New 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SUV review – DrivingElectric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most efficient and best-value electric SUVs there is, offering a very long driving range for the money – especially in larger-battery 64kWh form. It's had a series of updates for 2021, but it also faces many more rivals than it did when it first launched, so is it still one of the best electric buys out there? DrivingElectric Richard Ingram finds out...

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
0:50 - Range and charging
1:40 - Styling and exterior
2:50 - Interior
3:42 - Specifications and trim levels
4:08 - Driving and performance
5:10 - Practicality
5:43 - Conclusion

Rival reviews

Best cars to buy


Follow us:

If you’re choosing an electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid car, DrivingElectric is here to help you every step of the way.

DrivingElectric celebrates the most efficient cars money can buy, giving you the clear and concise facts you need to help you go electric. We deliver our car reviews, advice and news in the simplest way possible, avoiding jargon and focusing on the facts.

And unlike other websites, we’ll tell you if an electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid car isn’t for you – and point you in the direction of the very best alternatives.

Electric car reviews

We cut through the myths you might find elsewhere to ensure our car reviews deliver the information that matters. From range and charging times to running costs and practicality, our in-depth reviews leave no stone unturned, covering every model available to buy new in the UK today.

Electric car advice

New to the world of electric – and electrified – cars? We’ll explain everything about them, from how to charge your electric car's battery and choosing the right home-charging system, right through to helping you generate your own energy through solar panels.

Best electric cars

Need a quick, decisive view of the best cars out there? Our wide range of Best Car features can help. By analysing thousands of questions posed by real car buyers through leading search engines, we’re able to answer the most vital questions: what are the best cars out there?

[gailjackson]

I’m only 5’ and a small build. When I test drove the Kona ev 2019 I found it fitted me perfectly. All the bits and bobs made sense in their placement, and as I’m an older driver with no kids at home, I don’t need a big car. Generally, Australia has quite small parking spaces so large cars are quite stressful (for me at least). Also, as we don’t get much rain in Western Australia, I find it very necessary to have a rear wiper on my car, as it’s the quickest way to remove dust and general grime while driving. Many ev’s boast about the aerodynamics negating the need for rear washer blades, but if it doesn’t rain enough you just get a very dirty rear window that has to be manually washed. This simple detail has caused me to remove many cars from my “most interested” ev list, which has been very disappointing.

[flyc]

Great review! Nice format and no smart comments or attempts at humour. Test drove and picked up one today. Comfort model with the smaller battery, but the range of features was impressive. If you pick up an 18month one you’ve still 42 months warranty, breakdown and 6 yrs guarantee on the battery. Grips the road really well and there’s some poke if you need it.

[lewisjohnston]

Another great, straightforward review covering all relevant points.

[zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat]

The Australian and NZ versions of these have all the upper spec things (apart from the heated seats, wheel and sunroof) as standard on the lower spec model. Big battery (no small battery available) and all the navigation things are standard.

[stephenholland]

No mention that Hyundai have dropped the heat pump that was previously standard on the pre-facelift cars.

[CoxJul]

The front charger point for me is a no-go as I have to reverse onto my front Drive (it would be unsafe to reverse out), and as I expect to do 80% of my charging from home have looked elsewhere. Pity, I test-drove and liked this car.

[kyliefan]

I love the front charge port! They should have put a sign “YOU CHARGE HERE”! On it.

[neilbrandon]

Having owned one for a few months, I would agree its a fab car, possible to get 300 miles, well built. However there are a few minor picky gripes that should be considered. I ended up going for an e-niro that has more space, and does not suffer from the following three points.
1. Jittery ride (not so noticable for the driver)
2. Road noise (turn the radio up)
3. Rear leg comfort poor as the rear floor is high, resulting in your knees sticking up in the air (not a problem for small kids in the rear, or just 2 up front)

[blobstrom]

It's a shame when reviewers compare the Kona to the Niro, there is a 3rd option the Kia Soul, similar wheelbase to the Kona. At the moment only in one trim level which includes HUD, heated seats, steering wheel etc. Funky interior and with the seats down due to the high rear roof line more space then even the Niro.

[martinweston]

A front charging port is actually the best location when using public rapid chargers. The “petrol flap” location is a real pain when the chargers have short cables or you have two charging cars side by side of different brands.

[davidmccarthy]

Why kill it in the home market but not overseas? Haven't heard anything about mitigation of the fire danger. If it's fixed, then sell it at home too.

[kb]

the front charge port ruins the design of the car, such a lazy design. they could have easily placed it in the centre and made it look better.

[markymarkreviews]

Great all round EV. A little too cramped in the rear and small boot and still a bit too much road noise but Ultimate version has everything toys wise. Shame it is still front wheel drive and prone to torque steer and loss of traction in the wet. Would have been great if they increased the rapid charge speed to 120kW or so. Expensive to service especially in year 4! (coolant change). And now Ioniq 5 coming out this now feels outdated and last generation.(For a Hyundai EV)

[peter.russell]

The review is fine but Hyundai, come on, in a word uninspiring.

[paulholterhaus]

The Kona is not an has near Zero off road ability....And no trailer coming Solterra WILL be an actual

[cbcdesign]

Not much of a family car practically speaking with that small boot.

[lharris]

Why does TA only work in one area in my car?? As soon as I drive anywhere, the dab radio stops the ta!

[johnforensicman]

I test drove the car today. As I am getting it on motability and I need my daughter to drive me most of the time, (I struggle driving more than 4-5 miles), I have to have the lower powered 39kwh model, and I can also only have the premium spec version if she is to drive. I was so impressed with it that I will be putting pen to paper on Wednesday. The only thing I will miss from the ultimare I drove will be the hud. It was amazing. I thought it would show the speed ON the glass, but no, it looks like the speed is somewhere near the front of the bonnet! Brilliant.I would like to see the occasional review done on lower spec models, but these testers always seem to want to drive the cars with all the fancy gadgets. Or I suppose the manufacturers want them to. Edit. I ordered a Kona Electric premium yesterday, 6-7-22, but will probably not receive it until next March! A 9 month wait for a new build! Hope I'm still alive to get to have a little drive in it.

[thenextelectriccar]

In my opinion, It doesn't have the thrills of a sports car, but it's a fun car to drive for a little SUV. Is the Hyundai Kona worth buying?

[johnf]

Hi!! Do you know the name of this colour?