2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Review and Test Drive
The redesigned, affordable Kona brings fun driving and refinement.
Perry Stern
Hyundai offers a wide range of crossover SUVs, and the compact Kona fits neatly between the entry-level Venue and larger Tucson. The electric version of the Kona is Hyundai's lowest-priced electric vehicle and is one of the most affordable EVs in the United States, adding to its appeal. With an adventurous exterior, a stylish interior, and enough technology to satisfy modern car buyers, the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric is an appealing EV.
Hyundai offers the 2024 Kona Electric in SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels. Base prices range from the mid-$30,000s to the low $40,000s, including the destination charge for shipping the EV from the Ulsan, Korea factory that builds it to your local dealership. Unfortunately, the Kona Electric doesn't qualify for the federal EV tax credit, which is a problem in this competitive segment.
Perry Stern
Is the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric a Good SUV?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is a likable EV with an expressive design, a spacious interior, high-tech features, and an available 261-mile range. However, competitively priced rivals that qualify for the $7,500 EV tax credit, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV, Tesla Model Y, and Volkswagen ID.4, threaten Kona Electric's value-oriented position in the segment.
For this review, Hyundai provided me with a 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited for testing in southeastern Michigan. The only option was a set of carpeted floor mats, bringing the manufacturer''s suggested retail price to $42,630, including the $1,375 destination charge.
Perry Stern
What's New About the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric?
The 2024 Kona Electric receives subtle design changes compared to the standard gas-fueled Konas. The most identifiable is the unique front fascia with an integrated charging port. It gives the Hyundai a clean look, but the asymmetry of the off-center port may bother some people.
While the visual differences are minimal, the electric powertrain dramatically differs from internal-combustion-engine Konas.
The base SE has a 48.6-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery with 200 miles of range and an electric motor making 133 horsepower. Upgrade to the SEL or Limited, and you get an extended-range 64.8-kWh battery paired with a stronger 201-hp and 261 miles of range. All Kona Electrics have front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is not available.
With its vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, the Kona Electric can also operate as a portable power source. When the EV is parked, a V2L adapter connects to the charging port and provides up to 1.7 kilowatts (kW) of electricity through a standard household-style outlet. That's enough to power a campsite, charge an electric bike, or provide emergency power during a blackout.
Perry Stern
Hyundai redesigned the 2024 Kona lineup, so the Electric boasts the same completely redesigned cabin featuring more interior space and a high-tech curved display screen. In addition, the Kona Electric is available with an exclusive sage green interior featuring bright yellow accents that add a nice pop of color.
Since the Kona Electric has no engine under its hood, it offers additional storage in the frunk or front trunk. Opening the hood reveals a covered plastic bin, an excellent place to store valuables securely and out of sight. The frunk won't hold much — it has less than one cubic foot of space — but it can fit a purse or small bag.
Perry Stern
Hyundai Kona Electric Charging and Range
Hyundai delivered my test vehicle without a full charge, so I plugged it into a residential Level 2 charger and brought the battery up from 80% to 100% in about 90 minutes. Helpfully, the Kona Electric verbally confirms it is charging when you plug it in.
When fully charged, the trip computer indicated 245 miles of range based on the previous person's driving style. That's noticeably lower than the official Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimate of 261 miles, but during my evaluation, the Kona Electric proved more efficient than expected.
According to the EPA, a 2024 Kona Electric with an extended-range battery consumes 29 kWh per 100 miles of driving (3.4 miles per kWh). However, my test vehicle's trip computer said I got 4 miles per kWh, or 25 kWh per 100 miles. This suggests it was significantly more efficient than estimates.
Hyundai says the Kona Electric is compatible with DC fast chargers, pulling in electrons at 100 kW and bringing the battery from 10% to 80% in about 42 minutes. Unfortunately, that's comparatively slow by modern standards.
Perry Stern
On the Road With the Hyundai Kona Electric
Tooling around town, I realized EVs have significantly changed the entry-level crossover driving experience, delivering rapid response to accelerator inputs and rewarding driving dynamics. With its appealing price, the Kona Electric could be the first EV for some consumers, and it makes an excellent first impression.
It may not demonstrate the insane acceleration of some electric vehicles, but the Kona Electric feels snappy when launching from a stop. Power comes on smoothly, and the EV feels much more responsive than its gas-powered counterpart. Whether accelerating to 40 or 70 mph, I never felt the Kona Electric lacked in the acceleration department.
In everyday driving, the EV is maneuverable and has good visibility, making it a great choice as a city car. Its small size and the available surround-view camera make parking simple, and I found the accelerator pedal is easy to manage in traffic with predictable results.
Perry Stern
The Kona Electric also features one-pedal driving. Steering wheel paddles adjust the regenerative brakes, and one-pedal driving begins when you select maximum regen. The Kona will slow down to an eventual full stop and then hold there without putting a foot on the brake.
With some practice, I could slow down for stop signs or traffic lights simply by releasing the accelerator pedal. With time, this feature is easy to acclimate to.
I took the Kona Electric on some of my favorite winding country roads north of Ann Arbor, Michigan and was surprised at how well it handled. While it leans a bit in the turns and, when pushed too hard, its nose will go wide in corners, the steering provides good feedback, the brakes are capable, and the electric motor always delivers plenty of torque for quick exits from curves.
This compact EV is just as competent when cruising at highway speeds, delivering a secure and comfortable ride. I noticed some wind and road noise, but it wasn't bothersome, and you can barely detect it if you're listening to the stereo.
Perry Stern
It may look similar to the rest of the redesigned 2024 Hyundai Kona lineup, but the Electric is much more enjoyable to drive. Without giving up any of the latest Kona's appealing attributes, the 2024 Kona Electric adds a responsive electric drivetrain that makes the EV an ideal small crossover for the first-time EV buyer.
Hyundai provided the vehicle for this 2024 Kona Electric review.
Written by humans.
Edited by humans.
Perry SternI have loved cars and trucks since childhood, and that fascination with anything that drives is just as strong today. As a teenager, I knew I wanted to become an automotive journalist, and during the past three decades, I have driven, written about, and photographed all manner of automobiles ranging from affordable econocars to exotic supercars. With the idea that there is a perfect car, truck, or SUV for everyone, my goal is to help consumers determine the right one for their wants and needs.
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