Test-Driving The Kona Electric: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to test drive a kona electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric compact SUV is an affordable, all-electric vehicle with a range of up to 480km on a single charge. It is easy to drive and offers a comfortable ride, with a quiet electric motor and a spacious cabin. The Kona Electric comes with a range of driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring, as well as three levels of regenerative braking. The new SX2 model offers more boot space and rear seat room than its predecessor, as well as a bigger boot and a rare spare wheel. With its improved range, spacious interior, and competitive pricing, the Hyundai Kona Electric is a strong contender in the electric vehicle market.

Characteristics Values
Make Hyundai
Model Kona Electric
Year 2025
Type of vehicle Compact SUV
Type of power Electric motor
Horsepower 133 (entry-level) or 201
Mileage 200-260 miles per charge
Battery 48.6 kWh or 64.8 kWh
Wheels 17-inch or 19-inch
Displays Two 12.3-inch displays
Safety features Automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, surround-view monitor, self-parking feature
Additional features Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Wi-Fi hotspot, Blue Link services
Price $32,875-$42,650

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The Kona Electric is fun and easy to drive

The Kona Electric is neither as quick nor as agile as the smaller first-generation model, but it’s still a fun-to-drive little crossover. There’s no learning curve to hopping in and driving away, even if you’ve never tried an electric car before. With three levels of adjustable regenerative braking, you can choose whether you’d like the car to coast naturally when you lift off the accelerator or slow sharply down without using the brakes. The new Kona SX2 takes off in a more ‘relaxed’ fashion than the OS. To get a similar experience to the old, you need to select Sport mode to get something akin to Normal in the OS. The new Kona is still brisk off the line and drives well.

The Kona Electric is a delight to drive; it handles corners beautifully and the instantly available power from its electric motor means it doesn’t skip a beat tackling hills and in overtaking lanes. On the open highway, the pure electric motor handles the demands of overtaking artfully and effortlessly, as it delivers a maximum of 150kW to the front wheels to zip past slow-coaches and escape looming semis. The Kona Electric’s 64kWh battery can cover enough distance in a single charge for a casual drive from town to city. Even with the air conditioning on, there was no range anxiety.

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It has a range of 200-260 miles

The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric offers two different battery packs, with the base model using a 48.6-kWh unit that provides an estimated range of 200 miles. The base model's battery pack is capable of covering enough distance in a single charge for a casual drive from town to city. For example, a 170km drive with the air conditioning on will still leave a range of 466km.

The larger 64.8-kWh battery pack bumps the estimated driving range to 260 miles. In real-world testing, the Kona Electric with the larger battery pack achieved a result of 230 miles. This range is impressive, as it is almost equal to that of the significantly more expensive Mercedes AMG EQE SUV.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric has slightly larger dimensions than its predecessor, with a length of 4,350mm, a wheelbase of 2,660mm, a width of 1,825mm, and a height of 1,575mm. The interior dimensions have also increased, with higher headroom, longer legroom, and an increased shoulder width. The new Kona also has more boot space and rear seat room than the previous model.

The Kona Electric is a five-passenger electric compact SUV with a front-wheel-drive system and a single electric motor. It offers excellent value for money, as it is one of the more affordable EVs currently available while still packing a lot of features and style. The ride quality and range have been improved over the previous version, and it handles corners beautifully.

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It's competitively priced

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is competitively priced, starting at $34,270 and going up to $42,445 depending on the trim and options. The 2023 model is priced between $34,885 and $42,885. The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric SE 4dr SUV (electric DD), the least expensive option in the 2025 lineup, has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $32,875.

The Kona Electric is one of the more affordable EVs currently available, offering a ton of features and style for the price. It is a good choice for those looking for a small/medium crossover that can carry rear-seat passengers in reasonable comfort. The electric version of the Kona offers sprightly driving dynamics, making it fun to drive along twisty roads. It may not be as quick as other EVs, but it is plenty powerful for most drivers.

The Kona Electric comes with a complimentary three-year/36,000-mile maintenance plan, which includes tire rotation, cabin air filter changes, and various system inspections. Hyundai is also known for its legendary warranty coverage, which includes a limited warranty that covers five years or 60,000 miles, and a powertrain warranty that covers 10 years or 100,000 miles.

