New Hyundai Kona Electric 2024 review

[@henrytoussaint7]

The shifter makes sense in my eyes, you're flicking it forward to go forward, and flicking it back towards you to reverse!

[@therightcar]

I know. But until you forget that you’re not driving a conventional car (down for drive, up to engage reverse FROM drive) then it is a bit strange!

[@jimmyp1433]

@@therightcar I did this in the new tesla 3 highland during a test drive for this same reason with their new touchscreen selector.. I was fine with it for most of the drive, but at the end was trying to maneuver to park in a hurry with someone waiting behind me and got it mixed up, Nearly backed into a brick wall in front of the salesman :/

[@erictiong8575]

I have just traded in my 2021 Hyundai Ioniq (done 130,000km after nearly 3yrs Im a Grab driver) for this New Kona. At my 130k svc last week, my battery SOH still stands at 100%. I have not lost 1km of range since day 1. Amazing. I am not sure of other brands but Hyundai gets my vote. 🗳️

[@TheKizzerato]

Picked up an extended range for $52,500 excl. on roads and loving it so far. Review helped in weighing up the pros and cons so thanks for that!

[@therightcar]

Love hearing this feedback. Great! Hope you enjoy it.

[@rickynellz]

Thanks for the review Matt! We’ve been weighing up an Atto 3 or Model Y recently. The extended range Kona sits right in the middle of the two and I think it might be the way to go.

[@therightcar]

Be sure to do an extensive test drive where you turn the car off and get out and back in. See how annoying that safety tech stuff is to live with... please.

[@anonanon6678]

Do your research on NMC battery (vs LFP or 4680) before you buy Kona. Make sure you are prepared to consider the risks of NMC.

[@rickynellz]

We definitely will, thanks everyone!

[@svarfinnbogason3645]

The location of the charing port is convenient, although I take your point about it, possibly being problematic in case of front and collision, many electric cars have the charging port on the front, for example, Renault, Nissan and many others. And the reason for this is that it just very practical when you need to pop into a charging station, or when you're plugging at home, it usually is more convenient to have it on the front of the car. I have tha same top spec model of the new Kona that you were driving in this video, actually the same colour, and I also had the earlier version. I really loved the old version. But it had one problem. During bad winter weather the charging port could freeze up, which could be a problem if you needed to fast charge somewhere in a hurry. I would need to pour hot water over the charging port to melt the ice. Hyundai has solved this problem on the new Kona and the charging port is heated! Having gone the previous generation, I think people should consider that this is a totally different car, it just feels very different to drive. It's much bigger on the inside, and the side obviously, and it's more like a luxurious crossover, then the sippy little first generation Kona. The cabin is way, nicer and more spacious. However, what I don't like about this car is the horrendous safety system that you talked about in your video. This is extremely annoying and Im considering trading it in for some other EV that doesn't have this annoying feature. When I enquired about this at the dealership to figure out if there was some way around this, so you wouldn't have to do this every single time you start driving the car. I was given the explanation that it had something to do with EU regulation, and that's why it could not be done, that every new car had this feature, that you couldn't turn off these warnings, but I'm not really buying that. I'm going to give this a few months to see if Hyundai comes up with some fix for this.

[@therightcar]

Thanks a lot for all your thoughts!

[@Smiler7]

I love buttons & pop up screens.

[@therightcar]

Haha buttons are the best

[@AnneTegg]

Thanks for your very helpful review. In your suggestions for other cars to consider, could you suggest some SUVs

[@dadys31]

Nice job mate,does it come with the heat pump as standard?

[@TassieEV]

Another alternative is the BYD Atto 3. As for trim I'm ordering the Premium but will look to change out the 19" with 17" as soon as I can.

[@noodlefoo]

I agree. I cannot believe he didn't even mention Atto 3 which is also an SUV. All the other alternatives he mentioned are either small hatch or sedan. Many Australians who are shopping for SUV probably won't cross shop for hatch or sedan.

[@darrencoleman8842]

I’m sorry but the safety warnings are the same in all Kona models, why pick on the electric. Also people don’t realise that the 4 star safety is based on the standard basic model that doesn’t have the safety gear of the premium. You stated incorrectly that the car you drove doesn’t have the 5 star rating. It’s the premium and stupid for Hyundai for not supplying the premium for safety test. Also I can guarantee the BYD atto 3 would luckily get a 3 star rating under the new rating system introduced in 2023.

[@SimonStaxPoker]

We were pretty sold on the Niro EV GT but after test driving this today this thing was great. So great having the physical controls for everything as well as modern tech and it's a really great size. The other models you mentioned to check out look a lot smaller (not SUVs?). Do you think the Tesla model Y is worth checking out? And wondering why you mentioned not to go for the premium? Is that just because from a price perspective you don't think it's good value?

[@therightcar]

Hi mate! Thanks for the comment. And yes, I just mentioned the Premium not being worth the extra because it’s $10k more but feels closer to $5k better… Model Y is definitely worth checking out. It’s bloody good.

