Used Hyundai Kona Electric Buying Guide: an electric car bargain? | Electrifying

[@danielhockin6705]

Had mine for nearly 2yrs. Love it. Super efficient. Adelaide - Melbourne and back in 2 days no issues. Cheap to run and super reliable. Only thing showing it’s age with slightly slower charging that new EVs. Recommended

[@gerrymac5865]

I’ve owned a 2020 64kw primer se with all the tech brilliantly efficient 300 miles all day long. The 77kw limit charging is not a problem as most chargers I have come across are only 50kw maximum , I agree maybe not as big inside for a large family but I have driven the Kona from Birmingham to Isle of Wight with four adults and a full boot never even a requirement to stop for a charge such a great car well ahead for it’s time and still better than what’s on the current market.

[@ricco123tube]

I have a Kona 64Kwh and it is very good, so good that I'll hand it over to my better half when I purchase a new EV next year.

[@iantaylor1172]

I'm getting a used Kona tommorow. Good to hear people are liking them

[@martinwray7001]

​@@iantaylor1172how are you enjoying it? Just cracked 90k miles in our '19 premium. Never want it to end.

[@iantaylor1172]

@@martinwray7001 really liking it. The rides a bit more bumpy than the ioniq and energy consumption isnt quite as good but apart from that it's great.

[@martinwray7001]

@@iantaylor1172 it's definitely a bit of a shocker on the level crossings. I've adjusted my driving due to passenger complaints.

[@YDVN]

@@iantaylor1172 Hi ! how about now ? a year later

"...this ain't a spaceship." - this exactly has sold the car to me. It looks way better in life, especially in more exciting colours. I have a facelift 64 Kona in Dark Knight (dark grey), with style specs (ultimate in UK I think, pretty much all extras). I love this car and not looking into changing in foreseeable future, especially as all the "spaceships" keep coming instead of "cars". This one is a good old fashioned hot hatch with all modern extras if you know what I mean. ;)

[@KiwiMechEng]

There are a lot on the market now here in NZ as well because they were popular fleet cars. And the right one could be a bargain. The battery is the last thing to worry about. Most important is the potential risk of a gear reducer or motor noise ('wheel of fortune'), a very expensive repair out of warranty and the prior item being one that Hyundai doesn't seem to have addressed. The second caution is that the blue coolant models (about 2020 up) have a shorter maintenance interval and that's an expensive service. The best choice might be an early 2019 with green or pink coolant, a replaced battery and a quiet powertrain. If the battery's silver edges are visible hanging down when viewing the car far back from the sides then the battery has been replaced.

[@samsonermias6303]

thank you I learned buying brand new car is not worthy im glad I come across this video. I have now my used Kona EV premium se, 64kwh 2020 45000 miles for £17k brand new cost £38k.

[@LambCov3r]

Are you happy with it? Any battery degradation that you've notes so far?

[@gregcooper2719]

I had use of a 2021 Kona Electric for a month last year when I swapped company cars with a colleague so he and his family could holiday in the south of France. I fell in love. The boot and rear seats were too small for my family, but the rest of the car was just incredible. I am due to order an EV in September and unfortunately I think I’m going to be too early for the new Kona, which I have drooled over in a showroom. New Kona boot is a great size and rear passenger space is great. I know the Niro is the same platform but it just doesn’t excite me as much as the Kona. If I can stretch to an Ioniq 5 I will go for that, or see if I can extend my current company car lease and order the new Kona…

[@Rianewjob01]

I have a 2022 Kona Premium 64 KwH. Charged it yesterday and got a claimed range of 595 km. In winter that can get as low as 450 km. Very reliable car. Plenty of buttons and knobs, so not 'space age', but that's a selling point in my view.

[@therealcdnuser]

We have a Kona 64kwh and it performs very well and we often get more than the rated 415 km range.

