Hyundai Kona Electric 2020 - Long Term In Depth Review

[@yashargarrett1789]

I got this car recently and therefore watched a lot of reviews. This review is the best that describes the car as it really is. Thank you, and it is a shame that you don't create content anymore.

[@graeradt]

I also have a Kona Electric 64 which I also bought in September 2020. I feel that your review is very accurate and fair.

[@pedanticar4915]

Very happy you feel that way! Mission accomplished.

[@JohnBinay]

How do you like it? Have you try a Model 3? Would you pay $39k for a Model 3 or $29k for a Kona EV? That's my struggle right now.

[@graeradt]

@@JohnBinay I still like my Kona and have had no problems with it. I have not tried a Model 3. Personally, I cannot think of anything that the Model 3 would have over the Kona to justify the extra $10K. For me, the M3 would have to be absolutely amazing to make me feel the need to part with that extra cash. I have read reviews on the M3 and it seems fine but there are still a lot of reports of build quality issues. I am also not 100% sure on the idea of the single screen - I do like the HUD and buttons in the Kona, which I think I would miss. If I were to change my car in the near future, I would probably consider the Hyundai Ionic 5 or Kia EV6 before the Tesla M3.

[@alaznispireli7481]

hi 👋 Can you tell me how many kilometers on board has already and how about battery degradation??

[@0hypnotoad0]

The ground clearance of this is actually higher than most cars, although not necessarily up to the same level as other subcompact crossovers. It has 6.3 inches of ground clearance, and a very short wheelbase, so it has decent break-over and departure angles on rougher terrain. I've taken mine onto logging roads quite a lot without any issue, although with that said you shouldn't be going rock-crawling in this thing.

[@snowman4242424242]

I like your review! Good technical info, including from a personal angle, and fun humour and wit. Excellent. I hope to see more from you.

[@satyak1337]

Good review but background music is too loud.. tune down by 60/70%

[@Trikkie87]

Love this well balanced and very thorough and personal review. It made me realize i am going to buy the kona. Thank you :-).

[@mg8423]

Great presenting skills, voice and video...why did you stop making videos? You have all the qualities for becoming successful youtube channel!

[@ojtrumpet]

Good review! I have a similar KONA. Got it in September 2020 as you. In Norway a guy who was unhappy with the BlueLink, made his own app - it was much better. But Hyundai told him to remove it, or he would be sued. Bad handling from the company - why not work with the guy to make a better app? As you say the BlueLink is strange. It tell me that the "Start Air Condintion" did not work, but when I get out in the garage, the car is warm and ready to go. Yes, the sound system was a dissapointment (I also got the so called "premium" version of the KONA). But, for most of my experience, I am quite happy with the car. Have travelled long distance and there was still "juice" in the batteries.

[@Southernersontour]

I Just got one 2021 model dealer has been no help with the Blue link

[@markplain2555]

I just bought one !!! I had a LEAF before. This car is simply AMAZING!!! I love the design. Thank you very much Hyundai. . Mine has a range of 515kms!!! Mine does 0-100km/hr in 6 seconds but... honestly wheel spins too often. . My front license plate is connected to the tow-hitch (ie: it's off centre) and I like the look very much. I see the central LCD panel is very different from model to model, country to country. I have no NAV maps at all, but I have a series of buttons on the side of the screen. I'm okay with no NAV maps as I use my phone for this. Oh I have no Heads Up Display. . The only thing I'm not entirely 'ecstatic' about is the VESS (Virtual Engine Simulation Sound). Not my 'preferred sound' - I wish they would allow us options to change the sound. I have found that you can indeed disconnect the VESS (go totally silent) and the car is okay with it, but the law and insurance is not. . Oh and I much prefer the detailed front than the newer smooth front model.

[@Marginal391]

"The only thing I'm not entirely 'ecstatic' about is the VESS (Virtual Engine Simulation Sound). Not my 'preferred sound' - I wish they would allow us options to change the sound. I have found that you can indeed disconnect the VESS (go totally silent) and the car is okay with it, but the law and insurance is not." Well I own a Smart car and sometimes it is annoying waiting for people to move while they are walking in front of the car, not knowing there's a car needing to move ahead ... Thank you 🙂

[@oweckayx]

Music in background is annoying for me - too loud. Like 20% less would be amazing. Otherwise very detailed and well prepaired review. Thank you very much!

[@ArturFlies]

Aftermarket frunk is a must thing for Kona EV . You can move all the tire rapair kit, charging cable and other stuff out of the trunk making Kona much more practical car.

