- When Is The Hyundai Kona Electric Coming Out?
- 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Price And Competition
- New Hyundai Kona Electric Exterior And Colors
- Hyundai Kona Electric Dimensions
- Hyundai Kona Electric Engine And Performance
- Range, Charging, And Battery Life
- Hyundai Kona Electric Interior And Cargo
Although more stylish and high-tech than before, the new Kona EV has also shed over 100 lb-ft of torque.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of the previous Hyundai Kona Electric is that it was available in only 26 states, making it very hard to come by depending on where you lived. Considering how much pricier the Ioniq 5 is and that the Ioniq Electric is no longer on sale, that seems like a missed opportunity for Hyundai at the lower end of the EV price spectrum. Unfortunately, the same limited availability will apply to the 2024 model.
The latest Kona enjoys an ultra-modern exterior and a thoroughly redesigned interior with more space. Aesthetically, it’s easily more appealing than the Chevrolet Bolt EUV and Nissan Leaf, both far older designs. But peak torque has dropped rather dramatically, and the maximum range is barely better than the previous model. Do these specs hold it back from being a class leader? Let’s find out.
When Is The Hyundai Kona Electric Coming Out?
The release date for the Hyundai Kona Electric has been set for late in the fall, and it will be coming out after its gas-powered sibling. The vehicle already had its North American premiere early in April at the New York Auto Show.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Price And Competition
We'll have to wait until closer to the car's launch to find out the price of the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric, but we're hoping that it has a lower base price since the entry-level model has much less power than the 2023 Kona. Bearing in mind that the 2023 model starts at a cost of $33,550, and considering the modest new base powertrain, we expect the 2024 model to start at around $30,000 MSRP. Top-spec models will likely exceed $40k.
Sub-$40,000 electric crossovers are relatively rare, but such rivals include the Kia Niro EV, Volkswagen ID.4, and the Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The Niro is the priciest of the bunch, with a starting price of $39,550, whereas the Bolt EUV starts at only $27,800. Because the VW and Chevrolet are built in the USA, they also stand to benefit from a federal tax credit, potentially making them much better value than the Korean twins.
New Hyundai Kona Electric Exterior And Colors
As with the newly facelifted Sonata sedan, the exterior design of the Hyundai Kona Electric has undergone a dramatic revamp. The older Kona was already a stylish little crossover, but the new one is more futuristic. Hyundai says that the new Kona was developed as an EV first, and that explains the EV-centric exterior design.
The frontal aspect has a distinctive RoboCop-like look (for those old enough to remember the 1987 science-fiction classic) with its Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp and Pixel graphics. The actual headlights are separate from this horizon lamp, and Hyundai has not attempted to incorporate a traditional grille of any kind. Instead, this area houses the charging port, although it must be said that the off-center positioning and outline of the port disrupts what is otherwise a very clean front fascia.
There are many deep creases on the side of the car, and along with the sculpted wheel arch armor, the crossover has a chunky appearance. Another neat touch is the way the chrome line below the glasshouse flows seamlessly into the rear spoiler.
At the back, the full-width lighting theme is repeated once more, lending this angle of the 2024 Kona Electric its own distinctive flair.
All wheel sizes have not been confirmed, but we did see 17-inch alloys with all-season tires equipped to one Kona EV version. Larger 18s may be available optionally.
Some vibey colors will be available for the Hyundai Kona Electric, including the daring Neoteric Yellow. Other options include Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White, Cyber Gray Metallic, Engine Red, Mirage Green, Cypress Green Pearl, and Denim Blue Pearl. This is a much more interesting color palette than is typical for Hyundai, but it must be mentioned that US-specific colors have not been confirmed yet.