[@stuartlowe3196]

There was an important second recall for early cars. The battery replacement recall a fantastic generous offer from Hyundai after 12 or 13 battery fires world wide when rapid charging. We own a 2018 bought at 3years old with 45k miles. The battery was replaced and now at 5 years old & 53k miles we have a fantastic car that will go for years. Thank you Hyundai

[@mumbles87]

My main car is a Kia niro EV 4 (73 plate) but I just this week picked up a second hand Kona for the wife. 70 plate. 45k miles. Premium spec. 15k I was happy with that

[@martinwray7001]

Im pretty sure that all the Konas are capable of up to 77kW charging on DC. They did upgrade the onboard charger from 7kW to 11kW on 3 phase though. Not sure exactly when. Plus, all the 18 and 19 cars benefit from a heat pump. Check for that, if the lack of it might bother you.

[@ronexus]

My e-Niro yesterday showed 81kW on a 150kW Tesla Supercharger for quite some time. It can not be 4kW for cooling?! Forgot to check in the Energy menu…

[@BrackenDog10]

Before buying, check whether the battery is subject to recall, and if so, whether it has been replaced. Some original LG Chem batteries were faulty.

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

"said to be" faulty. The statistical rate was barely into the significant range, and most of those failures/fires were traceable to bad and aggressive charging patterns by the users.

[@Peppermint1]

Mine was outside the recall range (late 2001) still had to be replaced at only 15,000 miles

[@leesmart1971]

I've had my 2019 Kona Premium SE from new and the only warranty fixes were the washer jets!! Battery management software was updated in 2020 after stories of Kona battery fires surfaced. My range is probably down 6-8% after 49,000 miles which were mostly powered from my home 7kW wallbox. I don't tend to rapid charge over 80% although it can indeed charge at 77kW and has a decent charge curve. Last week, we did 900 miles over 6 days and it was very comfortable, especially on motorways with the adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist functions. I have removed the fake engine cover from under the bonnet and fitted a plastic storage box to act as a frunk (or froot) for the charge cable plus I added gas struts to the bonnet for added convenience. The only negative over 4 years is the lack of room in the back when carrying passengers

[@ALYDAVIDSON1]

Hi I am thinking of buying a used 1, do you know if they come with a heat pump as standard on all models?

[@LittleBoobsLover]

6-8% degradation in only 49k miles and mostly charging at home? This is quite significant I think?

[@Rexbilly9819]

Just bought a 64KWh premium se 2019 two tone. Collect on Friday from Hyundai main dealer. Chose over a used Tesla model 3 long range and saved £10K. Could also have a used Seat Mii electric with the savings over the Tesla.

[@richardhaywoodh]

We have a 2021 Facelift 39kWh Premium KONA, Premium is at least as high spec as pre facelift 'Premium SE' so we have Heated front seats, heated Steering Wheel, LED Headlughts & rear lights, wireless phone charging, app to pre heat, pre cool, set charging limits etc. Extremely efficient get more than 210 miles on a charge. Boot is great with a custom flat floor giving 80 litres more space than factory high level so on a par with e-Niro boot at its standard setting. Oh and we will not be changing it as it does everything we need

[@gavkenny]

Had my Kona for a year now and love it. Would recommend as a good electric car

[@judebrown4103]

Had one as a courtesy car while our Ioniq 38 kWh was having it's warranty bits done along with the big service. Couldn't get my walking aid in the boot without putting down the single rear seat, then only one bag for life fit in with it so I couldn't do a week's shop. It's a no from me, I can get my walker and five bags in the boot of the Ioniq, it's a TARDIS, and still room for the lurcher on the back seat! Great review Nikki, reckon your little one should be arriving soon if they're not here already. Hope you have a safe delivery and congratulations to you and yours.👍🤗

[@Pottery4Life]

@Electrifying - When shopping for a used car, how does one tell or find out how the previous owner(s) treated the battery? Did they properly charge the battery pack according to the manufacturer's directions? Did they discharge the battery pack within prescribed limits? I am always concerned (not when looking at a car like the Kona) that perhaps the pervious owner was fond of showing all their friends just how quick electric cars are. Are there unbiased, third party diagnostics systems for battery packs to let the prospective buyer understand the health of a car's battery pack? Thank you.

