Hyundai Kona Electric

The redesigned Kona is again be offered with gasoline engines and electric powertrains. The EV is available with a short- and long-range battery with a driving range of up to 260 miles. The long range SEL that we tested had a decent 245 miles in our 70-mph highway-range test. In public DC-fast charging places it can go from 10 to 80 percent state of charge in just 43 minutes, says the automaker. The redesigned Kona is larger than before, gaining an inch in height and width, and growing 7.5 inches in length. That provides a bit more elbow room, as well as improves cargo space. The electric models have extra storage in the front trunk. The cabin features dual 12.3-inch screens serving as the instrument panel and infotainment displays. For 2026 the Kona Electric comes only as the standard range SE with 133 hp and an EPA estimated 200-mile range. The long range SEL with 201-hp that we tested had been dropped. 

The Kona electric is as good as the conventional version. Its 201-hp electric motor makes the car quick, with smooth and quiet acceleration. Its range is a robust 258 miles. It takes 9 hours to charge the 64-kilowatt-hour battery from empty on a 240-volt connector. Unlike the regular Kona, the electric version is front-wheel-drive only. It has nimble handling, which makes the Kona responsive when going through corners. The ride, however, is stiff. The controls are very straightforward, though the EV has an odd gear selector that is challenging to use at a glance. Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning. The Kona Electric is available in limited states. For 2022 the exterior styling was updated and pedestrian detection was added to the standard FCW and AEB system.