub-zero conditions during the depths of winter.

The drive

If you’re looking for a great everyday driver, the Hyundai Kona Electric fits the bill perfectly. The 160kW motor is more than enough to cope with all kinds of driving scenarios and works brilliantly on motorway runs where you need that extra bit of oomph for slip roads and the like. Equally, I’ve been very impressed with the way the Kona Electric can be set up to maximise the amount of regeneration on offer.

By pulling on the paddles located on either side of the steering wheel, it’s possible to add more regen – or lessen it, as is needed. If you go to the maximum regen, this puts the car into i-Pedal mode, allowing you one-foot driving with very little need to use the brake pedal to supplement it. Driving around urban areas is where this comes into its own, with the added benefit that you’re putting a little bit of energy back into the battery too.

The Hyundai Kona Electric isn’t an enormous SUV either, so it’s got a size that works in a great deal of locations too. There’s plenty of visibility and, for when there isn’t, the reversing camera and driver aids come into their own. Again, Hyundai has engineered the systems to enhance your driving experience and it all works wonderfully. In fact, that reversing camera is a joy to use.

Again, trying the car in cold winter temperatures, getting it ready for the road in frosty conditions is a doddle thanks to a heat pump and heated screen and mirror elements. Heated seats add to the appeal, so you actually look forward to driving the Kona Electric on a chilly morning. Overall, then, the Hyundai isn’t a dazzling thing to drive but it handles and goes perfectly well, so I have no complaints on that front and the range is everything I’d anticipated. Home charging from 20% told me it would take 10 hours at 7kWh, but that’s fine overnight, no problem at all.

The technology

There are so many cars out there that feel like they’ve got lots of tech inside that either hasn’t been fully thought through or, worse, just doesn’t make life easier. Hyundai is different, and in the case of the Kona Electric the overall feeling is one of success. Of course, there’s no escaping the odd minor irritation – like the bonging that occurs if you dare creep slightly over the speed limit.

That’s not a problem really and you can quickly dispatch it by simply sticking firmly to the speed limit, even if the person tailgating you doesn’t share your diligence for staying legal. Aside from that though, everything works really well. I love the look of the graphics across the dashboard, with screens delivering crisp and clear information that helps rather than hinders. Considering the level of tech that’s on offer, I also like the way Hyundai has tempered this with a generous smattering of physical controls. It’s a great compromise.

As mentioned earlier, the main areas of interest lie in the twin 12.3in screens that form the instrument cluster and infotainment arrangement. There’s everything here, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto sitting alongside a beefy crop of driver aids. My car had a head-up display, which was similarly impressive. I really like Hyundai’s speed and safety information and the way it’s presented. Even the door-bell-like chime of the speed camera warning is more laid-back than some I’ve experienced.

I must also mention the Bose premium sound system that was fitted to my Kona Electric, which with seven speakers and a subwoofer was meaty and almost more than anyone would ever need. A nice touch, but also a reminder that some of the extras might be surplus to requirements if you’ve got kids in the back who aren’t too fussed about audio quality.

Hyundai Kona Electric verdict

While the Hyundai Kona Electric might look a little humdrum alongside some of the more outlandish EVs out there on the market, it is perfectly tailored to meet the needs of families. This is a hugely practical car, which is happy hauling people and things without fuss. It’s comfortable – even more so if you’ve got a higher trim grade and all the goodies that come with it.

Best of all though is the ease of operation – everything just works, from driving the Kona Electric through to charging it. Anyone who is nervous about living with an EV should try this car, or indeed other Hyundai’s in the range because the Korean’s seem to have a knack of instilling confidence in folks who tend to break out in a sweat over range anxiety. This is easy-going, all-electric motoring for sure.

Hyundai Kona Electric specifications

Powertrain	160kW permanent magnet synchronous electric motor
Battery	65kWh
Power	214bhp
Torque	188lb ft
0-60mph	7.9sec
Top speed	104mph
Range	319 miles
Charge rate	102kWh
Cargo volume	466 litres