[@Donster888]

Good one as always Mat! 4 star ANCAP is but concerning

[@simonwile5110]

Read the fine print on the ancap report. 5 stars is getting ridiculous to achieve.

[@therightcar]

Thanks. I’d be fine with four stars if it meant I didn’t have to deal with those bullshit systems every time I drove the car.

[@JoshuaMcTackett]

@@therightcarthose driver monitoring safety systems need to go in the bin. I mean as long as they automatically engage on every drive.

[@peoplelikeus3684]

Is there going to be a hot N-version beyond the 1.6T?

[@therightcar]

No. They confirmed no new fully fledged N take on the theme this time around.

[@peoplelikeus3684]

Oh bugger. Is there a new model to replace the hot N variant? @@therightcar

[@thegrizz9994]

took delivery of my engine red 48kw battery 100 kw motor on the 5th of jan... within an hour i figured "this is not a 48k 100k kona"..got me a 150kw with a 65 kw battery all the documents have come from bank and motor tax office..nothing from dealership yet bank says 48kw with right VIN and REG ..tax office says 65kw same VIN n REG .. upgraded from a 2022 ec4..got to say the kona is a proper EV with all teh bells n whistles you'd expect from an EV...the free upgrade has made it shine a lil more..eC4 has better efficency,looks and ride comfort but the kona feels like a proper EV..was going for a IONIQ 5 but lost 13k euros on the eC4 in 20 months(37k to 24k) milage 55kkm.. but ICE cars dont lose thet much value..happy camper here in Ireland with my Kona "48Kw" lols

[@brettharrison7142]

Hello there, just thinking about buying a small commercial van. Is it possible for you to do some commercial vehicle reviews. eg. Not for more than 2 people. Thanks

[@therightcar]

Hi Brett - I’ve got some van content planned. I’ve done the Staria Load, and will be doing new Transit soon.

[@sandyhunter3948]

If you apply their efficiency to the battery sizes you get 327km for the standard, 390km for the premium and 440km for the extended. I agree the extended range BYD Atto 3 would be a better buy it is cheaper than the standard Kona and a similar or higher spec than the premium Kona.

[@therightcar]

Yep, BYD makes a strong argument against this one

[@romanjamm]

How does this compare to the Niro EV? Ty

[@therightcar]

Niro is spec for spec more expensive and older feeling, not as nice to drive IMO. But maybe a smidge better for space.

[@Steve-jx3mh]

I cant wait for the megane e-tech. It is very well thought of across Europe. It is more expensive but i reckon its pretty compelling. There is also the volvo ex30. Im not sold on the BYDs and the MGs build quality is pretty rubbish.

[@therightcar]

Yep, hopefully will bring you a review of the new Megane in the coming months.

[@therealjeffg]

The rear tail lights down low on either side are just terrible. They are a deal breaker for me. Makes it look like an old car and total conflicts with the light bars that look great.

[@therightcar]

Yep, I think they tried to anchor the rear design around the lady Kona. And they shouldn’t have.

[@Reddylion]

Best ev hyundai

[@YZJB]

But, does it do sick burnouts like the old one?

[@therightcar]

Hahaha! It can... :P

[@Smiler7]

When you are behind a car and you pull out and accelerate at the same time, it can be very unnerving, because you are accelerating and have the front wheels in a right hand lock!!! You can get a wobble. Another annoying thing is the lane assist, which can fight you when you want to change lanes. You can turn it off, but you have to do it every time you start the car.!!!

[@therightcar]

Yep, that’s torque-steer in action. The front wheels struggle to turn and power down!

[@Smiler7]

@@therightcar I shook me up the first time it happened, with cars coming the other way!!

[@svarfinnbogason3645]

I agree with you, Hyundai really need to revise the safety systems so that the car saves the settings between the journeys. This is driving me mad to be honest.

[@premkumarlk]

Model Y territory is the top spec Kona.

[@therightcar]

Yep. Model Y would be my pick of those two. So much more space for the cash.

[@gregturner_awod]

I’m a bit unsure about the external design, and I’m also rather averse to EV’s that share a design platform with ICE models, too many compromises that deter from best EV design principles. The interior nonetheless appears well designed, however I don’t like the shifter design at all. No frunk? That’s (maybe) the penalty of using a shared platform. Yes, the charge point is in the wrong place. Safety elements shouldn’t make annoying noises, and turning them off every time you drive, aaagh! Smaller wheels make sense on EV’s, so large and fancy wheels are simply stupid because of reduced ride quality and range reduction. The driving experience doesn’t seem too wonderful at all I’m afraid. Regen braking is good, doesn’t match Tesla though. The range isn’t good, so perhaps best in urban use. 4 Star ANCAP is appalling. Thanks for another balanced and informative review. I’m sure this will be a car that appeals to many. I’d go for the Cupra as a smarter better choice however.

[@therightcar]

Thanks Greg. A Cupra would be a lovely option, hence my listing it! :D

[@gregturner_awod]

Thanks Matt. Spanish SEAT/Cupra make some of the nicest VW variants in Europe. We don’t see them all in Australia sadly though my UK rels drive SEAT’s - I remain a Tesla fan, I have to admit, because I own one, but the broadening range of EV’s is fantastic to see.