[@nesvarbu6964]

2019 64kw very happy of 2y. Owned. And will keep another 3-4 y. for sure!

[@craigbrown5667]

Just bought a 2021 64kWh Kona. Great car with great range. You forgot to mention the recall for a coolant change. Hyundai are using a new coolant as the old one was crystallising a little.

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

Ours has about 6 recall stickers, including one for a new battery.

[@AlainODea]

I have a 2022 Kona Electric Ultimate (bought second hand, 6,000kms on it) and a 2023 Kona Electric Ultimate (bought brand new). Almost identical. Not sure how they compare to UK models, but 64kWh pack and 417km range noted. I hope these keep their value as I'd like to defray some of the cost of financing the one we bought new (which we bought first). Alternative is driving them until they fail, which seems like it might be a very long time by some estimates.

[@riccardomarinoni6733]

I have a 2020 kona 64 kwh is amazing, very efficient same consumption with my dacia spring, amazing range and very small battery degradation. I had a problem with the gear noise but hyundai change under warranty

[@Nam3Iess]

We have the Niro EV from 2020 and still love it. This is basically the same car in a different outfit and the car is great :) The worst part of these are the slow charging speed of 77kw when You do long trips and the satnav is a piece of junk.

[@TheDraakheated]

Pluses: the motor is powerful torquy and silent the seats are good, the price is good and its decently sized. Minuses: cheap materials all around the interior. mine lost its hatchback inside handle that felt and the cubby hole opening has been really rough since we got it new . the android auto usb port doesnt work anymore. 65000kms in 2.5 years, I never matched the expected range, usually 250kms in winter and 380 km in the summer. 2021 prefered in Canada.

[@43scooter]

Wait. Wait. Wait. How about battery degredation? I dont know how bad this hits different used batteries, but I think this should be added to any video of an older EV. Cheers :)

[@wendyhopkins2902]

I have the mild hybrid Kona I love it drives amazing around town , and the boot isn't an issue for me. I will be disappointed when I change cars next month

[@yingmustang67]

Good review! I rather have the e= Niro with the 64 kwh and Executive line. Top model in the Netherlands. I feel that the price are dropping because of the New Niro EV. More space and 7 year of warranty, thats a better deal for me. Of course the new Hyundai Kona is ❤❤❤!

[@davidtolson7680]

The best thing about the Kona EV is the amazing efficiency.

[@amigang]

Notice on auto trader a load of them, seems to be the cheapest 250+ range plus ev on the second hand market (roughly what I always feel to be the best range as in honesty I only like need likly 200miles as after that you need a break, but for battery degradation and winter weather I aim to try and get one rated at around 250+ as easily in them conditions it can lose 50+ mile range) It great too see, sorry to all the early adopters who I think will now see a bit of a bigger depreciation on evs as the market gets more competitive.

[@sbomorse]

I have a 2021 Kona Ultimate and it's absolutely superb. Very fast, very efficient and great tech. Shame the new one is exorbitantly priced. I won't be getting the new one out of principle - many thousands more than my top spec Kona and even the top spec Ultimate doesn't get all the kit unless you spend thousands onoption packs! I'm most likely going for the new Smart #1 instead.

[@gerrymac5865]

Completely agree I own a 64kw primer se with all the tech including heat pump, why would I change for the new model not enough upgrades for me the buy the new one.

[@tomsdaddy]

Hi Gerry, is it only the top-spec ones that come with heat-pump heating then ? And do they have a heated Battery ? Thanks ! @@gerrymac5865

[@sbomorse]

What's the best mileage you've had from yours? My best was 314 miles to a full charge but I've also had just over 300 miles several times as well.

