2021 Hyundai Kona Electric | 2 Year Ownership Review | The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

[@mishkoeagle2384]

I have the exact same car. love this color combination. I bought it in USA and brought it to Ukraine in 21. When the war started, this car saved us and took the whole family to a safe place.

[@theaverageev]

Love the Kona! I am so sorry that this is happening to your country.It is truly horrible. I actually have a student from Ukraine that was displaced and have learned so much about Ukraine. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@losinglouie]

Driven the e Niro for 2 years now. Best EV of the four I’ve owned.

[@theaverageev]

What EVs have you owned? Would love to hear about them!

[@Gerald-c6v]

We had the Kona EV 2021 but traded it in this mth for a 2024 Kona N Line because of the lost range we were now getting on the EV Kona. We started with over 475km per charge using around 15-16 kw per 100km. In the last 8 mths our range started to drop a lot each charge. Our car was drawing over 21-23 kw per 100 km per charge. Our range after charging went from 470 to 360km. We had it into dealer many times to be told over and over again there is nothing wrong with the battery. I agree there is nothing wrong with the battery. I have worked on electric motors for over 40 years and explained to the dealer that there is a problem with the drive motor not the battery. I explained to them that because of the high power draw there has to be some high resistance in the windings in the drive motor because of the high amp draw on battery now. Unfortunately it fell on death ears. We gave up on getting it fixed so traded it in after having it for 3 years. Loved it for over 2 years . Happy that we traded it in. It’s a great car but unfortunately the dealers have no idea how to fix these as of yet.

[@theaverageev]

Wow that sucks… thanks for sharing your story. There is definitely room in the market for EV repairs.

[@0AriesFire0]

what the climate like where you are? I’m interested in purchasing but heard this is a problem with a lot of colder climates

[@rodden1953]

Hi im in the UK , i got my first Kona in 2019 and had an offer from the dealer for the second gen refresh one ive had for two years , yes the charging is a bit slow but i think its a great car for long road trips it still is one of the best EVs for range and on a long trip i dont mind the waiting. i would love the 3rd gen as i like the outside and the inside much more , if i had the money id have a Tesla though .

[@Ruleof2plus1]

I am purchasing one exactly like this tomorrow. I like the front wheel drive as I live in Minnesota and rear wheel drive sucks in snow. I also have a bolt and love it. The infotainment on the bolt is much better but this one is ok.

[@krisn6587]

Your video is so helpful!! I’m getting a used 2021 Kona ultimate and I agree with you on the upper trim used with about 25k miles makes it worth for cost savings! Thank you for the video! Getting it within a week and watched this video a few times already lol 😂

[@theaverageev]

Glad it helped! Really is a great car! The Ultimate is definitely worth it! I mean, ventilated seats? Check! Adaptive cruise? Check! Enjoy it! I miss mine so much!!!

[@DannyCotton]

Helpful video! I might be getting a new job 30 miles away, looking at a 2019/2020/2021 Kona EV, Kia Niro EV, or ID4 so far. It would pretty much be just for commuting and doing stuff by myself since we have a minivan for family stuff. Since you have had two of these, any advice? I live in Phoenix if the heat makes a difference. Also any reliability differences? Probably would get the highest trim on all.

[@imyanggers]

How do you feel about the noises while driving? How do you feel compared to other cars? Did switching tires change the road noise?

[@theaverageev]

It is not the quietest EV wind wise, but it’s still quieter than a comparable ICE car. Our ID.4 is much quieter. When I got new tires they were slightly grippier and I did notice they were slightly louder, but it wasn’t a super obvious increase in noise.

[@toad008]

It does have a bit of road noise. Had it 5 years, super long range car. Easy 5m/kW at speed.

[@ellinik]

Great overview. Loved seeing the roof of my old workplace and the Twsn Sheraton building...

[@danielgavrilescu2040]

Well done and honest ! I am wondering if buying other tires would improve grip and better use of amazing torque ?

[@theaverageev]

Thanks for watching! Grippier tires would definitely help! When I put new tires on, I got slightly grippier ones and notice an improvement on acceleration. Could definitely go a little more. There will be a range hit, but totally worth it if for daily driving.

[@sunindragupta9236]

you'll appreciate a front wheel drive car in the snow

[@paulgoudfrooij6561]

I’m surprised that SEL trim doesn’t have adaptive Cruise Control. My 2022 Kia Niro EV (EX trim which I think is the lowest) does have it and it’s the Kia equivalent to the Kona. And I do have the battery preconditioning for the winter and I really recommend it, it cuts DC charging time significantly when it’s really cold out.

