2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: More Than a Poor Man’s IONIQ 5

The introduction of the IONIQ 5 three years ago cast a large shadow over the smaller Kona Electric, but the latter returned for the 2024 model year with a new generation offering way more interior space and a cutting-edge driver’s cockpit that falls inline with Hyundai’s latest models.

Of course, the IONIQ 5 remains a superior product both technologically and overall. However, the new Kona Electric is suddenly a lot more attractive and should no longer be viewed as a consolation prize—especially by those who don’t need all-wheel drive.

• Also: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: Picking Up Where It Left Off, Just Bigger and Bolder
• Also: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric is More Expensive, Still a Great Buy

Futuristic and Accommodating

The exterior design is a big hit. Hyundai has managed to retain the Kona’s DNA while adding futuristic touches like that thin, full-width light bar at both ends which reminds us of the visored mask on Cyclops from the X-Men. The available two-tone body with a black roof makes it even more eye-catching.

Build quality is generally good, though some of the intersecting body panels (like the rear wheel arches) tend to accumulate a fair amount of dirt and thus require more frequent cleaning. Speaking of dirt, the charge port at the front always comes in handy no matter which DC fast charger you want to use, but the door gets messy real quick in adverse weather conditions, especially during winter. And while we’re at it, beware of the high-voltage battery, the ground clearance of which is significantly shorter than what the rocker panels suggest.

Inside, material selection and finish are commendable albeit not quite on par with the IONIQ 5. Mercifully, you won’t find any gloss black accents that typically don’t stay immaculate longer than a week after purchase. As mentioned above, the interior is substantially roomier now, with two adults having no problems sitting in the rear, although headroom could prove a bit tight for taller passengers.

The trunk makes an even bigger statement. It’s almost on par with that of the IONIQ 5 (723 litres vs. 770 litres), and you get more room with the rear seats folded (1,803 litres vs. 1,680 litres). Surprised? With the new Kona Electric, small families basically don’t have to compromise on cargo. And let’s not forget the addition of a 27-litre frunk under the hood, great for storing the charging cable, some tools and a windshield washer fluid bottle.

Since we’re pragmatic folks, we also quite like the redesigned centre console with conveniently located USB-C ports/12V power outlet, a large area housing the wireless smartphone charging pad, an intuitive drive mode selector, pop-out cup holders and a small removeable partition. Some people would prefer a more capacious storage compartment underneath the centre armrest to help keep the cabin neat and tidy, but for others, having many of your daily belongings readily on hand is very much appreciated.

The standard dual 12.3-inch displays are attractive, but more importantly, the one on the right is slightly oriented toward the driver and powered by a highly advanced and user-friendly infotainment system. Shortcut buttons below the touchscreen make navigation even easier, just like the physical HVAC controls further down.

Dynamic and Shockingly Efficient

On the road, the new Hyundai Kona Electric is not as explosive as it used to be since max torque is down from 290 lb-ft to 188 lb-ft (similar to the Kia Niro EV, in fact). Output is still rated at 201 horsepower, which makes for 0-100 km/h sprints in eight seconds—over a full second longer than before. We find that disappointing, but for most drivers and situations, the vehicle remains zippy enough. Incidentally, a single-motor IONIQ 5 (225 horsepower, 258 lb-pi) will take 7.3 seconds to reach triple-digit speeds from a standstill.

Now tipping the scales at 1,705-1,765 kg, the Kona Electric has gained a bit of weight, yet agility is not really affected. Steering is nicely calibrated. The Kumho Solus TA51 tires are not actual low-rolling resistance tires for EVs, but you still need to warm them up properly to enjoy satisfying handling. The ride is generally smooth, visibility is no worse than before, and four levels of regenerative braking are available through the paddles on the steering wheel, the most aggressive one allowing one-pedal driving.

A word for sporty drivers out there: the new N Line Ultimate package debuting for 2025 increases wheel size from 17 inches to 19 inches and tire width from 215 mm to 235 mm. It promises to make the vehicle sharper and more stable, but maximum range officially drops from 420 km to 370 km in the process. Think about it.

As we found out during a summer test drive, beating the range announced by Natural Resources Canada is fairly easy. Our Kona Electric was good enough for nearly 450 km thanks to remarkably low energy consumption of 14.6 kWh/100 km (the official number is 18.1 kWh/100 km), matching the Niro EV we drove earlier in the year.

Fully charging the 64.8kWh battery requires 6.1 hours using a domestic level-2 charging station, while taking it from 20-80 percent can be done in 43 minutes via a 100kW DC fast charger, as we’ve observed. That’s good, but far from the fastest-charging EVs on the market. It’s nice to have the centre display telling you whether battery temperature is ideal for charging and the ability to activate battery preconditioning if necessary. Thanks Hyundai.

How Much?

The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most affordable EVs on the market, with pricing that ranges from about $49,000-$53,800 including all applicable fees but not the available rebates and incentives. Just so you know, the prices stay relatively put for 2025, except for the aforementioned N Line Ultimate package that brings the vehicle to around $55,000—at least $2,500 cheaper than the entry-level IONIQ 5, which doesn’t offer as many gadgets and amenities.

Ultimately, the Kona Electric is a great buy for many reasons, unless you insist on having all-wheel drive. And if you’re not loyal to Hyundai, you should seriously consider a FWD-equipped 2024 Chevrolet Equinox EV, which is similarly priced and quite convincing, too. The funky and playful 2025 MINI Countryman SE, as you can imagine, is more expensive.