[@gerrymac5865]

I have never taken my Kona to zero battery but managed 305 miles with 5 percent left in the battery after a long drive back from Cornwall.

[@DavidBurns174]

Happy to see reviews like this, because of retirement I will be replacing my company ID.3 and with a budget of £25000, this review opened my eyes to 2nd hand prices of this car. Now I would like you to do a reviews asking the question, 2nd hand EV, like the Kona or new EV like the MG4.

[@The-Salty-Bager]

If you have a had a ID3 don’t get a Kona the front grip is dreadful and it’s so dated inside , it feels so much older car than an id3. At £25k I’d probably look at the MG4 it drives so much better than the Kona

[@AxelKnox]

I'm deciding to get the 20221 or the 2019 one but I'm just going to do the 2019 one and work my way up 😊

[@gohumberto]

Used Model 3 with the LFP batteries are starting to look very good value now. LFP means you can wake up to 100% charge every morning.

[@TeaBreak.]

If buying a used Kona there is only one worth getting. 20 Reg, Premium SE. Maximum spec with the wide-screen display and the Vess button to turn off the virtual sound. 70 Reg onwards the Vess button and other options started disappearing.

[@Penmaenmawr101]

Nothing about battery capacity remaining after a few years?

[@grahamsmith6443]

We are currently looking to trade to a Nero as we feel the inside space just isn't quite big enough for us as we do lots of staycations with our dog

[@TeaBreak.]

Anyone complaining about size. I got 3 people and 3 full size mountain bikes inside! Yes bikes had to have both wheels removed but did it. 😂

[@getmoreforyourcar-bobjones]

As you are the most knowledgeable channel on KZbin I thought I'd ask you a question about this Kona Electric you're reviewing here... Can you tell me if I put a front splitter on my Kona Electric Ultimate will it reduce the range. Same question regarding side steps, side skirts or even a rear spoiler or diffuser? I really hope you can answer these questions. Thx in anticipation 👍

[@megapangolin1093]

Brilliant idea to put the charge point on the front, it is one of the least likely places to be damaged in case of an accident, isn't it? Someone is going to make lots of money on repairs. Brilliant. Good video. We need more discussions on buying second hand with all the problems/benefits examined. That should give you a lot of new subscribers.

[@andytaylor6893]

Once you’ve used a few awkward public chargers with a rear mounted port, you’ll realise that the front is the best place for it. Nissan got it right with the Leaf.

[@kenzohkw]

If you have a front end smash I think the charger port would be the least of your issues lol but I bet that charging port comes with a cable that bolts on somewhere in the engine/motor bay and would be cheap to replace. The Koreans aren't stupid.

[@megapangolin1093]

They certainly aren't.@@kenzohkw

[@djtaylorutube]

Freezing up in bad weather is another potential issue. Bjorn Nyland on his 1000km challenge demonstrated this.

[@spiritualdeath101]

Nearly all evs are luxury electronic toys - except for this one and the i3. Good review. Thanks. [The new Smart #1, when it comes onto the used market, will also be worth a look]

[@decimal1815]

The Kona with over 100k miles looks like ex-taxi. I'm suspicions of the adverts that don't show any indication of range, or show a battery with ZERO charge!!

[@wilkoone9155]

I tried one in my nearest Hyundai shop but you couldn't swing a cat in the back seat or the boot so I purchased a #RenaultZoe instead. Never regretted that decision so I bought a 2nd one since!

[@Brian-om2hh]

How on earth do you swing a cat in the back seat while driving?

[@wilkoone9155]

@@Brian-om2hh An old Irish expression which applies to cramped spaces!

