The electrical model of Hyundai’s sub-compact Kona crossover appeared in 2019, making it due for an replace right here in 2022. The excellent news for current homeowners is that the refresh is especially utilized to the outside and inside however not the drivetrain. That also sends 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft torque to the entrance wheels and is nice for as much as 258 miles of vary.
For 2022, Hyundai dropped the Final trim stage, so the selection now’s between the SEL and Restricted trims. Inside, the Kona Electrical now has a ten.25-inch digital gauge show as commonplace together with a full suite of security tech, which solely provides to the worth proposition. With a beginning worth of $34,000 for the bottom mannequin, Hyundai needs to wedge itself firmly into the entry-level and metropolis EV market from the beginning. Our week with the refreshed Kona Electrical reminded us that the South Korean model is not lacking a trick. It additionally reminded us that it is a enjoyable automobile to drive.
Recent Styling
The Kona’s styling was already distinctive and, with no grille, the electrical model much more so. New bumpers adorn the 2022 mannequin to provide the entrance finish a sleeker look. General and aesthetically, the entrance tends to develop on individuals as a mix of cute and chic. The break up entrance headlights are one thing that won’t, in the end, age properly, however Hyundai has gone for a futuristic look with out over-egging the pudding.
The bottom SEL mannequin will get old style halogen headlights, whereas the Restricted mannequin we examined has LED headlights with high-beam help. Each trims include LED daytime operating lights and 18-inch wheels, whereas the Restricted will get an influence tilt-and-slide sunroof which may be optioned onto the SEL.
Small However Helpful Inside
The Kona Electrical is a small automobile, and whereas the entrance has room for adults with elbows, the again is somewhat cramped and greatest used for youths, laptop computer baggage, or purses. The seating positioning is excessive even in its lowest place, and the Restricted trim will get energy changes in eight instructions for the motive force and leather-trimmed seats for everybody in comparison with the fabric objects on the bottom trim.
Hyundai’s infotainment system is intuitive to navigate, notably in 10.25-inch measurement as commonplace on the Restricted trim, and the buttons surrounding it are properly marked, one thing we have missed throughout current Volkswagen evaluations. Each fashions now get a ten.25-inch digital cluster, which appears to be like good and responds properly. The seats are comfy, one thing we have additionally stopped taking without any consideration in entry-level fashions since driving the Chevrolet Bolt EUV.
Cargo area is one other consideration, and its 19.2 cubic toes is par for the sub-compact crossover course. That is sufficient cargo area with the seats up for a weekend away for a pair and never way more. The Chevy Bolt and Nissan Leaf supply higher rear passenger legroom and extra cargo area, nevertheless it’s not an evening and day distinction.
Enjoyable And Economical Drivetrain
The Kona Electrical is powered by a 150-kW electrical motor and a 64-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery through a single-speed transmission. The electrical motor delivers as much as 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque which is fed to the crossover’s entrance wheels. With all that torque being out there from a standing begin, 0-60 mph is available in 6.4 seconds, and with an entertaining quantity of torque steer because the low-rolling-resistance tires scrabble for grip. Acceleration remains to be robust at greater speeds and appropriate for environment friendly overtaking on the freeway.
Round city, the Kona electrical can hustle, however not in Eco mode. It deadens the throttle pedal’s response to the purpose that you simply change into that gradual individual from the lights until you give it a superb stamp. Whereas that can protect these miles between costs, Regular mode is the place to be for people who prefer to hustle. Sport mode is genuinely entertaining, however we’ll get to that.
Surprisingly Comfy And Entertaining To Drive
Experience consolation within the Kona Electrical is typical of a small financial system automobile. You may really feel some springiness, however lumps and bumps are absorbed successfully. The steering is as keen and direct because the powertrain, and hustling by way of tight roads is a breeze while you add the Kona’s measurement to the equation. 4 ranges of regenerative braking can be found from the paddles behind the steering wheel. On the strongest stage, it is shut – however not fairly – to one-pedal driving when you get used to it, requiring the usage of the brake pedal solely when coming to a lifeless halt.
Whereas it is raised and the suspension feels old fashioned, there isn’t any extreme lean. On a backroad and with the ability added, that makes the Kona really feel like a Nineteen Nineties scorching hatch, full with the understeer and torquesteer – the enjoyable issues which have been overwhelmed out of recent efficiency vehicles for the sake of ‘refinement’ – while you whip it into Sport mode.
That does not imply the Kona Electrical will hold tempo with fashionable efficiency vehicles, nevertheless it’s enjoyable to toss about if you happen to’re into that. The underside line is that the Kona Electrical is comfy and enjoyable to zip round in, and Sport mode is there in order for you foolish grins on a backroad.
The Bang For Your Buck Verdict
The extra we drive the Kona Electrical, the extra we prefer it. Whereas not as roomy and, by extension, as sensible because the Chevrolet Bolt or Nissan Leaf, it beats them each fingers down on the driving expertise and the Chevy Bolt as a result of it has comfy seats. To us, that makes the chief of the pack the Kona Electrical and the Leaf.
Boiling it down, the Leaf has extra legroom and cargo area. Nissan advertises the 2023 Leaf with an EPA estimated vary of 212 miles in base kind, significantly lower than the Kona Electrical’s 258 miles. For somebody not anticipating rear-seat passengers, the Kona Electrical is the plain alternative and one we wholeheartedly suggest. However if you happen to’re a purchaser who wants practicality, the Kona’s enjoyable nature could fall wanting the Leaf’s family-oriented nature in the long term.