2019 /2020 Hyundai Kona EV | Game Over Leaf

[@edwardhwang]

Just went to the dealer today and they wanted $10,000 premium. Total came to $65,000. They only had one. Will be ordering a Tesla.

[@pixelfairy]

anyone else wonder why dealers are hated? same thing happend to me when i tried to buy a prius before the volt existed. teslas best feature is not having to talk to a dealer!

[@jochambe1]

Same here. Said a base price of 42,500 and then they added 7,500 + 2,500 CA rebate and it came to over 50k. Left that dealer and ordered me a Tesla model 3 in Santa Barbara. Solid salesman and they let the car sale itself.

[@cbjueueiwyru7472]

I predict that Hyundai will back away from EVs and say "no one bought them" because dealers are pulling that BS

[@richie1317]

These dumb hyundai shitbags will lose a lot of customers after negative experiences like this

[@TCPUDPATM]

Damned stealerships...

[@towardtheeast]

Went to check the Kona EV, dealerships went $10K up because "market adjustment". Voracious sales men are causing more harm than good to their dealerships. With all that money I can buy a Tesla Model 3.

[@davidhood9712]

Which is why Tesla will win.

[@jesuschristislord77733]

Greed - modus operandi of earth animals.

[@theexmann]

I'm sure there are dealerships that won't do that. Shop around or use a online service like True Car.

[@WonHeeJung]

I never had good experience with any Hyundai dealers...

[@cregf.9665]

Right? It's so not worth it.

[@wobby1516]

I have this vehicle in the 64 premium plus version, it’s a fantastic car. Cleaning the front has never been a problem the dimpled front doesn’t collect dirt any more than an open grill. The only negative comment I’d make is if your a tall driver 6’ plus then leg room behind is limited, when my wife drives there’s plenty of room behind her. We have solar panels on our house and so far we’ve been able to charge for free, UK 🇬🇧 winter weather. For those who can’t afford a Tesla this is by far the next best thing. Should have mentioned there are three trims in the UK and mine is the top one with all the bells and whistles, we love it.

[@davidarf]

While I can say that the Kona is an excellent modest sized car, having owned one for 6 months, I cannot see any point in claiming it is "Game Over" for any other car until Hyundai ramp up production to levels to meet demand. The reality is that they have drastically cut production in January and February. This does not look like "Game Over".

[@spearmap]

Our local dealer in Victoria BC has already delivered 37 of these. The Kia Soul and Niro seem to have the same EV drivetrain. Hyundai/Kia have a success on their hands

[@garyboyce6186]

You gave a great review and I subscribed to see what you decided on. I have been driving the Kona EV here in BC Canada for almost a month now and I can’t say enough. We commute 50 miles each way to work uphills and down hills and we arrive home with well over 1/2 a charge in the winter. We also installed winter tires as it’s required by law here. We just arrive home and plug it in to our ChargePoint 240v and ready to go in the morning again. Comfort is great and it’s a rocket in sport mode. Almost drives by itself too.

[@mrspeigle1]

Just a point, it's not a leaf killer unless it's available in 50 states. Or at least the lower 48 also going to have a hard time making an argument for the Cota over the leaf when you've got the massive price differences. Cota supposedly coming in at 40 while the leaf e-plus is going to run 36 base with the standard Leaf at 29:9. $4,000 to $10,000 price difference is a pretty big security blanket for the leaf

[@johnkhalil9831]

The Nissan Leaf Plus pricing has been on the Nissan site for about a week now. The Leaf S plus starts at $36,550, SV $38,510, and SL $42,550. There are no optional packages available on the SL so really the top of the line Leaf Plus is $42,550 for a 62KW battery, 225 miles estimated range

[@aardvarkansaw]

Actually the shoulder room in the 2019 Bolt is just fine for me: I am 6'2" and weigh 300 lbs. So I certainly would not dissuade taller and wider people from ruling out the Chevy Bolt--give it your direct experience to find out for yourself. The Bolt was ergonomically better for me than all of the BEVs and PHEVs that I looked into. I was surprised and pleased so I just leased a 2019 Bolt. I have never sat in the Kona, but I have more room in the Bolt than the KIA Niro. The 2019 LEAF was ruled out because my right shin bumped against the cover every time I tried to operate the brake or accelerator--plus my right knee bumped against the steering column when swinging out to exit. A used CMAX required a little too much upward flexing the forefoot to work the brake pedal and accelerator--but , again, that is just me. Try it for yourself.

