Many Improvements, But Too Expensive? (Hyundai Kona Electric 2024 Review)

Detailed review and test of the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV, including price, features, range, handling, performance and more.
The second-generation Hyundai Kona has landed in Australia and today we are reviewing the flagship fully-electric version. There are some cheaper grades now, but going for a top-spec Kona EV puts this small SUV into Tesla Model Y territory. Is that too expensive given the size and specifications on offer?
We have already reviewed the Kona with other engines:
2024 Kona 1.6T AWD review: • The Best New Kona Hasn...
2024 Kona hybrid review: • Is this the best new h...
Rivals to the Kona EV include the BYD Atto 3, Volvo XC40, Kia Niro, Cupra Born and of course the Model Y (though the Tesla is larger).
Time codes:
0:00 - Intro
2:44 - Pricing and specs
3:03 - Styling
4:02 - Premium trim
4:28 - Safety
4:58 - Boot space
5:38 - Spare wheel and tyre
5:55 - Interior
8:40 - Back seats
9:59 - Driving dynamics
16:15 - Safety technology
18:11 - Servicing
19:04 - Warranty
19:17 - Verdict
Chasing Cars is Australia's most independent source of new car reviews. Subscribe for more.

[@jwazftw4200]

Good review and presentation, Olek.

[@orza1]

Great review Olek, smashed it! I think the middle of the range is the sweet spot, $10k is a big jump for the Premium

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Thanks heaps for your time and informed video

[@TassieEV]

Good review. Learned a few things and will be getting the premium trim level as it has the features I want and I fit in it unlike the Ioniq 5.

[@JayG0o]

whats the reason of having rear indicators down low on the bumper for most Hyundai, Kia cars

[@irenecheca6575]

Why a spare tire only in Australia??

[@ConstantinBanciu]

Does anyone ordered the new long range Kona recently? Is the 218hp electric motor with 65,4 kWh battery still available? I ordered a new Kona in Romania and only the 204hp and 64,8kwh configuration is available.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

We literally just got back from Hyundai. We were looking at the premium version demo with under 50km on her but $73000. (white paint & black leather). We are extremely tempted but it's our first electric car driven & I'd like to test others but I really liked the Kona EV

[@tuppawareAU]

Still a little expensive compared to other EV's in the market around the similar features?

[@hadtobe4502]

Hyundai are going off the rails with their designs. What's with the headlights and taillights housed on the wheel wells.

[@johnlambert1744]

Yeah it's ugly hey! Looks like they are big indicators lol

[@youipost]

A bumper replacement would now include the headlight assembly replacement, stupid design.

[@romanjamm]

How does this drive compared to the Niro EV? Niro seems to have a larger wheelbase

[@BenDiscoe]

I own a Kona EV and test drove the Niro EV. In my opinion, they drive extremely similar in their 2024 models. In fact they are so similar overall that I only chose the Hyundai over the Kia based on a slightly better warranty and friendlier car dealer near me :)

[@lordfluxington]

Kona is $59k-$75k drive away! That's way too expensive! Drive away prices for BYD Atto 3 starting from $52k, and MG4 starting from $44k. The Kona is nice, but the MG 4 looks great and its base model is $15k cheaper with 5 star ANCAP! I guess sales will determine for sure. But it seems like Hyundai have missed the boat on having a great sub-$50k car.

[@purplehazeffc]

You could say the same about the Chinese made dual cab utes. But then you look at the resale values. The extra you pay new, you make up when the time comes to trade in.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

Thanks heaps for letting us know about the others. We literally, just looked at a 24 EV Kona $73598 Demo 50km on it. I thought it's a tad expensive but unsure being the first EV driven. (white paint & black leather interior Hyundai Melton). Which car would you recommend in the same price range. Cheers and have a good one

[@BenDiscoe]

I love my new Kona EV (beautiful, well built, nice drive) but you are correct that Hyundai is struggling to price them competitively. In fact i only bought my Kona (mid-trim) when they offered a big discount, from us$40k down to us$33k. Glad they did, glad i have this wonderful car.