[@neoanderson7]

As an enthusiast, I wasn’t going to move into an electric vehicle unless it was rwd or awd with its architecture rwd. As you can see, that limits you to basically 1 brand. Let me tell you, I’m super happy I waited. Nothing against the Kona, but when you have a dedicated supercharger system at your disposal, there really isn’t a choice. I think later on when Tesla does open it up for other manufacturers, then you can look elsewhere. However, with the massive jump it has on all the other manufacturers, do yourself a favor and wait till you can get a Tesla. 16000-17000 pounds equivalent to my currency is about 30g’s. You can definitely find teslas for that amount. 👍🏻

[@christinerobottom9444]

At 50 group insurance really?

[@iantaylor1172]

Im getting one tommorow. Yay

[@xchopp]

The suspension is hard???? Not on my 2022 Kona SE. It's like riding on a cloud -- super comfortable. Not sure why you got this wrong. The steering otoh is quite stiff, if that's important to you. It's great on the open road. It's a range monster (well over 4 mi/kWh at highway speeds).

[@garryhendy5588]

Great pice. More like this please. Perhaps a used ev £20k test.. have a fab weekend 👍

[@Peppermint1]

2019-2020 severe premature bearing wear inside the motor and transfer case - very expensive. Li-Ion battery defects on models 2019-2021 and perhaps even later on - battery needs replaced, long wait list due to shortage.

[@peterbrandt5320]

I drive a 2020 corsa electric and i really am considering a swap for a used kona..

[@rebeccaedwards8335]

I’m in the same position as you. We had a 2020 electric corsa from new, it’s done 67000 miles, however really struggles with my partners commute of round trip of 85miles (mostly motorway) in the winter, I personally wouldn’t choose an EV without a heat pump/ battery heater now

[@Reddylion]

Is she pregnant ! Have a safe delivery whenever that is.

[@Lewis_Standing]

Must have been recorded a little while ago, in the podcast Ginny said baby has arrived or that's she's on mat leave in any case

[@vhol93]

I love the Kona! Awesome car

[@interabang]

Must admit its a nice looking car but the niro offers a 7 warranty. I think that will be the key point for me.

[@WestCoastChicano]

Another gr8 review, Nicki! 🚙🔌 ❤🌹

[@canadiancryptokook909]

Don't think I'd buy a 5 year old EV since the main battery will cost you a lot to replace. Lithium batteries will degrade whether you use them or not.

[@brendanwalsh8132]

Battery warranty 8 years, my 4 year old Kona still has 100% battery health as it starts with a buffer so no range change yet, should last 20 years

[@alaznispireli7481]

@@brendanwalsh8132 it’s impossible, battery degrades between charge and time to time, it’s interesting how many % degrade 100k miles and then 150k miles and so on..

[@shaywhelan1]

I am going to the south of France next week, and to hire an electric car to try one for 10 days. I can get a Hyundai Kona (I assume this model), or VW ID 3 for around the same price. Any suggestions as to what would be better?

[@Blasters20]

Could you do a video on used Tesla model S?

[@medman36]

Why advise a low mileage kona? We have seen with many EVs that they can easily outlast ice cars in terms of mileage. More relevant and different to ice is battery health. I would be I terested more in that than mileage. I do get a sense we think too much in value comparatively to ice vehicles. I think other metrics are likely more valuable with electric vehicles. One could also argue that evs with low mileage years later have likely not been used much and stayed at 100% too long, which can also affect battery health and mileage. Curious ro what people think of the low mileage advice of older EVs in 2024.

[@marvinsamuels1237]

I have an Ioniq 38kWh, but really do wish they’d found a way to fit the 64kWh battery in it. The range from the more aerodynamic Ioniq would have seen it top 300 miles from a full charge with trying. The Kona is good little car, but sadly it’s just another high seating position, faux SUV and that’s not not for me.