[@MsKewi-NYC]

Thank you for your honesty opinion..not all of us are 5'8 154lbs. I'm more concerned with Adaptive Cruise Control that's not offered in the Bolt currently I can add pillows.🤣 I hoping that Chevy will address that in the 2021 model some people like me get spoiled using acc and don't want to move their foot especially on long commutes.

[@JeffKubel]

The Kona, Bolt EV, eNiro, and Nissan ePlus were all on my radar before I pulled the trigger on the Tesla Model 3. When you only have a handful of cars with over 200 miles of range, the cars you end up cross shopping to become quite diverse. So Tesla Model 3 does end up competing with cars like the Kona EV despite being completely different kinds of vehicles.

[@jamesparkerjr5539]

I am actually excited about these. My wife and I are strongly considering the Niro EV next year when our lease is up. Lucky, in this case, that NY is CA Emissions

[@projimoproductions6379]

Vi Alex ame Autos En I Wang erected thing guiño how can hoy adC Rull LES O IGHTS VS REGULAR LRDLRSS BULBD?

[@Scoinsoffaterocks]

Consider cross-shopping the Niro with the Kona.

[@jamesparkerjr5539]

With only the Kia models getting an optional heat pump in the US, the Hyundai is out for me. (I live in Buffalo, NY).

[@vicjay1972]

Better order it now if you want one next year. They aren't building enough of them. I have one on order and they are already behind in deliveries.

[@timg.8146]

Thanks for mentioning Canada!

[@WilkinSantana]

AND you said thanks!

[@JustAYouTuber1991]

Looking at one now. With the $4k discount, it’s under 20k with 68k miles left in the warranty. 3 year loan is 600 a month. Pretty tempting.

[@stephenhendricks103]

The Korean entries are game changers, I think. EV's with a range of 100-110 miles are effectively urban runabouts suitable for short daily commutes but not much more. A range of up to 250 miles turns an EV into a far more flexible vehicle. Here in the Seattle region daily commutes for many are in the 80-100 round trip range. In a short range EV that means daily recharging. A 200+ range not only means less frequent recharging, it means unexpected demands or even weekend trips aren't out of the question. And apart from tax rebates here in the Pacific Northwest we benefit from hydro generated electric power. That means a 64KW battery can be fully recharged for less than $9. That compares very favorably to the $40, or so, it costs me to get a 250 mile range in my GTI. Even hybrids can't match that fuel efficiency. If I were shopping, I think I'd opt for the eSoul. The funky versatility of the Soul and KIA's designs are more appealing in their simplicity to me compared to Hyundai's "fussier" design language. Those with different needs and tastes may well make another decision.

[@collectorrichey7106]

This is a perfect review video for me, seeing how I'm looking at selling my bolt for this car. Alex never disappoints!!!

[@paulaxford6754]

Really good job covering the Kona and discussion of the competition. I have a base model in NZ which has the heat pump, despite the relatively warm climate here, however it cost me $75k out the door and those dollars are just as hard earned as they would have been in CA.

[@heidiwilks5316]

Hi Alex, I just checked a vid of someone exploring the interior of the 2020 Soul EV, and ventilated seats are definitely present -- you can see the controls for them right below the seat heaters. Whew!

[@be236]

I'm torn about which EV as well. I like Kona Electric for its 19 mile range over Kia Niro EV, but i like Niro EV for its large backseat/knee room and cargo area...

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

My dream Korean EV SUV! Great job Alex.

[@EVAddicted]

Always great reviews! I really appreciate your EV reviews. I like Kona EV a lot, but now with Tesla Model 3 standard range i believe it way better deal. I think the trunk is bigger also in Model 3 and the supercharger network is a huge point.

