2020 Kona EV Quick Drive Review! Do The New Updates Improve A Solid EV?

[@lq1044]

I have the 2019 Kona EV Limited. I am also a (robotic) software engineer for over 25 years. I have been doing all of my family's car repairs since I was 15. After a long hard research and comparison between the Kona EV and the Model 3, I went with the Kona EV. I do like the looks of the M3, but term of economics and practicality, the Kona EV is a better for my life style. Many people tout Tesla's over-the-air software update. While that may seems great and convenient to many people, I view it as software being incomplete or somebody had rushed out a product with deficiencies in software. Therefore, include over-the-air update is the solution for the problem. I also design test software for a company that makes laser used in LIDAR. Tesla may have all of the hardware ready in their cars for full autonomous, but I don't see that ever become a reality within the next 10 years (probably anyone who owns Tesla cars to about 2021 will never see the tech get turned on). I know Tesla uses radar instead of LIDAR, but either one will never get pass congress for full autonomous. Both technologies have their own critcal issues. Smart cruise control is and will be the best tech for a long time. As I am writing this, Cruise Automation is shutting down their building in Southern California and letting everyone go. Today is the last day for Cruise Automation in SoCal.

[@mrrelic2003]

Thanks for the review, I've had my 2020 Kona EV since Jan 2020 in Canada. Have not put on the mileage I expected due to COVID but still love it. Everything in the video seems about right although I have the mid trim which works for me even minus the extra tech, happy we have the battery warmer standard in Canada though. No serious issues so far. Thanks for the great work keeping everybody up to date with the latest/greatest!

[@deblynne9440]

I'm glad you posted this (and several of your other reviews) before I made my decision to buy the 2020. Definitely glad the tail lights now come on when braking with the paddle. You also helped me get past the plastic center console that looks like a 7th grade theatre spacecraft hehe. I like it now. Thanks for the great review, keep 'em coming!

[@deblynne9440]

Oh also I have no delay between stopping with the regen paddle and then hitting the brake.

[@markfitzpatrick6692]

Yes Kyle 12000 dollars off a bolt in my area Ohio. Not just east coast.

[@AlainHubert]

A good friend of mine has a 2019 Kona Electric, and I had the chance to drive it. The only things I didn't like about it were: spins the front wheels way too easily (even when being gentle with the accelerator pedal), and the rear suspension is bouncy. Otherwise, it's a very fine car. Although a bit pricey if you don't have government rebates or incentives. Nice to hear about the 2020 updates. Those "sounds of nature" also made me laugh when I updated the infotainment system in my 2018 AWD Kia Stinger GT Limited last weekend and saw/heard that. Thanks for the quick review!

[@davejohn255]

If it had an electric adjustable passenger seat, I would have got one...Wife has disability and we bought our car based first on the passenger seat and than everything else.

[@KineticEV]

The Kona is awesome but my issue when considering to one one of the many EV's on the market is about time you buy this tip of the line Kona you can just by a Tesla Model 3/Model Y and take advantage of all that Tesla offers including access to one of if not the best charging networks in the world.

[@japadys3193]

Apparently made in China LG batteries were the culprit for this year's massive recall and 2021 models have SKI batteries, according to my local hyundai dealership. Ended up getting ultimate trim just like yours. love it so far

[@tonyrusi1978]

Did you test drive a Bolt? Why did you choose a Kona over a Bolt?

[@be236]

Hope you can get a Kia Niro EV to do the same range test for comparison...

[@mich4816]

Love the kona 2020 EV. Smooth and reliable for new drivers on the road. Especially with non- collision and lane assistance

[@dcvariousvids8082]

Despite what many people and Hyundai say. The very fact that Hyundai don’t offer the Kona Electric in all states, proves they are a compliance car. Which also makes me wonder, if something goes wrong or the car needs repair after a bump. How long will the car be in the garage for repair? If it’s anything like Britain, it could take weeks to months just the get the spares.

[@PeterEVcharade]

Do Hyundai sell the petrol Kona where you are? If so, a lot of parts will be common to the petrol and electric versions and consequently more abundant.

