finder score: 82.00%
| Website | Rating | Notable quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice | 84% | "...consider the Kona Electric as the fledgling EV market's proverbial 'clubhouse leader' at the segment's more affordable end…." | Read more |
| Chasing Cars | 80% | "The Hyundai Kona Electric is a great leap for EV-kind. It brings long-range zero-emission driving into affordable territory for more Australians than ever – while offering sprightly performance and decent practicality." | Read more |
| Practical Motoring | 84% | "Game-changer: an EV that manages to combine ample battery endowment, a fashionable body style and an affordable sticker." | Read more |
| Motoring | 80% | "It drives as well or better than almost any rival in its class, delivers comparable range to a petrol-powered small SUV, and retains all of the packaging benefits compact crossover buyers crave." | Read more |
There are three Hyundai Kona Electric variants to choose from in Australia: Launch Edition, Elite and Highlander.
Launch Edition Hyundai Konas start from $63,615 driveaway. Standout features include:
Kona Electric Elites raise the driveaway price to $65,340. In addition to the Launch Edition, you also receive:
The Highlander sits as the top-of-the-range model, with a starting driveaway price of $70,065. You get the following extras, over the Elite:
Click on a price to compare car loans for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
| Launch Edition | Elite | Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| 449km WLTP range, Electric FWD: $63,615.30 driveaway | 449km WLTP range, Electric FWD: $65,340.30 driveaway | 449km WLTP range, Electric FWD: $70,065.30 driveaway |
Chalk White is the only free exterior paint option.
Other paint colours cost $625, which is pretty cheap compared to other brands:
| Website | Pros | Cons | Notable quote |
|---|---|---|---|
| CarAdvice |
|
| "It's actually a superior WLTP range to what the imminent Mercedes-Benz EQC electric SUV is expected to offer (around 400km, Daimler's chief tester told me), and nudges the 470km range ceiling claimed by the Jaguar I-Pace." |
| Chasing Cars |
|
| "What's the Kona Electric actually like to drive and to live with? The simple answer is that this SUV is fun to drive and genuinely practical for everyday use." |
| Practical Motoring |
|
| "It's got similar range to vastly more expensive cars. Just plug it in one night on your driveway or garage and that's enough for several days' normal driving. If you want to do long journeys, it will serve better than any other affordable EV." |
| Motoring |
|
| "As an example of not only the best electric vehicle technology available right now, but also of what's to come, the Hyundai Kona Electric is a benchmark by which we'll almost certainly measure future rivals. Let's just hope fleet buyers and early adopters feel the same way." |
The Kona Electric comes with a single, front-mounted electric motor.
Hyundai doesn't publish the amperage for the Kona motor. It is a permanent magnet synchronous motor, situated at the front of the small SUV. In terms of power and torque, it's measured at 150kW and 395Nm.
The Hyundai Kona Electric has a single-speed, reduction-gear transmission. You can operate the vehicle by pressing buttons Hyundai calls "Shift By Wire (SBW)". Paddles on the steering column are used to adjust the level of regenerative braking.
The battery fitted is a Lithium-ion Polymer type, with a 64kWh capacity. The voltage is measured at 356 volts.
Though the Kona doesn't have the same veracity as a Tesla, the unique way an electric motor delivers its available torque means car reviewers found the SUV satisfyingly pokey. Journalists said it was silent, rapid from the off and lightning-fast to respond. One expert told of how they discovered in sport mode, if you bury your right foot, the front wheels are sent spinning in a frenzy to summon traction. On highways, the electric motor apparently has loads of speed in reserve, making it a highly accomplished overtaking machine. Some writers confessed they were spellbound and compelled to use the propulsion on tap.
While the Kona Electric isn't a performance vehicle, it's definitely quick and in town it's adept at zipping around congested roads and generally hustling.
| Hyundai Kona Electric key specs | |
|---|---|
| Motor type | Permanent magnet synchronous motor, front-mounted |
| Drivetrain | FWD |
| Motor amps | Not listed |
| Maximum revs | Not listed |
| Motor power | 150kW |
| Motor torque | 395Nm |
| Nominal battery voltage | 356V DC |
| Battery capacity | 64kWh |
| Acceleration (0–100km/h) | 7.6 seconds |
| Top speed | 167km/h |
| Range | 557km (NEDC) 449km (WLTP) |
| Efficiency | 131Wh/km (NEDC) 153Wh/km (WLTP) |
| Security | Engine immobiliser and anti-theft alarm |
| Transmission | Single-speed reduction gear, 7.981 ratio |
Here's how efficient the Hyundai Kona Electric is.
With no exhaust, the Kona Electric doesn't produce tailpipe CO2 emissions. However, using the Green Vehicle Guide, we can learn the vehicle's fuel lifecycle emissions. These sit at 118 grams per kilometre, when you include the gas created producing the electricity in the first place.
