Hyundai Kona Electric Review 2025

Looking for an electric SUV that’s fun, practical, and won’t break the bank? The Hyundai Kona Electric might be your perfect match. With a punchy electric motor, impressive range, and a tech-packed interior, the Hyundai electric car brings excitement to the everyday drive. It’s compact enough for city streets but spacious enough for adventure, all while delivering the instant torque and smooth ride of an electric vehicle (EV). Plus, with Hyundai’s solid reputation for reliability, it’s a smart choice for those ready to switch to electric. So, is it time to for a change? Let’s dive into this Hyundai EV and see!

Hyundai Kona Electric Dimensions

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a compact SUV with dimensions that make it ideal for urban driving while still offering practicality. It measures 4,355mm in length, 1,825mm in width, and 1,575mm in height. These dimensions put it on the smaller side of Hyundai’s SUV lineup, making it more compact than the Hyundai Tucson and significantly smaller than the Hyundai Santa Fe. However, compared to Hyundai’s smaller i10 and i20 models, the Kona Electric offers more interior space and a more substantial presence.

When compared to other electric cars, this Hyundai electric car is smaller in length and height than the Volkswagen ID.4 and Tesla Model Y. The Kona Electric’s smaller footprint makes it a great option for those who need an easy-to-park EV with SUV versatility. While it may not have the expansive interior of larger models, GB Vehicle Leasing feel it offers a good balance of efficiency, practicality, and comfort.

Hyundai Kona Electric Exterior Design

The Hyundai Kona Electric boasts a modern, futuristic design that sets it apart in the compact EV segment. With its closed-off front grille, smooth aerodynamic lines, and bold LED lighting, it looks sleek and efficient. The updated 2024 model of this Hyundai EV features a more streamlined design with a full-width LED light bar at the front and enhanced aesthetics.

Against competitors, the design is more playful and modern compared to the Volkswagen ID.4. Compared to the Tesla Model Y, Hyundai’s offering is more compact and sportier, whereas Tesla leans toward a smoother, almost egg-shaped design. One of its closest competitors within Hyundai’s lineup, the Ioniq 5, has a boxier design in comparison. In terms of size and stance, this electric Hyundai sits higher than traditional hatchbacks but remains compact compared to larger electric SUVs.

Hyundai Kona Electric Interior & Tech

As you step inside the Hyundai Kona Electric, you’ll find an interior designed for both comfort and modern functionality. Hyundai has significantly upgraded the 2024 model, offering a more spacious and refined interior compared to its predecessor. The floating horizontal dashboard, dual-screen layout, and premium materials give the Kona Electric a futuristic yet practical feel. Also, the seats are supportive and available indifferent finishes, depending on the trim. Higher trims also include driver's seat electric adjustments, heated front seats and heated steering wheel for added luxury.

Furthermore, this electric Hyundai car is packed with cutting-edge tech, making it a strong competitor in the EV market. The highlight is its dual 12.3” display, consisting of a fully digital instrument cluster and a touchscreen infotainment system. The interface is sleek, responsive, and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also, a premium Bose sound system is available on higher trims, providing an immersive audio experience.

Hyundai Kona Electric Boot Space & Practicality

The Hyundai Kona Electric offers a practical boot space which is significantly larger than its predecessor. With 466 litres of boot space (seats up) and expanding to 1,300 litres when folded, this surpasses the Peugeot e-2008’s capacity. The Kona Electric also features a small front storage area, also referred to as a ‘frunk’. Although this is compact, it can be useful for small items.

The Hyundai Kona Electric offers a comfortable and well-spaced interior for a compact SUV. In the front, generous headroom and legroom ensure a relaxed driving experience, while large windows provide excellent visibility. In the rear, passenger space has improved in the 2024 model, thanks to a longer wheelbase. Rear legroom is better than before, making it more comfortable for adults on longer journeys. However, the middle seat is best suited for shorter trips.

Hyundai Kona Electric Range & Performance

Another area worth exploring is the impressive range and zippy performance of this Hyundai electric car. Whether you're commuting in the city or heading out for a weekend getaway, the Kona Electric delivers a satisfying driving experience with plenty of practicality.

In terms of range, with the 65.4kWh battery, it offers up to 319 miles on a full charge (WLTP). This long-range capability reduces range anxiety, making it ideal for longer trips without frequent recharging. It outperforms many competitors, offering both convenience and efficiency for everyday and extended journeys. Meanwhile, the 48.4kWh battery version offers a range of up to 234 miles (WLTP). This is still a decent range that’s similar to some of its rivals.

As for performance, the Kona Electric (with a 65.4kWh battery and 17” wheels) offers impressive acceleration and has a 0-62mph time of just 7.8 seconds. This swift performance ensures a thrilling and responsive driving experience. Combining electric efficiency with the excitement of quick acceleration, it’s perfect for both city and motorway driving. Also, its agility and stable handling make it great to drive, delivering a balance of comfort, performance, and efficiency.

This electric Hyundai car features a Regenerative Braking System 2.0 that allows drivers to recover energy while slowing down. This system uses the electric motor to slow the vehicle, converting kinetic energy back into battery power. Regenerative braking not only enhances efficiency but also reduces wear on the brake pads, extending their lifespan.