[@hurricanefreak101]

@@PeterEVcharade even here in California dealers have to send them to Electric Specialist unlike the Bolt which can be services nationwide

[@jackschandl5732]

How has the Kona been for winter driving? I have an AWD Mits RVR and Tucson and love never worrying about getting stuck. I am a little concerned about handling in snowy and icy conditions (for the five times I may need it here in BC😉). The Volvo XC40 will have AWD but it will probably be a considerably more expensive proposition, as awesome as it is looking. Thanks

[@sjsquire]

How are your door locks doing? Mine kept malfunctioning in July in Florida. See my Facebook page for a photo of the manual's page.

[@jeretheking]

Kyle, with the recent price drop from Tesla, Model3 SR+ is the same price as Kona Ultimate. I'm unsure what move to make now! I like the LKA and adapted cruise control on the Kona...

[@joris-zuphert]

the kona has much better quality of construction. Tesla's are crappy here in europe. many quality issue. and then who wants that ridiculous big screen

[@mjhowson2389]

I was surprised how easily you dismissed the Kona EV only being for sale in 13 states. I considered one, but there was no way I was going to fly to another state and then own a car that a local dealer couldn’t service. That’s a big roadblock to ownership for most buyers. I do agree it’s the best non-Tesla EV. But Hyundai/Kia need to roll their EVs out to all states if they want to be a serious EV player.

[@esprit1st75]

Yes, Hyundai sells the car (currently) only in ZEV mandated states, however, dealers in other states are being or have been trained on the EV already. Here in Nevada (non-ZEV state), my dealer has been trained, so maintenance shouldn't (!?) be a problem.

[@esprit1st75]

I should be saying maintenance personnel had been trained. Sales people are a whole different story. 😄

[@sjsquire]

Not trained in Florida. Would not fix defective door locks on my 2019. See my Facebook page for a photo of the manual. Selling dealership did not mention this. Dealers don't have any charging setup. GPS locating charging stations is useless. Sent me to a dead end dirt road off of I95.

[@jessicakirsh]

As the Kona EV was not yet available for sale in Arizona, I ended up buying a 2019 Kona SEL gasoline vehicle.

[@esprit1st75]

@@jessicakirsh uh, maybe you can trade it in for a good price since you wanted electric in the first place? 😄

[@snapshot6289]

Have you had a chance to compare the Hyundai Kona EV ultimate with the Nissan Ariya yet? Have test driven the Kona EV Ultimate and very impressive.

[@hehasrisen7]

i bought a 2020 bolt loaded for 26K. Kona way more expensive and the kona is a complacence car. I couldn't even test drive one in Ohio and the dealer told me they would not ever get any. Your review left out to many important facts.

[@stephenclay6852]

Hi .what I know of the 2020 Kona is they have addressed a couple of your Nigal’s.one being the app on the phone and the other charge time settings. But I do agree with your overall views on the car. I found it to be a little expensive for its size. We chose the Kia e Niro we ordered in April of 2019 but got it on the10 July 2020. As a result we got the updated modal with all the features that it should of had at launch, UVO app battery heater much improved infotainment system. Great car but yes I do wish all electric cars could have a supercharger type of charging system.that for me is were Tesla wins hands down.

[@marksimpson6002]

You mentioned a roof box. With the naked roof, what rack systems have a setup for the Kona EV? I'm having difficulty finding one for my 2020.

[@daveedmateo94]

Same here! I'll let you know if I find one.

[@learnedits5341]

I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on one of these. Should I be very concerned about driving in the snow? I'm in Colorado

Check this norwegian "winter-test": elbil.no/stor-vintertest-naer-900-kilometer-med-fem-hoyreiste-elbiler/

[@angeliquea9557]

Thanks for the review. The spinning tires kind of ruins the car for me :/ does changing the tires fix that problem?

[@5443-p1s]

If you don't like spinning tires, just don't stomp on the accelerator. You actually have to try hard to chirp the tires. I can only do it in sport mode, when I slam down the pedal. However, I think the problem may be more related to the crappy tires on the car. They also squeal when I corner fast. I'm looking forward to upgrading them very soon.