[@toyotaprius79]

The longer Kia Niro EV or even the Soul EV I think would be the best bet, even if the Niro is lethally boring. The Kona is grand, but the rear is much too short (where the LEAF can carry almost twice the cargo capacity with the seats up). All EVs mentioned are hatchbacks with wide openings for large bulky items - which the Model 3 falls behind. Now, while it's only coming with a 38kWh (160 mile) battery, a 64kWh Hyundai Ioniq would be a killer competitor.

[@Angry-Lynx]

This is no competition for any Tesla. Very far from it. I dont think there is ANY real competition for Tesla currently lol ;

[@BillySmith808]

I can't wait till you get your hands on a Kia Telluride!

[@Elricky124]

William D waiting for that too. I have seen other people do a review for it but no one matches Alex’s ability on the practical things he says.

[@b4804514]

Hey I just looked at one today very very impressive 37k compared to 45K Honda Pilot Better electronics and options. The downside if the MPG at 21-22

[@Elricky124]

Loganbay The low MPG is my biggest gripe. I do however that is a large vehicle, even bigger than the Pilot. RAV4 for my family at the moment and later when cars become more efficient a larger vehicle like the Pilot or Telluride.

[@dheeradjlachman9658]

I can't wait too testdrive the Palisade

[@awall422]

Agreed, it's on the list for potential replacements of my wife's Odyssey and I'm looking forward to Alex's feedback.

[@JDDevice]

Nice in-depth review. Was interested in the regen brakelight connection, because that's a feature I'll use alot. Considering I hardly use my brakes in my current gas car

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

Someday, I buy the 2019 Hyundai Kona EV.

[@JacanaProductions]

Coasting is interesting. I believe there was some 3rd party device you could buy for the older leafs that enabled the car to coast down hills. Although if you’ve every driven down some of the multi 1000ft passes in Colorado you’ll realize that an underrated advantage if an EV is the regent mode that make the having to down shift a thing of the past. Even a moderate grade like from Ned to Boulder, CO in my “cheapest leaf in American” I was pleasantly surprised by the regen and the lack of downshift I had to perform vs my old A8 or Outback.

[@abdullahmoiz8151]

As always Alex with a brilliant review

[@daves1646]

Thank you for the great and complete perspective on the Kona EV. Owning an EV with no heat pump and living with cold winters and seeing the impact on range, I’ve decided a heat pump IS A MUST HAVE piece of standard equipment. Hope Hyundai wakes up on this for the Kona.

[@dennislyon5412]

David Silva - heat pump is a nice to have - perhaps most useful if you plan to travel big distances when it’s around freezing out. Heat pump efficiency is gone when it’s really cold out. Don’t make your decision based on this, since - at the efficiency these EVs deliver - not having a heat pump isn’t that much worse in efficiency overall.

[@aaronbritt2025]

Leaf availability... All 50 States. Kona EV availability... California. Winner = Leaf. I live in Nevada, right next door to Cali, and the two Hyundai dealers I talked to wouldn't even talk to me about getting one from Cali. Offered full sticker plus shipping and they were still only interested in selling my an in-stock hybrid that I didn't want.

[@SvikDK]

As always a great video from you. I do have some inputs though. Niro offers alot more space for rear passengers compared to the Kona. About the Soul, I have seen footage with the cooled seats in the EV version. Maybe you wont get it in the US, but it should be in other markets. We have prices on both Niro and Kona in Denmark. And the Niro is about 20% more expensive in the toptrim model here, wich is alot of money. The biggest problem with both Kona and Niro...and Soul is the fact, that there is simply not produced enough. We have 9-12 months waiting time for a new car, and i Germany and Norway, they stopped taking order. So getting one will be hard anywhere in the world. To bad, since they are some really nice cars :)

[@DesuVR]

I'm excited for the Soul EV, some people may not like the new design but it will grow on them, just like every other car that came before it. I already like it.

[@cbflazaro]

18:45 finally, someone that understands that coasting is more economical than regening. The number of people that think that to get good mileage you need to regen a lot is astonishing

[@naughtysauce4323]

Ends up being around the same efficiency IMO. Yes you do coast so you don't expend more energy to get back up to speed, but if you're coming to a stop, it is more efficient to regen to the stop. But mainly I like to regen because I like the feel of it.

[@bvedant]

you really are fascinated by that heat pump!

