Overview
The newest iteration of the Hyundai Kona Electric is meant to turn heads. And it will. Beginning its second generation as a more cyborg-inspired fully-electric crossover, the new Kona Electric design makes the last five years of the Kona look like a total yawn. The 2024 Kona has grown in length, width, and wheelbase resulting in more space, room for a larger battery, and likely a smoother ride. The maximum driving range is up too, though only barely, to an estimated 260 miles. The Kona Electric is front-wheel drive only and the two battery packs offered, differ in output by 133- and 201 horsepower. The gas-powered Kona, reviewed separately, also gets a complete overhaul for 2024.
What’s New for 2024?
The 2024 model marks the beginning of an all-new generation of the Hyundai Kona Electric. It’s longer, wider, and uses a longer wheelbase to maximize its utility. A fresh new look makes the 2024 Kona Electric unmistakably different from the outgoing model. With wide-spanning LED headlights and taillights, the theme for the new Kona is pixels.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The SEL trim offers a variety of standard equipment that the base SE misses out on. Its heated front seats are an important feature for areas that experience low temperatures, but not necessary everywhere. All three trim levels are equipped with the same battery pack and the same permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor.
EV Motor, Power, and Performance
Power has increased from last year’s Kona Electric. The base Kona Electric uses a single 133-hp motor while a more powerful 201-hp version will also be offered. Both are front-wheel drive. For now, the only Konas available with all-wheel-drive will be the gasoline-powered models. The new model has 13 more horsepower than the previous-generation all-electric Kona; the new one should manage to outperform the last Kona Electric we tested, which achieved 60 mph in 6.4 seconds.
More on the Kona Electric SUV
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
The Kona Electric offers two different battery packs. The base Kona Electric uses a 48.6-kWh unit with a claimed range of 197 miles. The Upgrade battery grows to 64.8 kWh and bumps the driving range to 260 miles, which is only two miles more than the previous model. Built on a powerful 800-volt architecture, Hyundai claims that the Kona Electric can recharge its battery pack from 10 percent to 80 percent in 41 minutes during DC charging. It can also be used to power and charge other electrical components, using its “vehicle-to-load” recharge mode. The last Kona Electric managed 160 real-world miles during our 75-mph highway driving test.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The new Kona Electric receives a massive improvement in fit and finish for the new generation. To elevate the subcompact EV from an eco-friendly-feeling box, Hyundai opens up the interior space with a floating horizontal center pad to remove some of the division between front passenger seats. Ambient lighting also brings a little bit of moodiness and personalization to the cabin that helps illuminate the new Kona’s fresh cockpit design.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
To stay competitive in the pixel wars, the new Kona Electric is outfitted with two 12.3-inch displays to handle vehicle info and infotainment. This new seamless unit replaces the previous generation’s standard 8.0-inch touchscreen and is larger than the available 10.3-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will likely be standard equipment.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
As more information becomes available, we’ll update this story with more details about:
- Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