[@flolou8496]

So the cool blind -spot head up display safety mirror pop up thingy is never available on the Limited Trim? (it's only a ''Ultimate Trim'' thing ????

[@johnlapointe2922]

I recently bought a 2020 Kona EV ultimate with 32000 km. the advertised km. range is 440km. BUT, charging with the 110 v unit that comes with the car the battery level showed 491 km. fully charged. A little mystifying! The only thing I thought is that under warranty the main battery pack may have been changed to an improved unit. ANY comments?

[@WhiteLineFever1999]

you must be Italian talking with your hands. its very engaging😂. i'm actually looking to go from a ICE vehicle and been researching alot of electric vehicles. i would like a tesla model 3, but the monthly payment for those cars is insane unless you put down alot of money. but hyundai kona sounds like a good choice :)

[@TschingisTube]

Cloud you make a comparison of regen braking ? Not by paper values but by measuring actual deacellaration? I think most peak power from datasheets will not be reached.

[@glenn4893]

I have a 2019 Kona EV Ultimate and I have this winter mode already. Not new for 2020. Maybe because I live in Ontario, Canada?

[@mattplaschka1873]

Standard in Canadian models.

[@kipperwhite2976]

one question pls how long is the battery warranty on the Kona? which is best 4 manitence costs? new 2 EV's might trade in fall for one ??Also sub'd today TY 4 info want longest battery Wtty possible !

[@sambira]

Kyle, I can tell when you are making selections on the touch screen, either the hardware or software appears really slow compared to others. Thoughts?

[@InsideEVsUS]

This is the case with 99% of OEM infotainment systems. Tesla has nailed it with snappiness in their newer generation systems. You would think most companies would use a modern smartphone and target that level of response but no. Still waiting for that level of quality from other manufacturers. I think Volvo / Polestar have a chance with their new Android based systems. - Kyle

[@JD-kf2ki]

As soon as you pull the regen, the brake lights are on?? Or the brake lights are on only when it comes to a complete stop?

[@Grognon]

Did you still notice a high pitched "hissing" motor noise when accelerating/regening on your 2020? I have a 2019 Preferred (Canada) and have had it for close to a year now. This is still my biggest pet peeve about the Kona, I truly wish they could somehow fix this :(

[@InsideEVsUS]

Yes, it is especially bad with the windows down. Every Kona EV I’ve driven does this. Meant to mention in the review but slipped my mind. - Kyle

[@Grognon]

@@InsideEVsUS Thanks... Thumbed up, but really a thumb down that this is still there :(

[@rayprod8571]

I'm in rented bolt ev now and must add that looking at warranty... seems hyunday has a lot more coverage ( than chevy ) 10yr/100k miles...

[@karlotom488]

Gathering info on electric cars any chance getting info on Kia Niro Thanks

[@pistolpete6321]

Great review!

[@michael931]

The price to charge is based on the brand of vehicle?

[@douglasalanthompson]

When are you reviewing the Leaf Plus?

[@esprit1st75]

With the high voltage battery software update for the 2019 model kona the brake lights stay on when using the left steering wheel paddle: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXTUqWSaa62Kbrs

[@InsideEVsUS]

Great, I figured this would be retroactive through software updates - Kyle

[@keithnewton8981]

The kona has a 69kw battery but you can only use 64kw of it It's important to note that hyundia tell you the use able kW 8n there model many others do not so psa have a 50kw battery but you can only access 45.5 kW. So kona has a very large battery and if we could access a bit more wow it would be a fantastic,

[@kwhite145]

No 4 wheel drive?

[@Nightbird.]

A series of fires prompted mass recalls of Hyundai's best-selling Kona EV in South Korea in October. In South Korea, Hyundai has recalled 25,564 Kona EVs built during September 2017 to March 2020 due to the risk of short circuit possibly caused by faulty manufacturing of its high-voltage battery cells. Story source: www.reuters.com/article/us-hyundai-motor-kona-ev/south-korea-probes-adequacy-of-hyundais-kona-ev-recall-after-new-fire-ministry-official-idUSKBN29V0CW

[@chrispaik7343]

wouldnt Niro EV be a better choice, it being bigger inside?

