2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Crossover First Drive Video Review

Not everyone can afford a Tesla and the next best thing is the Hyundai Kona Electric. The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is an attractive and affordable long range EV. The exterior is similar to the regular Kona model with upgraded front and rear fascia and special low-drag wheels. The electric motor makes 201 horsepower and 290 lb-ft. of torque and the range is an EPA rated 258 miles on a single charge. The interior almost feels like a concept car from the future. The Kona Electric goes down the road with ease.

#hyundaikonaelectric #electriccars #crossovers

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[randallscott-key]

I doubt the kind of person who chooses a Kona EV over a Tesla is doing so because of finances. While the $35K Tesla may not exist, the $45K version almost certainly does, yet Kona EVs are flying off the shelves as fast as they can be driven off the ship.
I personally CAN afford a Tesla Model 3, yet I have waited for the Kona EV for the primary reason that I know Hyundai's warranty, and their ability to support their product line. THAT seems to get no consideration in all these little videos where everything appears to be apples to apples, but it should. Tesla has been a primary driver of technology and are definitely at the forefront of EV innovation, BUT they don't have the the ability to support their product as fully as Hyundai does. Something you might want to mention is that Hyundai's battery warranty is LIFETIME. Tesla cannot compete with that.
I didn't wait two years for the Kona because I'm under-employed and can't afford a $50K car versus a $42K car. I waited because I knew what Hyundai was going to bring to the table - when they finally did. The very DAY I saw a Kona EV at the dealer I stopped and bought it - no test drive needed, and I've never looked back.

[lots-of-bricks]

In some reviews I've seen on YouTube, they have actually driven over 300 mi. on a single charge.

[stockey]

the Kona EV, is the best EV besides a Tesla, Also, the Kia E-Niro and the new Kia Soul EV will both have the same powertrain and range as the Kona EV.

[moonlim]

Owesome, Bring on more competition!
Good job Hyundai for making the price of EV to down hill!

[pcharest]

I absolutely need one of these in my life.

[randallscott-key]

I should also point out that IF I were going to drop $70K on ANY electric car today, it wouldn't be one built by Tesla, it would be the Jaguar I-Pace. The I-Pace is a seriously stylish looking SUV with all the bells and whistles, plus a monster-size motor and gigantic battery pack. The I-Pace is equal to the Model X without the Model X price premium. This is what is going to kill off Tesla - or at least kill-off their dreams of affordable family cars. In the next year or two we're going to be inundated with electric cars in the $30-$50K range that will easily equal or best Tesla.

[anonuser]

The acceleration *is* actually amazing, despite your lack of agreement.

[alexandreesquenet]

I love my kona electric ^^
I use auto regen, works best

[ZeroSumJ]

Buying one as soon as they aren’t impossible to buy in the states.

[philbear]

The car is good, let’s see if they can make a profit on it (otherwise they will be hard to find).
For the consumer, the total cost of ownership over a 12 year period should be 10-20, 000 usd less than the gasoline version.

[stevecoates]

Hopefully they have made lots for Canada ont

[mrtee]

They need to do the skateboard chasis instead of share platform. Ugly for me, but my wife would like it though.

[danielgeorgiev]

Why there is a regular small battery in the electric car ? I was thinking that only the big battery is enough.

[tommytomted]

*_Almost like one-pedal driving is NOT one-pedal driving. Holding onto a paddle on the steering wheel and letting off on the accelerator is TWO-Pedal driving. It breaks my heart that Kona put together such a great EV and missed on this very important feature. I'm leasing a 2017 Chevy Bolt and after you catch on to real one-pedal driving you will wonder how you could ever drive any other way. And it is not only for hills and country driving. I never drive in any other mode than full regen._*

*_It only takes about a day to learn to feather the accelerator in the Bolt's Low Gear to arrive at stop lights and stops signs and never touch the brake. My hope is that Kona will put a one-pedal driving system in the 2020 Kona EV. If they do I will give it a hard look when my lease on my Bolt is up in 2020. The Kona EV is a great looking car with more comfortable seats than the Bolt and I believe it has a navigation system and a moonroof. I must say I love my Bolt. The cabin is HUGE. Big headroom. The seats in the Bolt are up a little higher than most cars. With the huge windshield it gives you a great command of the road._*

[abbaby]

I read an article saying this car will be sold in California, but it will not have the same thermal management as those sold in Europe and Canada? Does Kia/Hyundai think nobody in the north east wants one of these? What about the rest of the USA?

[RM-iumm]

Why does it have all the plastic around the wheel arches?! What is it 1995?

[johnhetherington]

when the hell is this coming to florida ?

[BTC]

That 2nd row looked sad. Wait for the Soul EV or the Niro EV if you can get over its exterior thatness. No i'm not "clicking the link down below".

[vladsaghin]

I'm a little concerned about how the batteries sort of "hang" below the car. You would think the ground clearance is where the door sills are, but it's much lower. You can actually see a smooth rectangle box hanging a few inches underneath the car. It even looks like it might scrape if you go too fast over a speed bump lol and it would be a major concern in Canada (with all the snow and stuff)...

[tertiary]

i've had a model 3 reservation from minute one. getting a little tired of waiting thru elon's bs.