[@omarsimpson6542]

Thank you for your help. im from Canada. Im getting the used model. The reason why is because cost for myself. Yes getting a new one would be great, but i need to be easy with myself. If you have a budget like under 33k CAD or in your dollar in the U.S. 24672.62 it makes sense in a way.

[@iangardner2311]

The battery warmer. Is winter mode. Which only warmer very cold batteries for driving consumption. Nothing about preconditioning when charging.

[@paulgoudfrooij6561]

On my Kia Niro EV, the battery warmer does come with the preconditioning feature.

[@coopie810]

A). One advantage to the Kona, if you remove that foam you can carry a spare, jack and all. B). I've seen people complain how LOUD the reverse sound is. (Europe they have option to turn it off). C). Sounds like you car didn't get hit by any major recalls. D). Biggest disadvantage for the Kona is Hyundai only serves' in 12 states....NC not one of them. E). As for the Volvo, manufacturers tend to release HIGHER end models, less attention to 'base' models.

[@theaverageev]

Nope no recalls for me! Thanks for sharing!

[@fdj6429]

Thanks for video! How is the comfort level in the SEL trim manual seats?

[@bastelbudi]

we bought a used model 2019 prime 64kwh. it has 45k kilomets down now. and the reduction gearbox or the motor needs to be changed because the car is making strange noise while driving. the gearbox is a pain in the ass for a 200ps car. hopefully we dont get those issues after the guarantee. but its a great car anyway. today we made a long range ride (400km) only driving highway at 130km/h 15.2kw/100km

[@theaverageev]

That stinks! Glad they are fixing it. I loved my time in my Kona.

[@robertstevens2591]

What is your view on the new 2024 as far as the more cargo space and rear seat space ? Also, I agree with you on the EV used credit. I saw one of these cars in your trim with 13k miles for 19k

[@theaverageev]

I think the 2024 is great! Price is a little too high to be competitive in my opinion, especially with the Chevy Equinox EV 1LT trim looming at the end of this year and the EX30 the following year.

[@robertstevens2591]

@@theaverageev good point. I do notice major depreciation on the cars. This SEL was 39k and 3 years after 19.

[@KiwiMechEng]

These comments seem to be simply personal preference TBH, and could be offset by choosing carefully before purchase or simply adapting. Ignoring the battery issue, there is only one actual manufacturing defect in the 1st gen Kona EVs and that is the gear reducer has a rookie-level design flaw that can eventuate in a small number of examples as a tapping noise. That is the one item that future buyers of used Konas need to be aware of as they fall out of warranty because repairs costs could be significant. It remains to be seen if H/K steps up but they seem to be here. It's probably not a coincidence that the 2024+ Kona (and 2023+ Niro) don't have this issue.

[@ozzi958]

I got 21 Kona with original battery, motor etc. and no issues with them. Charging speeds are not great but they are not the worst. I can still charge pretty fast with 77kw maximum. Other than charging I think the 21 kona is still very good value even when compared to newer EVs. Range and consumption is still very good. It was -30c last week and I was amazed how warm the car was even at extreme weather. Ps. I´m also annoyed by that plastic handle dropping every now and then when closing/opening the boot :D

[@theaverageev]

I miss my Kona, a deer totaled it... Super jealous of you! Great commuter car!!! The plastic handle was so annoying...

[@krisn6587]

@@theaverageevso what do you have now?

[@theaverageev]

@@krisn6587 Currently I have a Tesla Model S. It is ok, but I will be getting a Chevy Equinox EV later this year!

[@MiguelGarcia-eh3vc]

I trying to learn more about ev n i love hyundai any suggestions

[@Youtubeuseritis]

Overall recommended? Any better recommendation?

[@theaverageev]

Hello! I loved the Kona Electric! I would definitely recommend this car. I would need to know your use case for a better recommendation, but this is a perfect commuter car! Not the greatest road tripper, but it is survivable.

[@jarrowmarrow]

You want the adaptive cruise for the non adaptive cruise price. I want a Ferrari on a Vw budget.The thing uses a radar transmitter and receiver plus software and hardware to function.

[@greenmagewellness]

We just got our yesterday! We made it from Houston to Corpus Christi... Barely 😂

[@theaverageev]

Nice! But you did make! 🤣 Perfect commuter car! I miss mine so much! Dang deer…

[@EVBeyond-ij7bm]

Our 2022 kia Niro has that same handle issue on the rear hatch even thought the design is more rectangular. I would assuming with automatic braking becoming a requirement that adaptive cruise control will become standard as well since I would think they would depend on the same sensors. As for how well the battery warmer works, the one time I charged from a few percent(fell a bit short and ended up on a low power level 2 for a bit to get to DCFC) at about 29 degrees I think I only hit 44kw ( there is a video if you want to check my memory). The Volvo EX30 definitely looks like it is going to be a decent value.