[@sorinmitrea5138]

Bravo baieti, material video foarte bun... comentarii pertinente si concrete, material filmat foarte dinamic, deci atractiv... Felicitari! Al mea Kona electric soseste in iulie... abia astept... la fel, 193cm inaltime :)

[@jarrowmarrow]

Great vid, very fair.I love this car. ICE cars are obsolete. Don't tell anyone. My ICE car has cobwebs on it now. I have the bigger battery version.The range issue has been front and center so thought I would i'd drop some real world data. I've been testing the milage performance. The Kona goes 139 miles on 58 percent of the battery but I drive from 50 to 80 miles an hour and gain 3000 ft in the process. Where I live the people drive 75 miles an hour any chance they get so to keep up, you end up driving very fast. The Kona does it happily but uses a bit more juice in the process.I could do the same trip with more like 50 percent of the battery if I keep the max speed more around 60 mph.

[@AmitKumar-u2i2f]

Still own it? Overall recommended? Any significant issues? Thanks.

[@ianjames3078]

Love your style! First video of yours I’ve seen, great balance of info, fact, humour, opinion and video. Appeals to my Brit sense of humour and hankering for info. Currently have an Ioniq 38 and wondering whether to go Kona 64 next or Id3, but for the latter I think I’d want the Pro 77kWh model which is £4000 more than the 64kWh Premium Kona in the UK. Ummm. Sub and 👍

[@pedanticar4915]

Thank you very much for your kind words, Ian! I shall endeavor to make more!

[@itgoesfast2722]

Great review. As I own a 2021 Kona EV ultimate I agree with your assessment…

[@kjbelcheruk1]

Just bought a 2021 premium model EV Kona after looking at a number of different EV cars, and would have gone for a Kia e-Niro 2 but due to the lack of basic add ons like a ( SatNav ) as well as the overall cost, and the unenthustastic salesman, Kia lost out. The Kia has more room in the rear but I do'nt often have back seat passengers. I did test the leg room out in the back and found it was ok, but I am only 5' 8". The Kona looks to be an excellent EV so far and my wife now wants to get out more - "we are retired"

[@vespaman101]

Kia lost as a brand but they're the same parent company anyway.

[@frankey10]

Professional review and great editing! A good watch!

[@Themakrala]

Thanks for your review ! Just ordered a Kona ☺️

[@zumezoom9593]

wow... i got my 2020 version 6 months ago and I'm close to 18k km already.

[@garyflatman3263]

your cat looks as happy as our 3 🙂

[@iali00]

This is a great review of the car.

[@Mububban23]

Do you still have this car? How is it going so far?

[@merliefer5223]

Am planning to buy electric car so I am considering this kona Hyundai.any feedback?

[@hugovgamboab]

I'm about to receive the 39 KW version of a 2021 Kona, a little more stylish version here in Costa Rica, still some hard plastic parts. They don't have the 64KW version and I honestly need to get my own car fast as I'm renting. I'm really hesitating now, since every time I see these videos, it looks more like an hatchback instead of a SUV, but I'm paying for that price. What are you thoughts on regards that? Thanks, nice video!

[@pedanticar4915]

Don’t beat yourself too much about it, especially if there’s no turning back. If you’ve never driven an electric car before, you might still find it mighty impressive. It still comes with most of the advantages of EVs like instant torque, low running costs and reliability. The biggest drawbacks will be the range and power but that shouldn’t be a big issue if the car is primarily used in the city and you have easily available charging points. Still a good EV, especially for the price.

[@ZekeMagnum]

every suv and crossover is a lifted hatcback imo...

[@Tahshitan]

Well done video. Highly appreciate nerdy approach!

[@snipermakedonski]

Any update on the Android auto experience? Has it improved?

[@merliefer5223]

Downside the charger in front .if there is collision and bump the corner where charger located that will be desaster

[@John-oo9xu]

Is er inmiddels een geheugen functie beschikbaar voor de stoelen?

[@mictache]

👏👏 👏 pentru video, edit și text!

[@tenhomas]

I brought my 2020 Kona EV in for a software update for recall 199, "reduced braking power". I dropped the car off 07/15/2021 at 9 a.m. in the morning. Over 30 hours later the car is still in the shop. Unfortunately, Hyundai didn't invest in over the air update technology, which means owners of Hyundai EVs have to schedule maintenance appointments for software updates. Then after dropping the car off they have to wait for a technician to get around to it. Keep in mind the service center is also working on ICE cars as well so it might take a day, two, or three to get your EV back. I totally regret buying this car. Don't make the same mistake. Look at the other competitors, Tesla, GM, Ford, and so on.

[@pedanticar4915]

Sounds like a bad dealership rather than car. I had to also take mine in for an ESP software update but it honestly took 30 minutes. The dealership’s competence is something that Hyundai needs to look into.

[@flolou8496]

??? OK so the major enchancements for the 2020 Kona Electrics over a 2019 model is the : 1) 11KW onboard charger capacity *confirmed 2) Smartphone/Bluelink phone integration with climate control (available in even the lowest SEL Plus trim) *confirmed 3) larger 10''' display size I don' think apply's to the SEL or Limit trims,

[@Batlafication]

Nice video, although you can easily fit in more memes.... MOAR MEMES!