[@clipseo]

They are going for 26500 now new, price seems good finally

[@Dan4096]

Do you know why it doesn't get a 5 star safety rating?

[@contraplano3157]

Almost got 3

[@NotPsyched]

hey brains trust - should i get this car or a byd atto 3

[@waynehobbs5175]

Atto 3. LFP Blade battery can be charged to 100% every time and is the safest technology and car (5 star ANCAP not 4 like Kona). Opening sunroof standard, Better looking and bright modern interior. Big rotatable centrescreen. Drive both and you will buy the extended range Atto 3 guaranteed. BYD builds the whole car except for the tyres and glass. Hyundai outsources most components. Hyundai has one advantage in that it has a spacesaver included but you can buy an aftermarket one for Atto 3 for $900 including Jack etc and boot then becomes same size as Kona (it is bigger without the spare).

[@jixal]

@@waynehobbs5175 Only trouble is Atto3 looks horrendous inside

[@simonwile5110]

Great part of Canberra to punt around. The safety bongs are a serious turn off. Going to test drive it anyway. I’m not sure what the EV servicing actually does and itd be good to have the explained. Pricing is too high to be competitive anyway. Get a Y or an Atto either side for a better vehicle.

[@paranormalchef5211]

Not to keen the looks. The rear tail lights look misplaced on the design

[@islandboiitsi]

LFP or NMC lithium batteries?

[@ConstantinBanciu]

NMC

[@robertsfamily4]

Sounds good and only a small step in price above the cheap chinese cars but with better features and a spare wheel (why do so few companies include them now with the roads and distances we have in Australia). Only thing I find disappointing is the charging is not quicker (noting Hyundai's other EVs) and the premium range being so much lower than the standard model with the bigger battery.

[@gregj7916]

The flap covering the recharge port looks hideous. Is this the best designers can do? Until batteries half in price I’m not interested. Motormouth in Canada have a few good videos on the price of Hyundai batteries.

[@TassieEV]

Looks are subjective each to their own some will love it you don't that's fine. The batteries talked by Motormouth was for the Ioniq 5 not Kona and unless you plan on driving over every piece of road debris that you can the battery will be fine barely anyone has had to replace it of all the models sold to date.

[@jamesgeorgevellavella1961]

With a 5yr warranty, it's not something I'm worried about being honest

[@DMT267]

Arrrh, the charge port, seriously!!!!

[@waynehobbs5175]

Disappointing because it doesn't have LFP battery technology. Problem is you can't charge it to 100% so the range is really 80%. $3000 dearer than the slightly larger LFP BYD Atto 3 extended range which has an opening sunroof, sun blind etc. The side profile is a dog's breakfast. Finally . . . 4 star safety in Kona, 5 star in Atto 3. No brainer.

[@autotorque-lk7pe]

ANCAPs ridiculous system takes another victim🙄. Atto 3 was tested under the less strict 2022 protocol. If it were to be tested in 2023, it would most likely score a 3 or 4 Star rating also.

[@Clove_Parma]

@@foppo101most of those are facts though…

[@jwazftw4200]

That 4 star rating is a real disappointment, including the 4 star occupant protection

[@davidtaylor3]

@@jwazftw4200nope, it scored 5 stars for occupant protection. The threshold for 5 stars is 80% or above in those categories.

[@StevenG89]

Agreed. Even worse if you compare the more similar Kona Premium which is $68k.

[@karen4stars]

Thank you for saying what you don't get if you don't get the highest trim. Many differences in U.S version. Big differences depending on what country you are in. Disappointed sel electric in U.S. no ventilated seats, sunroof or v2l just to name a few.

[@ironlungthe3rd]

Test drove every variant of this, the drive is surprisingly jittery, was not impressed at all at the lack of smoothness, I'd rate 7/10

[@emangiza]

Wow!! I just bought one, I work on car shipping ships, and I get to drive most if not all the new cars that are delivered. In terms of smoothness, it is one of the best, and with iPadel is super!

