2021 Hyundai Kona Electric - Driving, Interior

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo The Kona Electric's cabin is much the same as the one found inside its gas-powered counterpart: It's made from quality materials, is comfortable, and rich with features. The rear seat and cargo area are tight, even by subcompact-crossover standards, but since the Kona was designed from the outset to accommodate a battery pack, there's no less room inside the Electric than the standard model. The cargo area is identical to the regular Kona, too; we fit five carry-on suitcases inside with the rear seats in place and a total of 15 with the seats folded.

To compete with the growing number of electric vehicles hitting the market, Hyundai has swapped the Kona SUV's gasoline engine for an electric motor and battery pack to create the Kona Electric. The swap has resulted in a compelling electric vehicle, with an engaging driving character, zippy performance, and up to 258 miles of all-electric driving range. Styling differences include a unique grille and wheels, but the Kona Electric's unique looks still turns heads like the regular version. Rival EVs such as the Chevrolet Bolt, the Tesla Model 3, and Kia Niro EV offer similar functionality, but the Hyundai's starting price and unbeatable warranty makes it one of the smarter choices in the segment.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
A 201-hp electric motor drives the front wheels (all-wheel drive isn't offered) and is powered by a 64.0-kWh battery pack. At our test track, the Kona Electric galloped from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds, 0.2 second quicker than the regular Kona. As with the regular Kona, the electric version offers sprightly driving dynamics, which makes it fun to scamper along a twisty two-lane. It doesn't offer sports-car-level thrills, but for a subcompact SUV it's compelling to drive. It also cruises smoothly at highway speeds, and feels substantial and planted thanks to the heavy battery, mounted in the floor and its resulting low center of gravity.

Hyundai Kona Electric Specifications:
▪ Length/width/height/wheelbase - 4,205/1,800/1,555/2,600 mm
▪ Ground clearance – 158 mm
▪ Luggage capacity – 332 litre
▪ Engine (Standard Range) - Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
▪ Max output - 136 PS (100 kW)
▪ Max torque - 395 Nm
▪ Transmission - Single-speed reduction gear, FWD
▪ 0-100 km/h - 9.9 seconds
▪ Top speed - 155 km/h
▪ Driving range - 305 km
▪ Efficiency - 14.3 kWh/100km
▪ Battery capacity - 39.2 kWh
▪ Charge time 10-100% 220V/12A - 17 hours
▪ Charge time 10-100% AC 7.2 kW charger - 6 hours
▪ Charge time 10-100% AC 10.5 kW charger - 4 hours 20 min
▪ Charge time 10-80%, DC 50 kW charger - 48 min
▪ Charge time 10-80%, DC 100 kW charger - 47 min

▪ Engine (Long Range) - Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor
▪ Max output - 204 PS (150 kW)
▪ Max torque - 395 Nm
▪ Transmission - Single-speed reduction gear, FWD
▪ 0-100 km/h - 7.9 seconds
▪ Top speed - 167 km/h
▪ Driving range - 484 km
▪ Efficiency - 14.7 kWh/100km
▪ Battery capacity - 64.0 kWh
▪ Charge time 10-100% 220V/12A - 28 hours
▪ Charge time 10-100% AC 7.2 kW charger - 9 hours 15 min
▪ Charge time 10-100% AC 10.5 kW charger - 6 hours 50 min
▪ Charge time 10-80%, DC 50 kW charger - 64 min
▪ Charge time 10-80%, DC 100 kW charger - 47 min
▪ Footage location – Germany