[@johndonaldson5126]

Looks like a great little car with good range and ample cargo space. I really like the spare tire storage. Electronics look good too. Too bad the nearest Hyundai dealer is 60 miles from our house. Too expensive.

[@mx5hong]

It's interesting in that the charge port is located where the grill would be. Because in its home market of S. Korea, practically everyone parks back-in in parking lot like in Japan.

[@ltkwok2961]

I vote Soul.... subject to price & your review.

[@mwwhatever]

I like the look. I would get one if I could afford it

[@stevenh4797]

Alex: "but there are no other mainstream EVs that are under $40,000 that have this range overall to them." Tesla Model 3 SR, $35K, 220 miles of range, SR+ $37.5K, 240 miles of range.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

A few points. 1. Tesla is not a mainstream brand, it's a luxury brand. 2. The SR model doesn't exist yet, I know because I was one of the first to order it and the 2-4 week date has been replaced by "unknown". 3. The Model 3 SR+ still has less range than this and if you want a white one, it's $39,500 yet still won't have the range of the Kona. The Tesla is just in a different category, it's a luxury car and luxury car pricing applies.

[@stevenh4797]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide Congrats on your order Alex! I think you're gonna be incredibly impressed with the car! Appreciate your reply. Couple of points in response: 1. the Model 3 SR+ (and presumably SR as well) have 18.5% BETTER highway MPGe per the EPA than the Kona. For 99+% of people range for these 200+ mile type of EVS is only an issue when taking a long trip on the highway (vs. daily commute/running errands), so your SR will match the Kona for range when it matters on those long highway drives/road trips, and SR+ will beat it by about 10%... and then there's the biggest issue re road trips, recharging. Tesla's SuperChargers are massively better than any other national network, so, a 500 mile drive in an SR 3 will be far quicker than with the Kona (if even possible with the Kona, depending on where you're traveling). 2. I still don't get your view here about Tesla not being mainstream... to a mainstream buyer, isn't being able to get a luxury car at the same or less than the Hyundai a very good thing? Yes, only with black paint can you get an SR for $35K, and, yes, Tesla charges more for other colors than most... but, you can still get 4 of 6 Tesla colors on an SR for the price of the lowest trim Kona bare bones, no options. Finally, looking at the 3 trims of the Kona, I see Hyundai charging considerably MORE ($5K and $8K) for their upgraded trims than the closest we can see equivalents in the Model 3 offerings ($2.5K for partial interior upgrade/added range of SR+, $5K for full interior upgrade, and $3K for AP which has functionality Hyundai does not offer).

[@kylecordes]

Now that Tesla is shipping the less expensive versions of the 3, it certain competes with the other cars on your size chart - would be great to see it on there.

[@danielmikhail2701]

Why can't this car be compared to the Tesla Model 3? You can buy a Tesla Model 3 right now in the US for $39,500. It is the partial premium interior (has leather seats, has power seats, 240mi range and autopilot), but it's still cheaper than the Hyundai Kona EV "Ultimate." I just leased a Nissan Leaf SL Plus (60kw Battery) and the sticker price is over $40,000. Those prices are very similar to the Tesla Model 3. In fact... the Tesla Model 3 is cheaper than my Nissan leaf SL Plus. So, in conclusion... all these cars can be compared to the Tesla Model 3.

[@sprockkets]

You may get 60 miles more of range in the Kona, but the problem is the charging network is way inferior. Also it still is better to have the drive wheels be up front for winter traction. If I could convince my wife I'd get rid of my Kia for a used Bolt. They are going for $19k with low miles thanks to the former owners ditching them for Teslas. And while this may not matter, to be fair, the upcoming model y will be $48k but is dual motor.

[@nickolastiguan]

Here in Canada, the base Kona EV costs about $10k CAD more than the Leaf + (or whatever it is called). Ouch.

[@br33zy771]

one ev comes out and journalists say "tesla killer??", "game over for leaf???" it's a car, in a segment, someone will like it due to price, and features, etc... and someone will like the other car for similar reasons. One does not kill the other. It's like saying "Honda Civic, game over for Corolla???"

