Hyundai Kona Electric review (2024): Even Better Or Dethroned? | TotallyEV

[@TotallyEV]

Find the best Hyundai Kona Electric deals: locally.link/ZP06 Read the Hyundai Kona Electric review on our website: totallyev.net/hyundai-kona-electric-review-even-better-or-dethroned/ Review of the Hyundai Kona Electric's audio system: Coming soon! Video timestamps: Price & range: 00:00 Charging: 02:15 Performance: 05:21 Interior & tech: 08:19 Storage: 11:03 Seating comfort: 14:02 Exterior design: 15:29 Safety & parking: 17:14 Verdict: 20:27

[@moonshadowrising]

the cover for the boot does indeed slide down the back of the rear seats and it kept in place by 4 pins.

[@markdrummond7]

The range is amazing, replaced our VW ID3 (62kw) with the 64kw Kona 17" wheels. Only got real world 170 miles on VW , easily getting 300 with the Kona (316 with eco mode). I am a brisk driver.

[@TotallyEV]

Pleased to hear you're getting good range!

[@deansawyer3575]

Another comprehensive no nonsense review. One of the best auto reviewers on KZbin.

[@TotallyEV]

Thank you, really appreciate the comment!

[@Titot182]

We've had our Kona Ultimate for 2 months now with the 19" wheels. White interior definitely adds to the airiness and gives a classier feel than the standard microfibre and sythentic leather. Cooled seats are great after you've gone mountain biking and need to cool down post ride. In respect to range, we regulary get 250 miles on the guess-o-meter on a mix of rural NSLs and hilly terrain in Gloucestershire with level 2 regen. I can average 4.0 miles/kWh in the B roads, dropping to about 3.2 m/kWh on the motorways - i.e. a run to Heathrow Airport. . Heathrow run at motorway speeds 8°C ambient with rain gave us a range of 235 miles, with the automatic cruise control sat at 70mph, average speed was 55mph for the 125 miles it took us to get to the airport, using 55% charge. Hive Free Charge means that as long as we charge at home and scheduled for off peak, it's free! Winning. Driving dynamics - It was pleasantly surprising! Despite being FWD, I didn't get the sensation of understeer when taking down my favourite local twisty B roads. Keeping it in eco with the regen at level 2 gives a very good balance of pace and performance. Lvl 2 gives the sensation of engine braking to settle the car in and load the front when cornering, which was akin to my Celica 190. The only time I've had it scrabbling for grip was when I put my foot down on a corner exit with a bit of gravel on the nearside. Torque steer was not apparent - it just felt familiar to say a Civic Type R or the Celica I used to own. Power delivery and torque are nicely measured and dialled in. I prefer it to my X5 40D, since you're not shifting an additionaly 400kg of vehicular weight, despite that car having 360bhp and 690NM on the dyno. You're right about the brakes. The final 20% does feel harsh and rushed. It does tend to get a bit skittish in the wet, though in the wet, unless you're an absolute regenmeister, most people would button down their pace. I definitely didn't want to be in mode 2 and letting off the accelerator pedal when there's standing water, since the same weight transfer that helps in corners is not going to be your best friend when your back goes light. As for notifications and driver aids - it's become a ritutual to programme the shortcut key to the driver aids - Speed warning turned to OFF and driver alert turned OFF, so that it doesn't ping at me every time I do shoulder checks for lane changes. I have to also remove the lane keeping assist. I don't like it when the logic dictates that I need to get into the centre of the road on tight country lanes, or the unprovoked torque steer!!! There should be a "Kimi Raikkonen button" which tells the car "Shut up, I know what I'm doing!" Aside from that, it's the perfect family car. So much so that we hardly use the X5. Boot is enough to fit 3 large samsonite suitcases with rucksacks wedged in. Build quality is on par with Japanese cars and the lovely tactile buttons are a welcome touch. FU German/VAG EVs!!!!

[@TotallyEV]

"Hey, hey, HEYYYY where's my water?! Water!?" Haha Thanks for sharing, glad you're enjoying it!

[@TonyWightman-zz5kr]

Your report is concise and mostly correct but I have to argue your range claim. I have the 64kW Ultimate model with 17 inch wheels and I am getting over 280 miles range consistently, and over 300 if air con is off. I only charge the car every two weeks on my 7kW home charger because most of my journeys are local. I agree with your complaint about storage in the centre console. There is no enclosed box for storage and all your loose items slide around. Their designers spent all their efforts on sophisticated electronics and forgot the little conveniences. Despite this the Kona is an excellent car.

[@TotallyEV]

Glad you enjoyed the review, and thanks for sharing - pleased that you're getting such great range.

[@Rafiq07]

I think the 19" wheels make a big difference to range drop-off and that's why the numbers are different to what you're seeing on the 17"s.

[@TotallyEV]

Wheels giving 100 miles of extra range, don't think so lol.

[@doomed2obscurity666]

I'm planning to get the ultimate with the 17" wheel. I'm glad to know it extend the range. Btw have you tried it on a 300+ mile drive? And does it chrage right away on a DC charger? Im so frustrated with my 2020 mg zsev on long drive and it doesn't always charge right away on a rapid charger especially on a cold weather

[@verygoodbrother]

You're getting good range because, as you have admitted, you are only driving locally. Your quoted range will reduce as you hit the motorway.