Hyundai Kona Electric Charging

The Hyundai Kona Electric offers a variety of charging options to suit different needs, making it a convenient choice for both daily commutes and longer trips. When using an 11kW home charger or a public AC charging point, it takes approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes to fully charge the vehicle.

For faster charging, the Kona Electric is equipped with DC fast-charging capabilities. Using a 102kW fast charger, the 65.4kWh battery can be charged from 10 to 80% in as little as 41 minutes. For those who need to top off during longer trips, the Kona Electric is compatible with a wide range of public charging stations and the charging port is conveniently located. Overall, the Hyundai Kona Electric's charging options are flexible, efficient, and convenient, providing drivers with the tools needed to manage their electric vehicle's energy needs.

Hyundai Kona Electric Towing Capacity

The Hyundai Kona Electric UK is primarily designed as a compact, eco-friendly urban SUV, so its towing capacity is not as high as some larger electric vehicles. Depending on spec, it offers a towing capacity of up to 750kg (braked) and just 300kg (unbraked). This makes it suitable for light towing tasks, but it's not designed for heavy-duty hauling. Compared to its rivals, the Kona Electric's towing capacity is on the lower end. For instance, the Tesla Model Y has a maximum towing of 1,600kg (braked) which is significantly greater than this Hyundai EV.

Hyundai Kona Electric Safety & Reliability

The Hyundai Kona Electric comes packed with an array of safety features designed to keep drivers and passengers safe on the road. It has earned high safety ratings from various organisations. The Kona Electric is equipped with Hyundai’s latest SmartSense safety suite, which includes advanced driver-assistance systems.  This can include lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance assist and smart cruise control, just to mention a few.

Furthermore, Hyundai has a strong reputation for producing reliable vehicles, and the Kona Electric is no exception. Backed by Hyundai’s 5-year/unlimited mileage standard warranty and an 8-year or 100,000-mile (whichever comes first) battery warranty, owners can have confidence in the durability and longevity of their vehicle. This electric Hyundai car also benefits from a well-built interior and high-quality materials, ensuring both comfort and lasting value.

Hyundai Kona Electric BIK Tax & Insurance

The Kona Electric is highly attractive for company car drivers due to its low BIK tax. As an electric vehicle, its CO2 emissions are zero, making it eligible for the lowest possible BIK rate. This offers substantial savings compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, which are taxed at higher rates based on their emissions. This makes the Kona Electric a smart choice for individuals seeking to reduce their tax burden while driving a sustainable vehicle.

Additionally, insurance costs for this Hyundai electric car are generally reasonable, especially compared to other electric vehicles. Due to its status as a compact SUV, it falls within the mid-range insurance groups. While premiums can vary based on factors like driver experience and location, the Kona Electric is generally considered less expensive to insure than more expensive EVs like the Tesla Model Y. However, it's still a good idea to shop around on comparison websites for the best policy.

Hyundai Kona Electric Price UK

The Hyundai Kona Electric UK offers an appealing price point for an electric SUV, providing a blend of affordability, features, and performance. There are various trim levels available: Advance, N Line, N Line S and Ultimate. The starting price for the Kona Electric in the UK is £34,995 (Inc. VAT) for the base Advance trim. This is available with either the 48.4kWh or 65.4kWh battery and has 17” alloy wheels and cloth interior.

Up from this, the N Line trim starts from £40,395. This comes with heated seats, bigger 19” alloy wheels and privacy glass. For around £3,000, you can upgrade to the N Line S trim and get a premium Bose Sound System, as well as head up display. Lastly, the Ultimate trim is priced from £43,095 and comes with other upgraded features.

When compared to rivals, this Hyundai electric car is priced competitively in the compact electric SUV market. For instance, the Volkswagen ID.4 starts from around £39,000, so the Kona Electric remains more affordable. If you’re looking for something more closely matched to the Kona Electric, the Kia Niro EV starts at around £37,000 (Inc. VAT).

Hyundai Kona Electric Lease

Leasing the Hyundai Kona Electric offers a flexible and hassle-free way to experience this electric vehicle without the long-term commitment of buying. It’s an excellent option for those who prefer to drive the latest EV models, upgrade every few years, and avoid concerns about depreciation or resale value. With leasing through GB Vehicle Leasing, you can enjoy the cutting-edge technology and performance of this Hyundai EV while benefiting from fixed monthly payments and lower upfront costs. If you're interested in exploring Hyundai Kona Electric leasing options, our team is here to help—contact us today to learn more about available offers.

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Our Verdict – Is the Hyundai Kona Electric a good car?

Overall, the Hyundai Kona Electric is a well-rounded compact electric SUV, offering great range, technology, and affordability. Its 319-mile range (WLTP) outperforms many rivals, while fast charging, a spacious interior, and advanced safety tech make it highly practical. Based on this, GB Vehicle Leasing feel the latest Kona Electric deserves an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. For those looking for an affordable electric SUV without sacrificing safety or electric range, the Hyundai Kona Electric could be the perfect option. Also, if you enjoyed reading this electric car review, click here to discover more blog content for additional insights and information.