[@mcamodell]

We'll see if they even ship any this time, I'm still waiting to see a 2018 Ioniq EV

[@megaroeny]

Think I'll probably go with the Kia Niro for more space and interior. So exciting to see all these great EVs coming out. I'm looking forward to seeing the VW ID. too. OR we might get a used Tesla Model S/3. Same price for more.

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Offered through dealer network in only select States. But available to ALL for special order. Meaning none of the 50 States will ban you from owning one. Just not offered through dealerships

[@JoshuaWalls2014]

I'm gonna try buying from Canada, never did so before

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

@@JoshuaWalls2014 I'm not sure how that works either but you may be subjected to import tax? Not to mention DOT inspection to make sure the vehicle is adherent to U.S. safety standards. The latter is probably a moot point since Canada and the U.S. are both considered North America and manufacturers spec cars out the same for NA market.

[@evang3943]

BTW: Kona Electric gets independent rear suspension; Soul Electric does not. I prefer the looks of the Soul, but the ventilated seats are a big differentiator...

[@metrotrujillo]

My soul EV has ventilated seats.

[@evang3943]

@@metrotrujillo That's great! But they are not available in redesigned model, at least in U.S. (for now).

[@siraff4461]

"no compromise" then " no 4wd option". Trust me there are a lot of places where that is a massive compromise.

[@TheGerm24]

I have no idea why you think this segment was going to have 4wd. It isn't a compromise if it fits the market segment.

[@siraff4461]

@@TheGerm24 "there are a lot of places where that is a massive compromise". As in there are plenty of places where it snows or has wet/poor road conditions a lot of the time. The non ev version can be ordered with 4wd (as cn a lot of it's competitors) so it's a compromise. What market segment you choose to pidgeon hole it into has nothing to do with it.

[@ladayblues6759]

I just bought mine yesterday 😍

[@tristanestrada4654]

Laday Blues how much you got ripped off???

[@towardtheeast]

😂😂😂

[@ladayblues6759]

tristan estrada lmao in your dreams you want me to be unhappy but in reality your jealously is out the roof. I get non stop compliments and it’s extremely reliable my daily commute is 80 miles round trip and I have nothing to complain about . I got a $7,500 rebate from Hyundai and I’m waiting for my California rebate of $4,500 to come in the mail. All in all I technically paid 30,000 for this car when it’ was priced 42K after the rebates

[@retrodog63]

The Kona is a nice car if size/capacity doesn't matter much to someone. It's room in the front seats. The back seats are a little cramped, and rear cargo area is almost non-existent. I drive a 2015 Leaf and there is a tremendous difference. Other than the cargo space, I really like the Kona layout. I can see why it's been a hit and why it will make a great EV for most people. The higher power charging sounds nice, but people need to realize that this might require special wiring and circuit breaker. Many have set up a Level 2 charger themselves by sourcing power from a cloths dryer receptacle. But that is, at 6.6 kw rate, is pushing the current limit to the max in many cases. Elevating the current level another 1kw might be too much. My Leaf warms up my receptacle, so I fan cool it, at the 6.6 kw rate. My Volt only charges at 3.3 kw so that doesn't even warm it up.

[@AlaskaErik]

Right now it would have to be between the Soul and the Niro simply because the heat pump would be essential for Alaska driving.

[@RogerWritesBooks]

Um, correction, there is definitely a battery charge indicator on the dashboard, as well as how fast it is being charged in kwh

[@neilbrandon]

The problem with rear seats is that floor is too high for the low rear bench so your knees stick up and upper legs not supported. Hyundai should raise the rear bench a little more like Tesla did with the M3.

[@dheeradjlachman9658]

Hyundai and Kia gonna rule!!👌

[@TRYtoHELPyou]

Great EV overview. For the love of awesome, do something with a Tesla. So many people would love to hear your opinion along with how you present stats. Please!

[@thelondonbroiler]

There is definitely some subtle opinion injected, but you're right, it's mostly "Just the facts ma'am." I still really enjoy how you point out flaws/oversights (PC Checklist for the win!).

[@cmarshall4559]

Tesla won't provide cars for journalists review

[@gledatelj1979]

@@cmarshall4559 maybe rent?