[@theairstig9164]

They did. It’s called an Ioniq 6. Very few technical resources will look at putting new batteries in a first generation Ioniq. The main reason is that the rest of the world moved on. If the car is worth $20k with a dead battery, it won’t be worth $28k with a new battery. It will be worth $20k. Same comment for the Leaf AZE0 40Kwh

[@marvinsamuels1237]

@@theairstig9164 they didn’t; the Ioniq 6 sits on a new, completely different, 800v as opposed to a 400v platform. It’s a lot bigger and comes in at a much higher price point to boot. It’s clear Hyundai had moved on from the original platform as it was shared with HEV and PHEV versions. I was just saying it was a shame that when the 2nd gen Ioniq was still new that they never decided to use the larger battery as they did in the Kona and Kia Niro.

[@Lewis_Standing]

Sadly this is very true, my 3 year old 26k miles, perfect battery SOH Kona is being offered prices 2k under the balloon payment

[@MrKlawUK]

look on the upside - you’ve had slightly lower monthlies as they’ve assumed a higher balloon. If you want to keep the car offer less than market rate or walk away - they may take it to avoid going through auction?

[@Lewis_Standing]

​@@MrKlawUKthat's a good bit of advice. Instead of buying them out for the balloon offer halfway between it and the market price 👍

[@MrKlawUK]

@@Lewis_Standing not even that. If balloon is £12k and market is 10k - offer them 9 :) they’ll get rid via auction and the new seller has to make profit so auction price will be well below market

[@btnbiker]

This is why I lease, no balloon payment

[@Lewis_Standing]

@@btnbiker you can always just handback just like a lease 🤷 , or sell privately and make money if market going well

[@toyotaprius79]

Hyundai should not have killed off the original Ioniq for this Crossover

[@highland-oldgit]

Is there any way to check the battery State Of Health ?

[@the_worrier598]

No

[@medman36]

Most insightful is to an actual range test and calculate the capacity to the advertised capacity (64 kwh). There are battery health tools increasingly used in garages today.

[@MrGMawson2438]

This Is A £4,400 Electric Car! - What's The Battery Like & What State Is It In? Electric Vehicle Man 73.7K subscribers

[@btnbiker]

They are brilliant

[@Reddylion]

Kona ev, used or new. 👍

[@davelocktalk]

45 minutes is a tasty lunch after a long drive

[@tophat593]

Remember people, buy three truffle marmites today and get your first three at no extra cost.

[@markrozee]

You NEED a 45 minute break after driving 300 miles😊

[@Yanquetino]

Ah, Nikki… yes, "child free" is a thing of the past. You might need a third-row EV before long…!?! It is good to see more EVs in the used market, for lower-income classes also need to help eliminate tail pipes if we're going to get a handle on this climate crisis.

[@Defiantsynthetics]

I have a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and just drove a 330 mile trip one way from Illinois to Iowa , not a single charging station along the way, no charging stations at rest areas, or the parking garage , not even at the mall we visited . If I had a full electric vehicle I would have been screwed.

[@tomsdaddy]

Thanks, I will remember that the next time I drive to Leeds. Bot.

[@robsmall6466]

​@@tomsdaddyA bot because you don't agree with them. Ok.....

[@tomsdaddy]

It's a Bot because it's making a completely irrelevant point about the Public charging Network 5,000 Miles away, to try to talk down EV's ... Or hadn't you noticed ? And if you hadn't noticed, then why not ? Are you a bot, too ? @@robsmall6466

[@Mr-eGolf]

🎉🎉🎉

[@Elaba_]

This one didn’t caught fire?

[@The-Salty-Bager]

I tried the Kona EV what a dreadful car, looking dated, interior with so much silver plastic that makes the dash look out of 90’s hard ride, poor front end traction and grip, cramped rear seats and plagued with 12v battery issues

[@seanpeacock5595]

As long as you don’t have to spend $60,000 to replace the battery 🙄

[@melvinx01]

8 year warranty, nice try.

[@specialkcitizen6263]

I'd rather drive a tin of beans

[@kenzohkw]

Its pronounced 'hoon-day', not hy-un-dai 🙈🙈