[@chargingabout]

I have winter mode in my September 18 top spec kona in the uk. Does the new model actually do anything different? I don't generally use the brake pedal - I drive spirited and in hilly areas - and I have now changed my tyres from the nexens (after 40000 miles) but never had any major issues with them either braking or acceleration. Hopefully we will get more supply in europe, now we have a factory, so more people can enjoy it. I am surprised there is no new (bolt, eniro, esoul) competitors, with everyone fixated with smaller batteries. A bigger battery means I rarely have to push the extremes Still cant wait for the model y.....

[@InsideEVsUS]

Each market has different specs. The US just got winter mode but Canada has had it for example - Kyle

[@sjsquire]

Did they fix the door locks malfunctioning? Hyundai sucks. Sent,deny, deny.

[@Green-Horizon2]

Great review, thank you

[@_TrueDesire_]

Stock tires can be replaced by pretty much any Bridgestone or Michelin with way better grip and handling.

[@angeliquea9557]

Would that really get rid of the spinning tires he mentioned?

[@_TrueDesire_]

@@angeliquea9557 if a Koenigsegg can accelerate to 200 kp/h with little to no wheelspin then i would say yes. Tires make a huge difference.

[@stefanhaglund1665]

@@angeliquea9557 is it really a problem. As I understand it only spins if you do a racer taker off. Not in normal driving. But I will find out exactly how it acts, when I pick up my new Kona advance next weekend. 😁

[@thenerdyarab7622]

#notavailablenationwide hurts it a lot

[@Mac_Raymond]

Kona or id4 ?

[@eddyperdomo11]

I wish it would all be a better design coming up 2021 better round back will be awesome or tail The back shop top light that doesn't look that good Or around bumper would look awesome Or better design think thank you

[@daveedmateo94]

Anyone here having problems connecting a 2020 Kona SE using a NEMA 10-30 dryer outlet?

[@skepticalmechanic]

You need a NEMA 14-50

[@realhappy6765]

I have a Kona.cool

[@PeterEVcharade]

I wish he would keep his hands on the steering wheel, even with lane keeping assist on!

[@opinionator3884]

If you pay more than 32k for a fully loaded Bolt Premier in the RDU area, you are being fleeced.

[@able724]

Yeah, I can go to Maryland and get one. That's only an 8 hour drive one way from where I live. And yes, I live on the east coast. I live in Georgia. Get real. As much as I would like to be able to consider buying one of these, if they are only available in ZEV states, then It's not available to me.

[@Joesolo13]

Personally I've traveled pretty far too get a car before, though not that far. But there's no way to get one via a local hyundai dealer?

[@christopheremmanuelM7UAE]

Half a mile difference. Not even worth mentioning, as putting the heater/AC on or even going up a hill can diminish that 1/2 mile pretty easily. Or temp difference in tyres or ambient temps.

[@esprit1st75]

Half a mile makes no difference, true. However, the battery is 3-4 kWh smaller in the Kona. Over a 250 mile trip that is a difference of 0.3 miles per kwh efficiency difference. That's what Kyle was referring to.

[@finbarrcorcoran9342]

Is that a syrup?

[@rstravelling3318]

Nice৷ ভালো

[@theartofrelationships]

Bearded Tesla guys cousin?

[@buggscarrot9557]

too small.

[@hurricanefreak101]

Kona is too expensive - dealers can’t sell them because no incentives while Bolt 2021 are flying off the lots - Hyundai is doing nothing while they sit on lots as well as the Niro- it’s over prices for the size

[@mtp1104]

Sounds of nature....Coffee shop noise made by humans 🤔🤔lol Car looks awesome tho!

[@Steve-hm1sc]

Boring…..

[@douglasalanthompson]

When are you reviewing the Leaf Plus?