[@arevee9429]

Saw a conventional Kona on the street the other day and all that plastic on the exterior looked cheap - particularly that piece stuck at the top of the C pillar in the back. But nice looking interior. Agree on those strange Bolt front seats. They even look uncomfortable and strangely asymmetric. Had to laugh at 'humans like 70 degrees better than 30'. Good thing you're in the Santa Cruz mountains where 70 and sunny is more the norm than it is in the Pacific Northwest.

[@kens97sto171]

Noticed that the Bolt EV even with it being smaller. Has 3 inches more leg room... Also the cargo area has a nice under tray area .. This car seems wider, but especially in the front seat.. that flying buttress design seems to rub against your right thigh..

[@cypvh74]

With current GM discounts, the.Bolt is thousands less than the Kona, while limited supply of the Kona, means dealers are marking it up by thousands. Bolt currently is a better deal, and easier to find to buy.

[@zitzot]

Alex, do you expect the VW I.D. Crozz to be a direct competitor to the Kona EV or the Niro EV?

[@kirivanyam6035]

So far liking the Crozz exterior, interior TBA.

[@USUG0]

Looking forward to the base model 3 forcing Kia, Nissan, Hyundai and Chevy to bring down their prices to a more realistic level

[@Dark_Vader888]

Was very excited until I found out no AWD which is a must for us. I’d give up range if this vehicle was AWD.

[@bikebudha01]

no shit, it's like not like they don't have snow in Korea. Why the don't get half the united states gets snow is beyond me... And with electric, it's so easy to have 1 motor up front, and 1 motor in back....

[@land7776]

@@bikebudha01 what is this almost fetish about 4WD that seems to be mostly from the US? Most in Scandanavian countries don't use it, there's plenty of snow. European countries with snow hardly use them. Canada doesn't anywhere near as much as US- and more snow. I wonder how people survived in Detroit/Buffalo/MN with rear wheel drive sedans for decades before 4WD was prevalent, with probably less accidents. A front wheel drive car with proper tires and a sound driver can beat most 4WD addicts, I would bet.

[@MrGreatnessisme]

@@land7776 i've seen this type of reply everywhere. Of course anyone can get by with just FWD/RWD, it's just a matter of preference for most. Some people feel safer in AWD, with clearance. Although they are ignorant to the fact that it won't help you stop any better than any other type of drivetrain. Tires matter there. But a lot of people do want to get off the line with less wheel slip and to be able to get out of deep snow without getting stuck. Both things AWD cars have going for them. For some like me not a big deal, but if other people want AWD then so be it.

[@intravenousradio]

you don't need AWD. It adds weight and is useless unless you have winter tires to get purchase in the snow.

[@tylertanium7761]

@@land7776 if you have to ask, you wouldn't get it. Next.

[@greenergenes]

@AoA ; for better clarity you might want to use expanded descriptions "Bolt-EV" or "Volt-Hybrid" when comparing other vehicles to the GM/Chevrolet models

[@Xunxunism]

Range is not everything. It just means putting bigger battery in it. Leaf is OK for its purpose. 200 miles range is quite a sweet point for many buyers.

[@richardsmith2879]

It’s a great car, but expensive, like all electric cars. Here in Britain there is a twelve month waiting list, so factoring one as a replacement for a car on a PCP is very difficult. My friend can’t justify the wait or the cost, so he’s going for a cheap but fun petrol car, at far less overall cost, until such time as electric cars become easily available and cheaper. Very good assessment by the way.

[@L1GHT119]

$45,000!!!! What the what? It’s great but idk about that price for me personally. $35k is fair loaded plus fed tax rebate $7,500 $28k

[@edweagle]

Interesting, the Kona Electric seems to have only 2 trims in canada

[@Hawki777]

Correct, starting price for Preferred is C$45,600, and Ultimate is C$51,600. Actually now at much lower Canadian $ - we may have better value/price on cars (vs. when C$ is on par with U$ and Canadian car prices still 10-15% higher than US prices).

[@brunohill3229]

I love your desk clock.

[@spiritmorin]

I got the SoulEV to. I wait for the price of the SoulEV 2020 to make my choice. Kona/Soul/Niro, who know.

[@1001speedster]

Ahhh missed opportunity, should of called it a leaf blower....

[@jimhigens5464]

Yea, but it won't sell at nearly the volume leaf's sell at. It won't even sell in every state.

