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Hyundai Kona Electric

Name: 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
Brand: Hyundai

CR HWY Range:

Road Test

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Road Test

The Kona has been redesigned and reimagined as a slightly upscale subcompact SUV, offered with either gas-only or all-electric powertrains. While this road test review focuses on the Kona Electric, we’ve tested both versions and found several improvements over the previous model, which suffered from a stiff ride and a cramped cabin. The new Kona, which has grown larger with the redesign (and more expensive), sports a radically styled exterior and offers a roomier interior.

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Hyundai Kona Elec...

Hyundai Kona Electric

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

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Hyundai vs. Other New Car Brands

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Safety Features

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) w/Pedestrian

Standard

AEB Highway

Standard

Blind Spot Warning (BSW)

Standard

Rear Cross-Traffic Warning (RCTW)

Standard

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Electric cars Ratings

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric

$32,975 - $41,150

CR HWY Range

Road test

Predicted Reliability

Predicted Owner Satisfaction

2025 Fiat 500e

$30,500

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$37,850 - $54,600

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2025 Hyundai Nexo

$60,135 - $63,585

EPA Range 354 miles

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$36,000 - $40,000

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$39,600 - $44,600

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$38,000 - $50,000

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2026 Nissan Leaf

$28,140 - $36,190

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2025 Nissan Leaf

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2025 Tesla Model 3

$42,490 - $54,990

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2025 Toyota Mirai

$51,795

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2025 Volkswagen ID7

$45,000 - $65,000

EPA Range 386 miles

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Features & Specs

wagon

2 front, 3 rear

Front

electric (133 hp)
electric (201 hp)

1-speed direct

Basic 5 years/60,000 miles
Drivetrain 10 years/100,000 miles
Corrosion 7 years/unlimited miles
Roadside Aid 5 years/unlimited miles
Maintenance 3 years/36,000 miles

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Model History

2024-Present

Current Generation

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.

2019-2023

2019 Redesign Year

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.