{The electrical} mannequin of Hyundai’s sub-compact Kona crossover appeared in 2019, making it due for an change proper right here in 2022. The good news for current householders is that the refresh is particularly utilized to the inside and outside nevertheless not the drivetrain. That additionally sends 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft torque to the doorway wheels and is good for as a lot as 258 miles of range.
For 2022, Hyundai dropped the Closing trim stage, so the choice now may very well be between the SEL and Restricted trims. Inside, the Kona Electrical now has a ten.25-inch digital gauge present as customary along with a full suite of safety tech, which solely gives to the price proposition. With a starting worth of $34,000 for the underside model, Hyundai must wedge itself firmly into the entry-level and metropolis EV market from the start. Our week with the refreshed Kona Electrical reminded us that the South Korean mannequin just isn’t missing a trick. It moreover reminded us that it’s a satisfying automotive to drive.
Current Styling
The Kona’s styling was already distinctive and, with no grille, {the electrical} mannequin way more so. New bumpers adorn the 2022 model to supply the doorway end a sleeker look. Common and aesthetically, the doorway tends to develop on people as a mix of cute and stylish. The lower up entrance headlights are one factor that will not, lastly, age correctly, nevertheless Hyundai has gone for a futuristic look with out over-egging the pudding.
The underside SEL model will get old-fashioned halogen headlights, whereas the Restricted model we examined has LED headlights with high-beam assist. Every trims embrace LED daytime working lights and 18-inch wheels, whereas the Restricted will get an affect tilt-and-slide sunroof which may very well be optioned onto the SEL.
Small Nevertheless Useful Inside
The Kona Electrical is a small automotive, and whereas the doorway has room for adults with elbows, the once more is a bit cramped and best used for youngsters, laptop computer laptop baggage, or purses. The seating positioning is extreme even in its lowest place, and the Restricted trim will get power modifications in eight directions for the driving force and leather-trimmed seats for everyone compared with the fabric objects on the underside trim.
Hyundai’s infotainment system is intuitive to navigate, notably in 10.25-inch dimension as customary on the Restricted trim, and the buttons surrounding it are correctly marked, one factor we have now missed all through present Volkswagen opinions. Every fashions now get a ten.25-inch digital cluster, which appears to be good and responds correctly. The seats are comfortable, one factor we have now moreover stopped taking for granted in entry-level fashions since driving the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.
Cargo space is one different consideration, and its 19.2 cubic toes is par for the sub-compact crossover course. That’s ample cargo space with the seats up for a weekend away for a pair and by no means relatively extra. The Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf present greater rear passenger legroom and additional cargo space, but it surely certainly’s not a night and day distinction.
Pleasing And Economical Drivetrain
The Kona Electrical is powered by a 150-kW electrical motor and a 64-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery by means of a single-speed transmission. {The electrical} motor delivers as a lot as 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque which is fed to the crossover’s entrance wheels. With all that torque being accessible from a standing start, 0-60 mph is out there in 6.4 seconds, and with an entertaining amount of torque steer as a result of the low-rolling-resistance tires scrabble for grip. Acceleration stays to be sturdy at bigger speeds and acceptable for atmosphere pleasant overtaking on the freeway.
Spherical metropolis, the Kona electrical can hustle, nevertheless not in Eco mode. It deadens the throttle pedal’s response to the aim that you just flip into that gradual specific particular person from the lights till you give it an outstanding stamp. Whereas that may defend these miles between prices, Common mode is the place to be for individuals who want to hustle. Sport mode is genuinely entertaining, nevertheless we’ll get to that.
Surprisingly Comfortable And Entertaining To Drive
Journey comfort throughout the Kona Electrical is typical of a small financial system automotive. You can actually really feel some springiness, nevertheless lumps and bumps are absorbed efficiently. The steering is as eager and direct as a result of the powertrain, and hustling by way of tight roads is a breeze when you add the Kona’s dimension to the equation. 4 ranges of regenerative braking may be discovered from the paddles behind the steering wheel. On the strongest stage, it’s shut – nevertheless not pretty – to one-pedal driving while you get used to it, requiring the utilization of the brake pedal solely when coming to a dull halt.
Whereas it’s raised and the suspension feels previous model, there isn’t a excessive lean. On a backroad and with the flexibility added, that makes the Kona actually really feel like a Nineteen Nineties scorching hatch, full with the understeer and torquesteer – the satisfying points which have been overwhelmed out of latest effectivity vehicles for the sake of ‘refinement’ – when you whip it into Sport mode.
That doesn’t suggest the Kona Electrical will protect tempo with modern effectivity vehicles, but it surely certainly’s satisfying to toss about while you’re into that. The underside line is that the Kona Electrical is comfortable and satisfying to zip spherical in, and Sport mode is there in case you want silly grins on a backroad.
The Bang For Your Buck Verdict
The additional we drive the Kona Electrical, the additional we favor it. Whereas not as roomy and, by extension, as wise as a result of the Chevrolet Bolt or Nissan Leaf, it beats them every fingers down on the driving experience and the Chevy Bolt on account of it has comfortable seats. To us, that makes the chief of the pack the Kona Electrical and the Leaf.
Boiling it down, the Leaf has further legroom and cargo space. Nissan advertises the 2023 Leaf with an EPA estimated range of 212 miles in base sort, considerably decrease than the Kona Electrical’s 258 miles. For any person not anticipating rear-seat passengers, the Kona Electrical is the obvious various and one we wholeheartedly counsel. Nevertheless while you’re a purchaser who desires practicality, the Kona’s satisfying nature may fall in want of the Leaf’s family-oriented nature in the long run.