[@MrSahansdal]

ha ha

[@edweagle]

Surprised you haven't mentioned this car lately Alex in your decision making for your ev replacement since you seemed to like it so much at the time

[@RobitNinja]

Could you clarify what you meant about the Niro still having the same interior dimensions as the Kona even though it was a larger vehicle? You were referring to seating width specifically?

[@starcraftfilms8349]

Like your review on EVs; I am leasing a Chevy Bolt; I love the paddle regeneration brake or whatever you call that, which on the LHS back of the steering wheel. I heard you saying a similar feature is on this car as well, Is it as good as Bolt ? Also, can we get that $7500 tax break on this one ? Why are the parking sensors on the high end trim on this, unlike Bolt ? I didn’t like that. I just test drove leaf plus and I liked Bolt better. But I will test drive this one too.

[@thrash123ful]

They need to make a all wheel drive version

[@cwilsonpa]

Another great and comprehensive review !

[@goma3]

I agree with the review but pricing is a factor here. Even after all this time a Kona is a full $10,000-$12,000 than a Leaf Plus even after "dealer" incentives. The KONA is essentially selling itself within shooting range of the model 3, while offering far less in terms of equipment, looks or brand value. They need this car to $32k like the Leaf and not like $45k as we frequently see.

[@monroesbro]

"No compromise" from the ICE version they promised...but then Hyundai doesn't offer the Kona EV in AWD. That's a huge compromise for those of us living in steep snow covered mountains.

[@theexmann]

Good video. One of the things I didn't like about the Kona was that center console with that awkward open storage area underneath. I tried it out at the L.A. Auto Show and always felt that my right leg and knee kept on bumping into it. It was annoying. Did you find that? From the video it seems like your right leg was also up against the console. Conversely, on the Niro EV it has a more open center area so it doesn't feel like you're boxed in because your right leg isn't up against anything and the lower storage area is readily accessible.

[@familmammadov7923]

Leaf killer? Leaf has been dead ever since model 3 was announced

[@kennthbennett7320]

Going to wait for any bugs to get worked out you know there's going to be some.

[@makingwithsteve]

Would love to see how you feel about the new 2022 revision model of the Kona Electric. Ive heard good things about better cabin noise.

[@tomted5011]

*_The Chevy Bolt, the Nissan Leaf and the BMW i3 are the only EVs with true one-pedal driving. For this reason the Hyundai Kona is NOT a Leaf killer as it does NOT do one-pedal driving. Ask any EV one-pedal driving purest, once you get on to one-pedal driving you will not go back. The lack of this feature on the Kona is a deal breaker for this EV driver._*

[@romainfravien4862]

Is it better to wait for some of the 2020 EVs or pull the trigger on the Kona or Niro? Asking for a friend 😁

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Rumor mill says the Niro will get an interior update for 2020....

[@romainfravien4862]

Alex on Autos thanks! Love and look forward to your videos.

[@trev8426]

in Canada only one model of the 2020 Soul EV will be sold and it will have a battery heating system, heat pump and air-cooled front seats

[@TheBMurda]

Where did you get these specs? Interested.

[@trev8426]

@@TheBMurda you can get all the details here www.autos.ca/forum/index.php?topic=102456.0

[@clout13r]

I hate those video titles: tesla killers, leaf killer, bolt killer, etc. When the new civic comes out do we say versa killer and corolla killer?

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

On occasion yes...

[@Hawki777]

Because Kona (Niro & Soul) EV will really kill Leaf. Nissan had a head start - but they did not innovate (no active battery cooling, even Leaf+ will have less range ...)

[@VincDuran]

My local dealer in Colorado has no idea if or when I can get one. There are lots of Leafs to choose from at the local Nissan dealer. I'd love to see or drive a Kona.

[@perrymason8471]

I wonder how much weight you'd have to add in the front to eliminate wheel slipage from turning off traction control.

[@Beehive222]

Watching this again until I get my KonaEV. 🤩

[@scottmeans2]

Since Colorado has the same standards as California I will assume that all of the Korean products will be marketed here. In Colorado it is critical that you get a heat pump system since our weather is often very close to that of Canada. Alex I couldn't help but noticing that you leased your Leaf. Could you discuss the advantages of leasing verses buying. To me it looks like the Niro is the way to go in Colorado.