Energy consumption is listed as 131Wh per kilometre. It's estimated that if you travelled 14,000km, two-thirds of which on urban streets, annual energy costs would be $605. In NSW, if you travel 30–40km per day, you'd save around $848 per year on fuel.
All reviewers seemed to suggest that the factory-supplied range was very true to life and achievable. That's quite refreshing, as generally the trend (at least in conventional internal combustion engine figures) is for the numbers to be a bit optimistic.
As an SUV, weighing 1,700kg, the Kona Electric isn't a lightweight track car. But, according to motoring experts, it's no boat either. The batteries sit low down in the body, helping to centre the mass of the vehicle. If you really push it in corners, then the weight ostensibly makes things a little sluggish – but in reality, do commuters or families work their cars this hard? Not really.
Car experts surmised the car as being comfortable, acrobatic and decently smooth. Around town, the steering is described as light and quick, giving the SUV oodles of mobility. It's supposedly a fine balance between around-town wheel-spinning and controlled highway-speed lane changes. One journo handily summed it up when they said the car was on par with other rivals, whether electric or not. It sounds as though real-world roads with their imperfections are no problem, with testers describing how the Kona Electric's suspension was capable of mitigating the severity of corrugations and potholes.
On the brakes, motoring journalists also waxed lyrical about the regenerative braking mode. Some comments were made about the slightly different sensation of regen braking, but not in a negative way. However, it was noted that you need to get used to the way they worked in order to avoid coming up short at intersections. One of the motoring experts enjoyed kicking the brakes up to the maximum setting for a similar experience to shifting down a gear when entering bends.
According to Hyundai, local engineers tuned the Kona for Australia. Things that are mentioned as being tested include body control, tyre contact, handling, safety and other elements. Then adjustments may be made to parts like the telemetry, dampers, springs and roll-bar, as well as developing different local packages.
The electric Kona is based on the architecture of the petrol-powered model. There are differences though. First, the price. A standard internal combustion engine model starts from a very reasonable $25,990. The EV starts from $63,615. The EV is somewhat heavier, but compared with the same Kona (only with a petrol engine) is has benefits like:
However, it also appears that the Kona Electric has a different digital instrument cluster to the standard model, a revised centre screen trim piece and an improved climate control system. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth phone connectivity, leather seats and a matching steering wheel as standard.
Purportedly, the interior is of good quality, though some journos found fault with the plastics (a common complaint from the motoring media, not exclusive to Hyundai), saying they didn’t have a premium feel to them. Thanks to the EV’s lack of transmission tunnel, there’s a unique, twin-level centre storage divider that houses many of the key driving controls. On an ordinary Kona, there’s just your gear knob here and some other buttons.
In everyday use, reviewers discovered the Kona interior was light and airy, with ample storage. It’s not a huge car internally, as it’s a crossover SUV, but it seems that it will do for the average car buyer.
Something great to hear, the rear seats are supposedly workable, even for those over six-foot tall, to a point. The boot is highly sensible, with 332 litres with the rear seats in use and 1,114 litres available when they’re folded flat.
If you're stuck picking between models, here are the key differences.
The least expensive Kona Electric is dubbed Launch Edition. Key highlights include Hyundai’s Auto Link Premium, 17-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlights, solar attenuating glass (with rear privacy windows), leather seats and steering wheel, a smart key, push-button starting, a seven-inch infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Hyundai SmartSense and rear parking assist (with a rearview camera). For a base model, it’s tricked out.
The mid-tier Kona Electric Elite gets a larger eight-inch screen, with sat-nav, digital radio and an eight-speaker premium audio system from Infinity.
If you want more passenger comforts and features, the Kona Electric Highlander is the one to go for. You receive LED lights (front headlights, front indicators and taillights), as well as High Beam Assist, a glass sunroof, front parking assistant, wireless charging pad (Qi-standard), a HUD, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a two-tone roof.