Hyundai Kona Electric Dimensions
The dimensions of the new Hyundai Kona Electric crossover show that it has undergone a bit of a growth spurt. Whereas the 2023 model measures 165.6 inches in length, the new one has a length of 171.5 inches. Its width of 71.9 inches is an inch more than before, and the same goes for its 62.2-inch height (with roof rails and on 17-inch wheels). The 104.7-inch wheelbase is longer by 2.3 inches, which helps to free up some more interior space.
The 2024 Kona EV's curb weight is unknown, but since the 2023 model started at 3,715 pounds, the new one will probably be a little heavier than that.
Hyundai Kona Electric Engine And Performance
On paper, the new Kona appears to have taken a step backward in the performance department. Whereas the previous Kona Electric came with just a single powertrain, the new one will come with two battery packs and varying power outputs from the single electric motor. The smaller battery is coupled to an electric motor with a modest 133 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque, whereas the larger battery provides energy to a more powerful motor with 201 hp and the same torque. Although the 2023 Kona also made 201 hp, its peak torque was dramatically better at 291 lb-ft.
Both models direct power to the front wheels only, and we expect the 201-hp version to get from 0-60 mph in around seven seconds, with about 8.5 seconds a likelier time for the 133-hp variant. The outgoing model could hit 60 in a speedy 6.4 seconds, and its acceleration was one of its most impressive attributes.
More impressively, a new i-PEDAL system allows for one-pedal driving that can slow down the car without the driver needing to use the brake pedal at all under certain conditions.
Range, Charging, And Battery Life
One might think that the less powerful and torquey motors have contributed to a much better range, but this hasn't been the case. The 2023 Kona Electric can cover 258 miles on a full battery, whereas Hyundai claims 260 miles – just 2 miles more – for the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric when equipped with the long-range 64.8-kilowatt-hour battery. The standard battery only has a capacity of 48.6 kWh, so here, the range dips to only 197 miles, which is poor by modern EV standards.
With the 64.8-kWh battery, 400V architecture will support faster charging speeds, and although Hyundai doesn't specify the maximum charging speed, we know that the bigger battery can be replenished from 10% to 80% in around 43 minutes.
A bi-directional onboard charger can be used for the Vehicle-to-Load function, and by so doing, the Kona Electric can power everything from camping equipment to electric bicycles. If Hyundai can position the new Kona Electric as a high-value prospect with a more appealing price tag, its maximum range might be easier to stomach. But as it stands, the crossover is barely better than its predecessor in this area.
Hyundai Kona Electric Interior And Cargo
Like the exterior, the interior of the new Hyundai Kona Electric has received a total makeover. It now comes with dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens, but the high-tech look isn’t all that’s changed. Since the car is larger, there is what Hyundai refers to as a larger interior “living space,” which is an elaborate way of saying that there is more space for front- and second-row occupants.
Digging deeper into the more generous dimensions inside the cabin, we can see that rear legroom is up to 36.4 inches, three inches more than before, and helped by front seats that are 30% slimmer than they were. Shoulder room is also up, so while three adults at the back will still be a squeeze, it’s better than before. Headroom has also been enhanced.
In terms of the cargo space in the new Hyundai Kona Electric, there are 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row, up by a healthy 6.3 cubes over the outgoing Kona EV, and the space is expandable to 63.7 cubes when folding down the rear seatback. A small frunk measuring just under a cube is useful for stashing smaller items when the rear trunk is hard to access, a useful touch since the previous model didn't have a frunk.
Upholstery choices haven’t been detailed just yet, but the seats in the Hyundai Kona Electric should start with cloth on lower trims and lead to leather or imitation leather on upper trims. The Curveless Bench Seat in the second row has a two-stage latching system that makes it possible to recline the seat.
Other available technologies include over-the-air software updates, Digital Key 2 Touch, and a shift-by-wire gear selector behind the steering wheel that frees up more storage space in the console area; in the same area is a rotational cupholder. Another feature contributing to the ambiance in the cabin is available ambient lighting that corresponds either to your mood or the selected driving mode.
Keyword: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric First Look Review: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back