Although it doesn’t grab as many headlines as the latest high-tech cars from Tesla and Ford, Hyundai’s Kona Electric is an excellent electric vehicle (EV) for everyday use, competing primarily against the Kia Niro EV (its slightly larger sibling) and other smaller smaller EVs such as the Chevy Bolt. The redesigned 2022 Kona Electric sports sharper styling, longer battery range, and enhanced connectivity and safety options compared with its predecessor. We would’ve liked an all-wheel drive (AWD) option and weren’t impressed by the SUV’s handling, but that doesn’t change the fact that you’re still getting plenty for the price.
Competitive Price and Battery Range
The Kona Electric is available in SEL (starting at $34,000) and Limited (starting at $42,500) trims. A 150kW and 201-horsepower permanent-magnet synchronous motor with a liquid-cooled 64kWh lithium-ion battery powers both models. A single-speed transmission delivers a maximum of 291lb-ft of torque to the front wheels. With a full charge, the EPA estimates that the Kona Electric has a range of 258 miles, which is comparable with various Mustang Mach-E models and the Volkswagen ID.4.
An onboard Level-II charging system is capable of a 7.2kW rate of charge; using a commercial SAE-Combo fast-charger, you can charge the battery from 10% to 80% in just under an hour. With a 220-volt home charger, you can power the Kona Electric’s battery from 10% to 100% in just over nine hours. The car also supports regular 120-volt outlets, but will take much longer to charge at that rate.
Design and Trim Options
The 2022 Kona Electric’s new front fascia design features a more aerodynamic shape with sleeker headlamps and lights that run during the daytime. Vents on each side help channel airflow and give the vehicle a sportier look. The charging port at the front grille area is a convenient and unique touch, especially for head-in parking spots.
Faux-aluminum accents add style to the interior without appearing gaudy—their matte finish doesn’t reflect sunlight, so they thankfully won’t blind you. We’re not fans of the push-button shifter on the center console, however, and prefer the traditional stalk design. The rear cargo area and the second row benefit from a bit more space compared with the previous model, but the back is still tight for larger rear passengers.
The SEL trim offers standard exterior features such as 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires; automatic halogen headlights; heated and body-color side mirrors with turn signal indicators; LED daytime running lights; and two-speed, intermittent windshield wipers.
Standard interior features on the SEL trim include a 60/40-split, fold-flat rear seatback; automatic climate control; cloth upholstery; keyless proximity entry; power windows; push-button start; six-way manually adjustable front seats; a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel; and steering wheel audio controls.
The SEL trim also sports tech features including an 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system; a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster; a six-speaker audio system with HD Radio and SiriusXM capabilities; dual USB ports; a rearview camera with guidance lines; and wireless support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system that syncs with a smartphone app for remote access is also onboard.
Standard driver assists include blind spot and rear cross-traffic detection and intervention; driver-drowsiness warning; forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection; lane-keeping and lane-following assist; and safe-exit warnings.
The Limited trim we tested implements an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink; an eight-way power driver seat; heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; LED headlights with auto high beams; LED taillights; a power tilt-and-slide sunroof; rain-sensing wipers; rear parking sensors; and a smartphone-based digital key.
Additional tech standard to the Limited model includes a 10.25-inch touch screen with navigation and free HD Radio traffic data; adaptive cruise control; a premium Harmon Kardon audio system; a rear USB port; voice recognition; and wireless smartphone charging.
The only available option on our Limited test vehicle was $155 carpeted floor mats. That, along with an inland freight and handling fee of $1,225, brought the final sticker price to $43,880. For comparison, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 start at $42,895 and $39,995 respectively.
Simple Interface and Unique Features
The Kona Electric Limited model uses the same 10.25-inch touch screen as the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. The interface is minimal and allows you to easily swipe across its multiple pages and rearrange icons to your preference. One difference, however, is that the Kona Electric’s screen has some EV-specific features. For example, it lists the current charge level, shows the time left until a full charge, and helps you schedule charging sessions by day and time.
The touch screen also displays information such as the location of charging stations, your range on a map, and an eco-driving score. We also like that you can use the screen to fine-tune the warning timing and volume of many of the driver assists to reduce alarm fatigue.
The infotainment system supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay via Bluetooth. You also get three years of free access to Hyundai’s Blue Link service, which program provides cellular connectivity for safety features (automatic crash notifications) and conveniences (remote start and remote door lock and unlock).
Utility mode is a feature unique to the Kona that allows you to connect 120-volt appliances, audio equipment, and lights to the vehicle for camping, emergency power, or tailgating. Winter mode is another useful touch; it warms the battery at low temperatures to prevent it from losing power.
A Fun, But Bumpy, Ride
The 2022 Kona Electric is fun and zippy in all three drive modes—Comfort, Eco, and Sport. In Sport mode, the SUV benefits from a noticeable acceleration jump.
That said, the car’s handling is lackluster and the suspension doesn’t iron out even small bumps in the road. The ride is rough on uneven pavement.
You can choose between three levels of regenerative braking for the EV’s paddle shifters. At the highest setting, the vehicle effectively brakes when you lift off the accelerator, so you can very nearly drive with a single pedal.
A Value-Focused Electric SUV
The 2022 Kona Electric should be near the top of your list if you’re shopping for an electric SUV. It has good battery range and implements useful and innovative tech for the price. The lack of an AWD option and mediocre handling prevent it from earning an even higher rating and our Editors’ Choice award, however. And although they aren’t direct competitors, you should also consider the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Mustang Mach-E—the former offers an AWD option while the latter has better performance. But in terms of value, the Kona offers plenty of bang for your buck, making it easy to recommend.