| Launch Edition | Elite | Highlander | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-star ANCAP rating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Airbags
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Electronic Stability Control (ESC):
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Hyundai SmartSense:
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Parking Distance Warning – Front (PDW-F): Four sensors, with guidance display | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Parking Distance Warning – Rear (PDW-R): Four sensors, with guidance display | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) – individual tyre reading | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Impact detecting auto door unlock | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ISOFIX outer rear seats | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Anti-theft alarm | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Central locking | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Engine immobiliser | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Two smart key remotes | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) with auto-hold function | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Hyundai Auto Link Premium (app) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| One-touch turn signal (3, 5 or 7 flashes) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rain-sensing wipers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear window two-stage, with auto-wipe on reverse | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Push-button start | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Launch Edition | Elite | Highlander | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth phone connectivity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Satellite navigation | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| SUNA Live Traffic Updates | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Touchscreen – Seven-inch display | ✔ | ✖️ | ✖️ |
| Touchscreen – Eight-inch display | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Infinity premium audio system with eight speakers and external amplifier | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| AM/FM radio | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Digital radio (DAB+) | ✖️ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Radio Data System (RDS) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| AUX/USB audio input with iPod compatibility | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Bluetooth audio streaming | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Leather-appointed seats and steering wheel | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Height adjustable driver's seat | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Driver's seat – power-adjustable, 10-way (including 2-way lumbar support) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Eight-way passenger's seat – power-adjustable | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Lower front centre console 12V outlet | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| USB power outlet in front centre lower console | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Qi-standard wireless charging pad (front centre console) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Rear centre fold-down armrest | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tilt and slide glass sunroof | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| All-round electric windows | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| One-touch window up and down function – front windows | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Solar control glass | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear privacy glass | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Auto-dimming Electro-Chromatic Mirror (ECM) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Heated, power-adjustable and folding exterior mirrors | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Head-up display (HUD) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Seven-inch supervision TFT display with trip computer and digital speedometer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Single-zone climate control with auto defogging | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear floor cooling and heating | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ventilated and heated front seats | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Heated rear windshield | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Heated steering wheel | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Cloth headlining | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Alloy effect steering wheel inserts, HVAC dial and vents surrounds, interior door handles, centre console and power window switches) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Stone grey/blue (seats) | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Premium door centre trim materials | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED interior lights | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Steering wheel mounted controls – audio, phone, cruise control and trip computer | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tilt and telescopic steering column | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Four setting drive mode (Eco, Eco+, Comfort, Sport) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Paddle shifters – regenerative braking control | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Shift By Wire (SBW) – electronic gear shift buttons | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Spare wheel repair kit | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Launch Edition | Elite | Highlander | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body-coloured front grille | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front grille upper insert – satin silver | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Side garnish insert in satin silver | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roof colour-matched, tailgate-mounted spoiler | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Rear silver skid plate | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Tailgate garnish insert in chrome | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) – LED | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Headlights with auto dusk-sensing and escort/welcome functions | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED headlight (low/high beam) | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Projector-beam headlight | ✔ | ✔ | ✖️ |
| LED positioning lights | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Static bending lights | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Rear fog light | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED High Mount Stop Light (HMSL) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| LED rear combination lights | ✖️ | ✖️ | ✔ |
| Side mirror-integrated LED indicators | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Roof rails | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Two-tone roof pack | ✖️ | ✖️ | Optional pack |
| 17-inch alloy wheels | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front ventilated brake disc, rear solid brake disc | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Single-speed reduction gear transmission | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| On-board AC charger time (7.2kW) | 9 hours 35 minutes | ||
| On-board DC fast charger | 50kW fast charger, up to 80%: 75 minutes 100kW fast-charging, up to 80%: 54 minutes | ||
| Battery capacity and voltage | 64 kWh, 366V Lithium-Ion Polymer | ||
Hyundai backs up the Kona Electric with a five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty. The battery has an 8-year (up to 160,000km) warranty. Hyundai also includes a 12-month roadside support plan.
Charging the Kona can be done at home, using an optional Delta in-home charger, for sale at Hyundai dealerships. Hyundai says it unlocks higher amperages, meaning shorter charge times, so you can top up in 9 hours and 35 minutes, easily going from flat to full overnight if you plug it in when you get home from work, for example.
The included emergency charging cable plugs into a standard domestic 240V AC socket but does have a charge time of 27 hours and 50 minutes.
Out and about, the quickest way to top up your Kona would be to find one of the compatible fast-charging stations. Networks like Chargefox have scores of locations dotted around Australia.
It's nice to see another mainstream car maker jumping into the electric-car fray. Car reviewers could find little wrong with this EV crossover SUV, other than the price. But, you do get a more powerful, more torquey powertrain for the extra money, plus other nice-to-have passenger comforts. The Kona is a plausible alternative to other similar size SUVs with conventional engines. This could be one of the cars that heralds the mainstream adoption of the electric car.
Pictures: Hyundai
Does the CUPRA Born show us that an electric future can be just as thrilling, just as fun, and just as worthy of our admiration?
Can a French wagon be as comfortable in the heart of the outback as it is in the city?
Find out how to switch from a fossil-fuel guzzler to an electric car.
We got behind the wheel of the Mazda CX-5 GT, which sits at the pointy end of the range in the current stable – between the Touring and the Akera – to see why 30.34% of Mazdas sold are CX-5s.
Here are 10 of the best family cars, from small hatchbacks to premium SUVs.
Let us assist you in picking your next SUV.
The top 20 most environmentally friendly cars right now, according to the government.
These 4 vehicles all cost less than $20,000 new. Find out how to save when buying a car on a budget.
Our comprehensive guide will help you find Australia’s best luxury sedan available for sale right now!
We've compared the 9 cheapest news cars on sale in Australia, to find out which is the least costly to drive and own.