[@talldave7799]

I agree with your assessment of the “strange” lights in the back above the bumper! They are damn ugly !

[@moe7198]

Im buying one to do uber eats deliver, would you recommend it? 64 w

[@Southernersontour]

Any help with the Blue link 2021 model please

[@Southernersontour]

The new 2021 boot does not shut too well you have to give a hard push otherwise it will show up on the dashboard say boot not fully shut really annoying

[@cherylstevenson6417]

I purchased the same Kona Ultimate you have (only in the US)-same color too. With 3000 miles on it, I now have 319 miles on a full charge. For the first 300 miles I had the stated 258 miles. Do you have any idea why I have the extra mileage estimate? I have cahrged it at least ten times and the 319 miles always shows up. I have driven it this past week on a 500 mile trip, and the estimate-or stated mileage-is what my vehicle got. At times I drove 70mph, so my speed doesn’t seem to effect my mileage negatively. Just wondering....can’t find any literature covering that subject.

[@pedanticar4915]

Strange one. Usually, the faster you go, the more consumption you should have. This doesn't only apply to EVs but all cars. It's a direct correlation between wind resistance and your current speed so the only explanation I have, as strange as it sounds, is that you either have constant wind from the back, going downhill or a combination of both. This almost never happens constantly in real life as wind direction and speed change constantly and you first have to go uphill to then go downhill. This is why I find it strange that you have the same range regardless of your speed. Sounds like a paradox. On the other hand, the estimated range shown (GOM - Guess-O-Meter) is based on recent driving style, exterior temperature, battery temperature and capacity and what heating elements you have on. In reality your actual range is also influenced by some other factors which the car cannot account for like the previously mentioned ones and also if it's raining or not, what kind of tires you have fitted, etc.

[@cherylstevenson6417]

@@pedanticar4915 Thanks for your input. The new (319 ) estimated mileage range must be based on my driving style after the first 3000 miles driven. I wonder if there are certain mileage increments where a software algorithym recalculates estimated mileage. Perhaps I should reread the vehicle manual to see if this issue is addressed. I am 70 years old, and drove two 8 passenger Dodge Ram vans for a total of twenty years...and surprisingly dont find the Kona’s small size an issue. Happy motoring.

[@n3tfury]

No need for music when you're talking. Kill that next time. Otherwise good review.

[@tedgrier6249]

Does Kona electric have volume adjustment for blind spot warning? Regular Kona electric is terribly weak sound.

[@badfaceday7509]

Mine has. But it is not seperate* and placed a strange place in the menu system. *=You set all warning sounds as one…

[@skepticalmechanic]

Let’s talk about deprecating… they drop like a rock in value

[@copaloadofthis]

Details please ?

[@ZekeMagnum]

how so?

[@skepticalmechanic]

After two years they sell for around $26,000 and new they are $43,000 for a limited… lots of Depreciation!

[@emil10139]

Because the technology is advancing and then everyone wants a new car with the new technology, the new battery, etc. Well, except for Tesla.

[@adamhaze8477]

Sadly, in a weird way, this is no longer true or certainly not true in UK, chip shortage and I guess war in Europe has certainly affected things here. Three year old Kona are selling for 30-31k gbp and I believe (sorry not that pedantic to look it up) they sold for 37k or so (before Government grant of 5k). So somewhere between 5 and 20 odd percent depreciation. I traded my Nissan Leaf in to buy a Kona and got back almost all of the Nissan original cost as trade-in. Strange times.

[@JoClaro]

...well done, go on my Kona-friend .. . :)

[@S.M.214]

Is your battery subject to recall?

[@pedanticar4915]

Not as of yet. My car was built in mid-2020 in Czechia so it might not be subjected to these issues. If it does need to be recalled, I'll revert.

[@paulmellish9785]

Only cars made in South Korea are effected and only the ones built up to March 2020

[@alex77xl]

Am I missed about the range ?

[@pedanticar4915]

The range is about 500 km in ideal conditions but in the Winter time you can expect at most 400 km with a full battery, depending on many factors.

[@madhavnepal]

Background music too annoying

[@arveduilastking546]

It´s a CUV

[@teflonpan115]

I don't even know what strange means at this point. So many new cars on the road, but they all look the same ...sort of.

[@joeaverager]

Every generation of cars is like that. Early 50s, late 50s, 1930s, 1970s, etc

[@danielroden9424]

the initial costs are low. if that battery dies just out of warranty its 10-15,000 dollars to replace it. at least.

[@PeterJames143]

So it's not an ugly duckling in your eyes, but not a pretty one either, maybe the kind of duckling you would take home late at night when a bar closes. 4:00

[@reza7137]

Kijk de nam kona 😂😂😂😂😂