Hyundai’s Kona Electric is an outstanding electric vehicle (EV) for everyday use, competing largely against the Kia Niro EV (its slightly larger sibling) and other smaller EVs such as the Chevy Bolt, while not grabbing as many headlines as Tesla and Ford’s latest high-tech automobiles. In comparison to its predecessor, the 2022 Kona Electric has sharper looks, a greater battery range, and improved connection and safety features. Although we would have preferred an all-wheel-drive (AWD) option and were underwhelmed by the SUV’s handling, you’re still getting a lot for your money.
Low Cost and Wide Choice of Batteries
The Kona Electric is offered in SEL and Limited trim levels, with the former starting at $34,000 and the latter at $42,500. Both models are powered by a 150kW and 201-horsepower permanent magnet synchronous motor and a 64kWh lithium-ion battery. Only 291lb/ft is delivered to the front wheels with a single-speed transmission. The EPA estimates that the Kona Electric can travel 258 miles on a single charge, which is equivalent to the range of several Mustang Mach-E variants and the Volkswagen ID.4.
If you have a commercial SAE-Combo fast charger with an integrated Level-II charging system, you can charge your battery from 10% to 80% in under an hour. You can charge the Kona Electric battery from 10% to 100% in just over nine hours with a 220-volt home charger. The automobile can also be charged using a standard 120-volt outlet, however this will result in a significantly longer charging time.
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Design and Trim Options
Headlights and daytime running lights have been slimmed down for the 2022 Kona Electric’s new front fascia design. Adding a sportier appearance to the car is made possible thanks to the addition of side-mounted vents on either side. Even in head-in parking areas, the charging port near the front grille area is a welcome convenience.
The matte finish of faux-aluminum embellishments doesn’t reflect sunlight, so they won’t blind you while adding flair to the interior. Our preference is for a classic stalk shifter over the center console’s push-button style. Compared to the previous model, the rear baggage area and second row have a little more room, although the back is still cramped for larger people.
In addition to 17-inch alloy wheels and 215/55R17 tires as standard, the SEL trim has automatic halogen headlights, heated side mirrors with turn signal indications, LED daytime running lights, and two-speed, intermittent windshield wipers.
Automatic climate control, a 60/40-split folding rear seatback, cloth inside upholstery, keyless proximity entry and power windows with push-button start are all included as standard equipment in the SEL level. The driver also has access to audio controls on the steering wheel.
Also included in the SEL package are an 8.0″ touch-screen infotainment system, a 10.25″ digital instrument cluster, a six-speaker audio system, dual USB connections, a rearview camera with guide lines, and wireless support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Also included is Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, which allows for remote access via a smartphone app.
Driver-drowsiness warning, forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian recognition, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, and safe-exit warnings are all included in the standard set of driver aids.
With 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, power tilt-and-slide sunroof, rain-sensoring wipers, rear parking sensors, and a smartphone-based digital key, the Limited trim we tested has all the features you’d expect from a high-end vehicle.
Adaptive cruise control, premium Harmon Kardon audio, a rear USB port, voice recognition, and wireless smartphone charging are all included in the Limited model’s additional standard features.
A set of $155 carpeted floor mats was the only available option for our Limited test vehicle. The final price was $43,880, which included the $1,225 inland freight and handling cost. If you want to see how these two vehicles stack up, the starting MSRPs for the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E and the 2021 Volkswagen ID4.
Unique and Easy-to-Use Features
The Hyundai Elantra Hybrid’s 10.25-inch touchscreen is used in the Kona Electric Limited trim. Simply swipe over the pages of the app’s minimalistic UI and rearrange icons to your heart’s content! The Kona Electric’s screen, on the other hand, offers several EV-specific capabilities. As an example, it provides the current charge level, shows how long it will take to reach full charge, and helps you schedule charging sessions by day and time, among other things.
There is also an eco-driving score and a map of charging locations displayed on the touch screen. Using the screen, you can adjust the time and level of many of the driver assistance features, which is a great feature for reducing alarm fatigue.
Bluetooth connectivity allows the car’s infotainment system to work with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Hyundai’s Blue Link service, which provides cellular connectivity for safety features (automatic crash warnings) and conveniences, is also included free of charge for the first three years of ownership (remote start and remote door lock and unlock).
The Kona’s utility mode is a function that allows you to attach 120-volt appliances, audio equipment, and lights to the car for camping, emergency power, or tailgating purposes.. Another handy feature is the winter mode, which heats the battery to keep it from running out of juice at cold temperatures.
Best Value Electric SUV with great performance
If you’re in the market for an electric SUV, the 2022 Kona Electric should be on the top of your list. The battery life is adequate, and for the price, it makes use of some cutting-edge and practical technology. Our Editors’ Choice award is snatched away by the lack of AWD and the subpar handling, though. The Volkswagen ID.4 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E are both worthy of consideration, even if they aren’t direct competitors. The ID.4 features all-wheel drive while the Mach-E is faster. The Kona, on the other hand, provides excellent value for the money.
Get more information from official site: https://www.hyundaiusa.com/us/en/vehicles/kona-electric