2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Review: Comfort through familiarity

At a glance, the Kona Electric looks pretty close to any other Hyundai Kona on the road -- depending on your opinion of the Kona's polarizing looks, that could be good or bad. A panel on the driver's side of the "grille" hides the CCS Combo charging port, and there's a small battery-level gauge right there to let me know the battery's level at a quick glance.

The Kona Electric's battery doesn't eat into cargo space, which is great, because there wasn't much to begin with. With about 19 cubic feet available behind the second row, the Kona is already second to last in the subcompact crossover segment, out-stuffing only the Mazda CX-3.

► Subscribe & hit the 🔔 for more Roadshow videos

► Don’t miss our next video! Hit the 🔔
#Hyundai #HyundaiKona #Electriccars
___
RV19STACK

[brucekennedy]

Every reviewer: “This is a superb EV, Best in class, Winner!”
Hyundai: “Awesome, let’s produce them in really low numbers so they are impossible to get hold of”.
Good job guys.

[laiwils]

I hv the EV Kona since March drove from Montreal to Niagara Falls. Needed only 2 stop for 400V recharge at 50% for only 20 mins. Very happy of it. Quiet, Lane Keep Assist, Navigation, etc. What I expected. Happy for the change

[rkalla]

New reviewer is solid - nice job dude.

[markleon]

Booked in for a test drive this Sunday. Very excited to try this baby.

[crspartanskilibreaux]

I just charged my Kona electric to 100% and it displays 311 miles (500 Km) range!
I've been averaging 4.9-5.0 mi/kWh (7.9-8.0 Km) and the computer determined anticipated range based on previous operation. When operated primarily in the city with all the stop and go traffic, the Kona easily exceeds the EPA estimated 4.0 mi/kWh (6.4 Km).

[michaelrch]

I've got one. It's awesome!
I am sooo happy with it.
My wife and I now fight over this car and the BMW X3 hardly gets used at all now :)

[therezistor]

Picked mine up a couple of weeks ago. It’s even more fun to drive than the Del Sol vtec I got back in ‘95.

[vvattup]

Hurrah, a wheeled-battery most suitable for value buyers

[pkoya]

This vehicle is way better than the Bolt. You get the advantage of the larger size, and the great technology that Hyundai/Kia offers. The Bolt is ok but to me the car seems to be weird looking, too tall for a hatch and way to small to be a crossover.

[victorseal]

After a flawless three months, I love mine. I remember a Shanai Twain song with a line that went, " I don’t believe you kiss your car goodnight ", I’m not that bad, but close !

[blackbelt]

You can adjust the HUD angle to acomodate different height drivers.

[wrk]

So when will this unicorn be available to anyone other than the automotive press?

[michaelrch]

On range, in city and suburban roads with about 25% highway, I am getting a range of 550km or more.

[Vini-Pizza]

Nice review! I shopped Hyundai Kona Electric today. Got a lease price at over $600 per month for an Ultimate on a 3 year lease. Still going to shop.

[ladayblues]

I disagree I have this exact same car and same color interior and exterior . The interior looks expensive and I get soooo many compliments from Lyft passengers . I love my Kona so much if your on the fence of purchasing don’t hesitate

[wobby]

If you did your report after you’d read the manual you’d find that the heads up display is adjustable? I’m over 6’ tall and have no problem with it.

[Muskar]

I drove this car recently since my friend just got one. Overall a pretty impressive vehicle for the money. But it's funny you mention one-pedal driving. Because that is exactly what you're not getting with that paddle. Instead, you just have a brake pedal for the mechanical brakes and a brake paddle for the regenerative braking. The advantage of one-pedal driving is how easy it is to adjust the speed. But the paddle means that you have to use your left hand to brake, instead of just letting go of all pedals. It's a minor thing of course, since the regenerative power level 3 (max) is still pretty strong down to about 15mph or so, but it's just one of those weird quirks that isn't very well thought out in my opinion.

[notsecure]

It's only available in a few states!!

[markcoady]

Can any one please help with what is the battery charge hold capabilities? Concerned if I park at the airport 2 weeks in the cold winter will the battery be flat when I return?

[dehj]

I love this interior. I hate how tesla has a huge screen and forgets that could be a distraction.