[@purplehazeffc]

Interesting thought for the day. Why are all these "Battery" powered cars called Electric Vehicles?? When powered by batteries? Is anyone carrying around an electric iPhone or Samsung mobil phone? How about the electric portable torch? Are all the cordless powered tools in me garage really electric powered?? I'm glad my electric powered earbuds work so I can move around easy. And the great invention of the electric remote control for my TV, so we don't have to get up to change the channel or volume.

[@Strand0410]

Because even ICE and Hybrids cars have batteries too, and it'll result in ambiguity and confusion. 'Electric' refers to the engine's primary energy source.

[@purplehazeffc]

@@Strand0410 It still doesn't count for every other battery powered device we own. They are still known as "Battery powered" and not Electric. So should they be BV & not EV?? Then technically if referring it to the "Primary energy source" Then "Electric" is still powered by fossil fuel. Just like petrol & diesel powered cars. As over 70% of electricity comes from coal & gas here in Australia.

[@BenDiscoe]

FWIW, the term being promoted now is "BEV" battery electric vehicle, as opposed to hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) which of course have batteries, but the BEV holds its power _only_ in the battery.

[@caraziegel7652]

Wow, no spare in teh US

[@caraziegel7652]

also no chinese cars in the US of course

[@Mexxx65]

First Kona EV Like So an extra 36K gets you over the base model get you An option on interior colour A Sunroof And Ventilated front seats Seems like a great deal

[@rimloch3919]

Very expen$ive

[@JoshWright10]

With theses specs and price, I really don’t care.

[@divyanshcheema5271]

The charging port at the front of the car is ugly AF

[@giovannialtamore]

Please give your viewers the chance to digest the things that you say. You keep rattling like a machine gun. A few seconds silence every once in a while would really be great.

[@DM-zk5wu]

Lol, $70k! What a joke

[@kikibeldandy]

Byd and chinese ev will rule the world.

[@c.s2001]

Electric variant no thank you.

[@GlowingTube]

Hmm, boot the size of hatch, interior room not much better than a hatch, EV specs are ok but not ground breaking, ugly styling, poor public charging infrastructure (no Supercharger network for it) eye watering prices... wow, where to I sign?

[@lazziebardakos2956]

Certainly not an improvement in the looks department

[@caitlinriccardi908]

Honestly, such a good car in terms of value for money, but so damn ugly

[@jasenjones]

😂😂😂

[@youipost]

A design that will age poorly. In the US, the petrol Konas have a front that, from a distance, looks like the grill is missing as well as hideous wheel designs.

[@jamespaul2587]

Agreed, it's been severely wallopped with a bunch of ugly sticks! 😊

[@ChazTyldsley]

If you’re a grandad. Looks ace, concept car’esque

[@claywatt6168]

10 years time no one will want these. Electric cars will be a hard sell in 10 years. Throw aways and waste of money.

[@johnlambert1744]

Are you referring to battery degradation or something else? Batteries produced now are much better than a few years ago, and technically should outlast the car. As an example I know of Teslas with over 300,000km on them with no more than about 10 to 15% degradation. I can't speak for the Hyundais though but I assume they would be similar. A lot of factors come into play, how the car is used and stored, how it's charged (slow AC or fast DC often), etc.

[@purplehazeffc]

@@johnlambert1744 I agree with the original poster, in a way. In 10 years time these will be worthless & doing more damage to the environment. You even mentioned it yourself "Batteries produced now are much better than a few years ago" Now imagine the improvement in battery tech is going to be in 6, 8, 10 years time?? Battery tech now gets you say 400 real world K's. Battery tech in 6, 8, 10 years might get 1000ks? 1500ks? for a charge. I can't see vehicle manufactures developing new improved battery tech to slot into older cars. The costs to do that would far outweigh the cost of that car. Then trying to sell a 8-10 year old car, that when new could get 450ks. But now will only do 300ks on a good day!! While new cars doing well over 1000ks& at a much cheaper price point than today.