[@minetmanila8344]

Hi Alex, when are you going to review the tesla model 3?

[@phillipzirges9867]

Very thorough and complete review, much appreciated. If the Leaf is the best selling, why hasn’t the Federal tax credit expired?

[@ColonelRHS]

Brilliant engineers but one basic flaw...when you drive this car in summer, be prepared to spend a lot of time cleaning bugs off the front panel with all those depressions.

[@robertpryor7225]

Another unicorn, maybe someday. DC fast-charging is hard to find even in southern California, really hurts non Tesla's.

[@markfitzpatrick6692]

Robert Pryor electrifyamerica.com

[@robertpryor7225]

@@markfitzpatrick6692 -thanks Mark

[@DGA2000]

I love the concept of a totally electric vehicle. However I am concerned about how long the battery pack lasts before having to be replaced

[@shamil454]

mostly 8 year warranty. Even after the warranty ends, you'll have less degradation than you may think. So, nothing too drastic.

[@DGA2000]

@@shamil454 : Thank you. It was my major concern

[@Wire-Free]

Great deep dive Alex, with comparisons of Kia! TY

[@KillroyX99]

Leaf killing is not very green ;)

[@Hawki777]

Alex your reviews are always most detailed and most helpful. Thank You. Today I test drove an Kona EV (my first EV driving) in Montreal, Canada. It was really a joy to drive it. Waiting for new Canada's Federal C$5000 EV rebate to start, on top of Quebec's (provincial) C$8000 rebate. However, the federal C$5k rebate is eligible for under C$45k EV cars only. Kona Preferred EV is priced at C$45,600 - so Hyundai Canada *may* reduce the price by $600 to be eligible for the C$5k federal rebate. Next trim level in Canada is Kona EV Ultimate, which is priced at C$51,600, really nice light grey leather, but to get the C$5k federal rebate will stay in base/Preferred trim. Waiting for Kia Niro EV and 2020 Kia Soul EV to be available for test drive before finalizing which EV to buy. For Kona EV, I did not like the rear seat leg room. My daughter is 5'4" and she complained back leg room is cramped. Our other car 2015 Nissan Rogue has 2-3 times more leg room in the back seat. May be Kia Niro or Kia Soul have better leg room for back seats.

[@Rebu2007]

Isn’t a charging port placed in the front more exposed to be damaged or not accessible after a crash?

[@cypvh74]

I didn’t have any issues with the Bolt seats. Not sure why people complain about them.

[@jstravelers4094]

Different body types. I gave my friend and co-worker a ride home once. Seventy miles. This was 15 years ago. Saturn SL2. He is 6'4", 350 lbs. He made it work. He's used to it. Seat fully reclined and his chin on his chest. Gentle giant.

[@hedydd2]

Nice Nixie clock on the desk. It is to be hoped that this Hyundai Kona electric comes to the UK at a competitive price, including the heat pump. It will shake up Nissan, whose vehicle is OK but the battery cooling may well be its Achilles heel.

[@johnmichaelMTBC]

The Prius prime is bigger than the RAV4? Who knew? I’m genuinely surprised

[@sambira]

It's not. A RAV4 is bigger than any of the Prius models.

[@avpr1c]

Gotta do your own research these days... his chart was full of make believe doodie

[@jmmaddison]

I think it's the electric rav4. That used to be much smaller.

[@Tonythetiger2101]

Hey Alex, when you do the Hyundai Palisade can we get an in-depth comparison with the telluride? It looks to have the same engine, chassis, and overall leg room. But the telluride has a 21 cubic feet cargo space vs the palisade’s 18 ft cu. does that mean the palisade is a bit shorter? Does this change the EPA or weight of the vehicle? Love your videos and details! Thanks!

[@kenpeters1972]

I lease a 2018 Volt and I am bummed GM has dropped it; not sure about the Bolt, this Kona looks really good! It may be my next lease car? My current plan expires Jan 2021. I also don't like the tax credits being wiped on some EV cars. But this one may work?

[@fancyIOP]

All I see is a Mercedes-Benz 12:28 with a different logo.