[@cheesecakeman4735]

I’m a owner for 3 months and it’s an inconvenience I commute too far for work I’m a first ev car owner I literally have to charge every day it’s not what I imagined

[@christines9540]

I also commute quite far for work. 1.5 hrs. It took me awhile to learn the car and use the regeneration and get off the highway a little earlier than I normally would but it helped me not have to charge and I can make it to and from work 260km without having to stop and charge. I charge at home. Hope that helps.

[@EPeltzer]

Two really surprising things. Number one - 4.5 mi per kilowatt hour is really fantastic efficiency. Number two is a downer how do you have lane centering but no adaptive cruise control? That is very weird. And yeah ACC is pretty much deal breaker must have for me at this point. With Lane centering a close second. A lot of new cars have adaptive cruise control but only maybe "lane keeping assist" which is the rather annoying buzzing or rumbling in the steering wheel when you get close to the lane but no actual steering assist. Honestly not a plus I would rather turn that off completely.

[@theaverageev]

Yes the efficiency is great! The upper trims have ACC, for some reason they left it out on the base trim. My next car will have ACC!

[@TimothyAppel1]

Have you experienced the inverter coolant fill problem?

[@theaverageev]

At the end of its life. It was about to be recalled and I was going to mention it to them. Then a deer totaled it…

[@edisontrent5244]

The sportage I had did the same thing with the hatch grab handle. Don't know if the dealer fixed permanently as I got rid of it when it started consuming oil and did not feel like fighting to get a block replacement and did not trust dealership putting it back together.

[@TecnamTwin]

Just lease a Tesla. It's a FAR superior road tripper. That said, I'm here because I'm cheap and looking for that used Kona EV commuter. 😁 Currently rocking a Volt.

[@theaverageev]

Kona is a great commuter car!!!

[@aaronpasteris7816]

Have the same 21 kona Have made several 400+ mile one way trips averaging over 4.3 miles/kwh but i stick to the speed limit + 5. Charge speed is slow but not horrible if you use abetterrouteplanner to manage road trip charging. The kona is a great car for what it is - a minimalist EV commuter car, not a luxury road tripper.

[@theaverageev]

Love the Kona! I truly miss mine, dang deer.

[@jarrowmarrow]

I wouldn't give Elon a penny.

[@cmarshall4559]

The Kona is by far the best all round EV currently available.

[@theaverageev]

Don't know about the BEST, but I do love the Kona! Definitely one of the best commuter cars for the cost!!!!!!!

[@Youtubeuseritis]

In Eco mode - tire spinning may not happen?

[@theaverageev]

Definitely happens for me… I need to have a gentler accelerator foot. I’m working on it! Haha

[@Youtubeuseritis]

@theaverageev have u had to change the tires? If yes, then does using more grippier tire helps?

[@theaverageev]

@@KZbinuseritis I have replaced them once and are about to replace them again. I used a tire with more grip and it helped until they go worn in a bit. I have noticed no range loss with a grippier tire, but I also don’t do a lot of highway driving.

[@Youtubeuseritis]

@@theaverageev can you get 40k miles on a set of tires?

[@EVChargingSiteReviews]

@@KZbinuseritis possibly! Just have to watch acceleration. There is more torque than this car should have, so you have to be real gentle accelerating from a stop.

[@iangardner2311]

The new Kona does get 100 kw charging speed. Based on European prices. Expect up to $2000 price increase.

[@theaverageev]

Yes I watched Bjorn’s video!

[@Jeroen_Niet_Doen]

Don't worry, the adaptive cruisecontrol on the hyundai sucks anyways. Dont be comparing it to the id3...

[@theaverageev]

Hahaha. I have ID.4 and can confirm Travel Assist is awesome!!!

[@OurToob]

From where did you get that under boot organiser for keeping charger , please reply

[@theaverageev]

Think I replied to your email!

[@boke75]

I didn't know Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker) grew a beard and does car reviews on YT. Cool !

[@theaverageev]

Oh gee, thanks?

[@justinjones6810]

The chevy equinox I think is going to be more competitive than volvo because of the tax rebate their going to have to put the Hyundai kona in the 20000 range because it wont compete in the 30000 with the equinox with 150kw charging standard on the base model

[@theaverageev]

I agree for the most part. For me it will mostly come down to the Equinox average Charging speed. I haven’t seen any published info on equinox charging. I will also be considering the features/equipment and the prices. I know the base equinox doesn’t have everything I want, but the base Volvo may. Really need all of the specs and pricing for each to be released. I would be getting the tax credit through the lease loophole as well. I don’t mind leasing it and then buying it out if I want to keep it (which I doubt I will given the prospective advancements in EV tech!) Sorry for the long response but I want to thoroughly respond! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!!!