The Kona Electric is outfitted with two 12.3-inch displays, one for instruments and vehicle info and the other for infotainment functions. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Kona Electric also has a variety of driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

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It has a spacious interior

The Hyundai Kona Electric compact SUV is a stylish and affordable electric vehicle. The Kona Electric has a spacious interior, with more boot space and rear seat room than its predecessor. The second-generation model has a larger body, being 150 mm longer, 25 mm wider, and 25 mm taller than the previous version, resulting in a more accommodating interior.

The Kona Electric offers a comfortable and relaxed driving experience, with its quiet powertrain and isolated cabin contributing to its ease of commuting. The suspension effectively absorbs speed bumps and uneven surfaces, ensuring a smooth ride. The regenerative braking system, adjustable via steering wheel paddles, further enhances the driving experience by providing excellent deceleration without any final jerk.

The vehicle's interior is packed with features, including two 12.3-inch displays for instruments, vehicle information, and infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot are standard across all models. The Kona Electric also boasts an impressive range of smart tech, setting new standards in the subcompact SUV segment.

The Kona Electric is a significant upgrade from the previous OS model, which suffered from limited space due to its design as a 'converted ICE' car. The new model, built on an ''EV first' platform, provides a more spacious and comfortable experience for both drivers and passengers.

Overall, the Hyundai Kona Electric offers a roomy and feature-rich interior, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a stylish, comfortable, and affordable electric vehicle.

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It comes with driver-assistance features

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a stylish, affordable, and fun-to-drive compact SUV. It comes with driver-assistance features that enhance the driving experience and improve safety.

The Kona Electric has an impressive suite of driver-assistance features, including automated emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. These safety features provide peace of mind and help keep you secure on the road. With blind-spot monitoring, you can confidently change lanes or merge onto highways, knowing that you're being alerted to vehicles in your blind spots. Automated emergency braking can detect potential collisions and apply the brakes if necessary, helping to avoid accidents.

The Kona Electric also offers a surround-view monitor, providing a comprehensive view of your surroundings. This feature is especially useful when navigating tight spaces or parking, as it gives you a clear understanding of the vehicle's proximity to nearby objects. The self-parking feature further enhances your parking experience, making it effortless to park in even the most challenging spots.

Additionally, the Kona Electric is equipped with regenerative braking, which is a standard feature in electric vehicles. This system slows the vehicle by recouping energy for the battery, and the Kona offers three regen modes to accommodate different driving styles. The i-Pedal function, unique to Hyundai, provides a smooth braking experience and enhances the regenerative braking system.

The Kona Electric also boasts Hyundai Smart Sense, a cutting-edge Advanced Driver Assistance System. This system includes Highway Driving Assist 2.0, which enables Level 2 Autonomous Driving. With active steering assist, the vehicle can provide support in critical situations, such as evasive steering and junction crossing. The system also includes Lane Following Assist and Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, utilizing sensors and map data to enable autonomous driving on highways.

The Kona Electric's driver-assistance features not only improve safety but also enhance the overall driving experience, making it a smart choice for those seeking a stylish, fun, and feature-rich electric vehicle.

Frequently asked questions

The Kona Electric has two battery options: a 48.6 kWh unit with an estimated range of 200 miles, or a 64 kWh battery that offers a range of 260 miles.

The Hyundai Kona Electric is easy to drive and offers a relaxed experience. It handles corners well and has ample power to tackle hills and overtake. The regenerative braking system allows the driver to choose whether the car coasts when you lift off the accelerator or slows down without using the brakes.

The Kona Electric comes with automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and other driver-assistance features. Higher trim levels add features such as a surround-view monitor and a self-parking function.

The Kona Electric offers good front seat comfort and adequate rear seat space for shorter trips. The boot space is 19.2 cubic feet, which can be expanded to 45.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The new SX2 model offers more overall space and a bigger boot than the previous generation.

The base model of the Kona Electric starts at $32,875, while the N Line trim is priced from $38,275. The top Limited trim starts at $41,050.

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