[@waynehobbs5175]

Off to a bad start with a 4 Star ANCAP and $55k starting price. Buy an Atto 3.

[@milkoowen6800]

Now with 2000 dollar discount as well

[@buncha5651]

Better idea don't buy EV rubbish.

[@JoshuaMcTackett]

@@buncha5651nobody asked for your opinion on EVs. Why are you even watching an EV car review? Outta here with your rubbish

[@yourlocalidiot69420]

Buy a Kona at a high price and not perfect ANCAP rating. Buy a Chinese EV and blow up without any of the safety features deploying.

[@justiceO8149]

​@@JoshuaMcTackett he/she is most likely getting paid per engagement, there is money in creating division everywhere these days, especially from the fossil fuel industry ... take the tag out perhaps.

[@simonwile5110]

The safety systems are getting ridiculous. Same in the BYD Seal. Intrusive and obnoxious. Premium is basically Ioniq5/TeslaY money so why bother?

[@therightcar]

Yep, the safety tech is a serious annoyance in a number of new cars. I hear you on that price parity equation.

[@amon5124]

4 STAR ??? 😮

[@GlowingTube]

Ewwww, not a fan of the styling

[@therightcar]

It’s not for everyone. 😇

[@FutureBright-s2f]

$54,000 for an an entry EV..good luck with that

[@tonybennett638]

Looking mate have poverty pack new Kona paid $35,000 drive away... reckon it would take 15 years or more to make this EV worth the cost money wise.🤪

[@buncha5651]

And a lot less inconvenience. 😊

[@therightcar]

Yep, the base Kona at that money makes a VERY strong case.

[@tonybennett638]

@@therightcar I reckon mate if you like the look and drive 👍

[@krossbolt4100]

The BYD Atto 3 is superior price wise and technology (LFP battery) to this SUV. Your review is deficient because the BYD Atto 3 is the natural competitor which you haven't presented. The Atto 3 is much cheaper, has a better battery, has more torque and is faster, the real world range is better then the Kona based on the Kona's 19"wheels.

[@therightcar]

And how long have you owned your Atto3 and been the president of the fan club? Sheeesssshh

[@peter65zzfdfh]

LFP is slightly safer, though less power dense and so heavier for the range. Superior is a bit of a simplification, it's cheaper, heavier, and maybe burns a little less vigorously in the extremely unlikely event you get in a major accident or some such rare event that could cause it to burn.

[@sydjaguar]

looks awful

[@TheMick1960]

370km range if your lucky, very poor.

[@therightcar]

It’s more than you get in a Fiat 500e and Nissan Leaf.

[@TheMick1960]

@@therightcar and someone would buy them? Love your reviews, but just can’t understand the range issues, 600 to 900 km out of my petrol car, any less reviewers complain about the economy. Anyway keep up the good work.

[@Steve-jx3mh]

​@@TheMick1960 ICE range is about cost and emissions. If fuel was 30c a litre instead of $2 it wouldnt be spoken about as much. Speed of charging is ths biggest issue with the Kona. 45mins is too long for the range you get. Besides at some point in the future petrol wont be available as its not an infinite resource so is only going to get more costly.

[@richardcawthorpe]

Hi buy the last of the old shape this one is pig ugly ! Richard UK

[@therightcar]

Ha!

[@lw2978]

@@therightcar I like the styling, apart from maybe those rear corner light clusters. One good thing about being in the Uk is that you can spec the top Ultimate trim with 17" wheeels. I also think they look pretty cool as well, not totally ruining things. Great review btw, our Uk reviewers don't point out some of the stuff you highlight, which is great!

[@buncha5651]

Matt are you on blackout Bowen,s payroll ? Nothing but overpriced EV rubbish on your site.

[@therightcar]

Hahaha that’s where the market is, and that’s where the cars are available. You may have missed it but I’ve got a Tonale review coming this weekend. Next week? Maybe another overpriced EV. But maybe also some more realistic cars. And I’ve got lots of coverage coming for the off-road and towing fans!!

[@buncha5651]

Still like your reviews Matt. But EV,s will never be mainstream too many shortcomings. 😊

[@lm3718]

​EV market share is increasing rapidly, infrastructure is improving rapidly. I guess it is like the horse and cart set when ICE cars were first introduced. 😂

[@peter65zzfdfh]

@@buncha5651 If you asked people what they wanted 150 years ago they would have said faster horses. Already EVs are at 80% market share in places like Norway. The only major shortcoming here for 98% of people is supply and price. The huge demand in the last few years due to Covid and high fuel prices hasn't helped them get cheaper, but looks like their prices are on the way down now. It'll be a while before people towing very large caravans and boats around the country will be using them, but not that long before no one else considers a non-EV. Who'll be able to afford fuel VS solar power so cheap that you can literally get free power between 11am and 2pm on some retailers these days.

[@twisted_panties]

lol, stupid gronk