[@sprockkets]

I think the problem with GM is they can't get their battery production off the ground. And with them showcasing the Escalade ev, they are going to just keep the status quo with their EV offerings. I'm going to assume the GM stuff will have the slowest, most conservative charging possible. Their Hummer EV won't even charge full speed after like 20% SoC. Plus they seem to want to kill AA and Carplay, while keeping it for now with the Equinox. Looking industry wide, Tesla is putting pressure on everyone to go cheap, which is why the EX30 is going the minimalistic route. At least they put in normal air vents lol.

[@katiechess2808]

I'm seriously considering a certain used 2020 Kona Electric SEL, red, with only 20k miles for 22,500. It's been well cared for, garaged, all recalls dealt with..... Seems like a pretty darn good deal to me. I know you recommend an upgraded Trim, but I've never had a car newer than 2015, so am not used to the bell and whistles you mentioned you prefer. What do you think? Do you think a CarFAX will suffice or do I also need to take it to a dealer for assessment?

[@theaverageev]

CarFax should be good! It’s such low mileage, I would worry about it. It wouldn’t hurt to take it to a dealer to make sure. But EVs need such little maintenance, I wouldn’t say it’s as pressing as an ICE car.

[@Reddylion]

Nice

[@alexandra-q7u1m]

How much it cost per month to charge at home?

[@theaverageev]

Our rate is .13 a kWh and probably $35-50 a month?

[@alexandra-q7u1m]

@@theaverageev thanks for the reply. I’m considering an electric Kona. That’s not bad monthly cost, not much cheaper than gas tbh.

[@theaverageev]

​​⁠that was for me! At 12,000 miles a year. If you drive less it would be cheaper. Where I live it is generally 66% cheaper to charge at home compared to gas. This is always changing though based on gas prices! Charging in public is a different story!

[@TheRealJonsMind]

Looking to get a used 2020 or 2021 up here in Canada. Same trim as yours (well, they call it a Preferred up here). Only thing I don't like about that trim is the display size.. Curious if anyone has swapped in the one found on the limited/ultimate trim levels. Something I might consider doing.

[@theaverageev]

I haven’t heard about it, but if you do it please let me know! I’d love to hear about it!

[@flolou8496]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKulq5eMd7-tY5o SHOCKINGLY GOOD.... | 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric Review Forrest's Auto Reviews 2.53M subscribers _________________________________________________________________________________ ??? Does anyone know the exact trim level of this KONA in this review? That blind spot plex-glass pop up display type device at minute 10:15 is the coolest safety feature I've ever seen, but is that standard on the limited model, or only available on the ultimate trim ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKulq5eMd7-tY5o (it's shown only very briefly at minute 10:15)

[@theaverageev]

Just did a little digging I can’t find any literature about the 19 having the HUD, but the 2020 and 2021 do have the HUD on the Ultimate trim!

[@flolou8496]

@@theaverageev OK, so it would be your educated guess, there is no way the Limited Trim for 2019, would have this cool pop up safety display feature? (P.S. what does the H.U.D. abbreviation stand for?)

[@theaverageev]

Ok… so I quickly looked for you last night. I was able to look at another document and the Ultimate for 19 did have the the HUD (heads up display). Here is the link to the info! Hyundai is really good about publishing and maintaining everything about current and past models! www.hyundainews.com/en-us/models/hyundai-kona-2019-kona_electric/overview It is under the pricing tab! Hope this helps! Sorry I missed it the first time!

[@flolou8496]

I'm getting closer to figuring out the best value involving this HUD in the used market. I've since found out there is this Bluelink version, which I guess was it's own trim starting in model year 2000. This trim has the HUD, but if I'm correct in my memory even the 2000 model year in the SEL trim won't have it: see: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXq1gK1sbKinlbc I'm assuming this trim is also less expensive than the Limit trim with the leather interior and sunroof, which I'm not putting a high priority on myself personally, I am however being pushed into a higher price it seems for the 2020 model years to get this HUD, but at least I also get the 11KW level 2 faster charging speeds, which is a huge plus in my book.

[@MrDutchJefff]

Mine 2019 kona 64kwh have HUD

[@devinbecht9945]

Used EV6 RWD? Get the used tax credit and it charges super fast 🤷‍♂️

[@theaverageev]

About a $10k price difference used. Great car though. Totally agree on the charging.

[@jarrowmarrow]

Jeezus man, glue the dam handle in place and move on. Kinda whiney aren't we.