[@markdearden1697]

First time I've seen one of your reviews. Informative, concise, fair and honest - far more useful than the ones I have been watching! I've subscribed, and am now off to browse your website. Thank you, and keep up the good work!

[@TotallyEV]

Thank you for the lovely comment, much appreciated!

[@FéargalO]

What UK trim levels do you get the pixel led lights on the steering wheel?

[@TotallyEV]

From memory all of them have it, but double check via the brochure!

[@NigelRudyard]

It has a good range, and it's a smart thing. I have a Hyundai hybrid, and am tempted to go full EV in one of these. It's the range that puts me off - I do a lot of long runs, and my Ioniq will do 600 miles on a tank, half of it in EV. Great review.

[@TotallyEV]

Thanks for sharing and glad you enjoyed the review!

[@FéargalO]

Anyone know why Hyundai dropped Remote Smart Parking Assist feature from 2024 UK models?

[@MrSammotube]

The boot cover does slot in behind the back seats.

[@TotallyEV]

But not in the underfloor compartment, which was the point mentioned in the review. Thus, seats down (when it's more relevant), where do you put it?

[@MrSammotube]

@@TotallyEV Fair enough. I don't think I have ever had such storage on a car, so have not really thought about it. Great review by the way :)

[@TotallyEV]

@MrSammotube thank you, glad you liked it!

[@bernardchristensen9705]

Exterior styling is just fine.

[@TotallyEV]

Fair enough!

[@khalidr9674]

How good is the sound system?

[@TotallyEV]

Stay tuned for the review of the audio system!

[@midfieldcrisis]

An amazingly good review! I have one on order and it makes me want to speed up the delivery. Thank you. And yes it is pretty "robo" looking. I hope my limited at least has the black trim.

[@TotallyEV]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@graeradt]

The new Kona range is similar to the older Kona models if you specify the 17"wheels. The default 19" wheels reduce the range.

[@markdearden1697]

That's good to know. We were ruling out the Kona because of jiggly ride over broken surfaces and disappointing efficiency on our test drive (3.9m/kWh, when we got 4.4m/kWh from an Ariya, same route, same day). Perhaps 17" wheels would address both, and it can go back on our list!

[@TotallyEV]

Yup, good point; the size would help.

[@TheRJBarnett]

I also would dispute your range figures. My Kona ev 2024 Advance (17 inch wheels) currently gets over 5miles/kwh ie. 350 miles range.

[@TotallyEV]

That's better than the manufacturer's claims! Well done.

[@MrKjj92]

In summer time (temps 13C° mornings, 22° afternoons) i can get 300m/480km+ but its in eco mode, 17in wheels, ipedal, autopilot, driver only heat and not over 60mph/100kmh

[@martinaston1715]

They seem to have dialled back in a number of areas compared to old model economy and importantly torque 255lb down from 290..

[@TotallyEV]

The lower torque is a good thing though!

[@martinaston1715]

@@TotallyEV i prefer more nice to have extra mid range shove when u need it

[@TotallyEV]

Sure but on the previous model, as mentioned, it added wheel spin and torque steer!

[@renbangbprd7236]

Hi just want your opinion if kona electric only cost $AUD5000 more than Atto 3, which car would you choose?

[@TotallyEV]

Would suggest watching both reviews, as both have their pros and cons. But, would generally pick the Kona over the Atto 3.

[@renbangbprd7236]

@@TotallyEV Thank you for your opinion

[@renbangbprd7236]

@@TotallyEV Btw may I know comparison of rear shoulder room between Atto 3 and this?

[@TotallyEV]

They're about the same!

[@renbangbprd7236]

@@TotallyEV Thank you mate!

[@dcvariousvids8082]

I’ve recently seen two, a white one and a silver one. And oddly the silver one looks less like Robo Cop.

[@TotallyEV]

Ha!

[@AuntieBuddie]

Hi Chris. Good review, but please stop saying 'flappy paddles'! They don't flap! 😎

[@TotallyEV]

They do, will continue using it as that's what they are referred to by everyone (incl manufacturers). Glad you enjoyed the review.

[@Titot182]

Well, they maye a very assuring click, similar to my Sparco T310 on my Thurstmaster T300

[@ricco123tube]

I have seen this 65kwh Kona charge from 10 to 80% in 45 mins with a pre conditioned battery. It is way too expensive. Having about the same or less range than the model 3 while being more expensive and not having the amazing cheap Tesla charging infrastructure. Oh, and slower charging too. This is definitely a used car buy. Picking up a 12month old ultimate for under 30k would be a sensible buy.

[@TotallyEV]

Thanks for sharing!

[@barrydoherty636]

Love the car, but very expensive.

[@Rivergecko]

Thanks for review which is good but where on earth did you ger the charge times from? They are completely and obviously wrong On the larger battery DC 100kW charge time is 41 mins (Not 1 hour 22 mins!) and 50kW time is 1 hour 12 mins (not 1 hour 40 mins) Smaller battery ia 43 mins in 100kW charger (not 1 hour 22 mins) or faster and 61 mins on a 50kW charger (not 1 hour 38 mins) I do hope you can correct these quickly as frankly posting these enormous charge times wrongly back up the misinformation about how long electric cars take to charge. The Kona is not especially quick to charge , but it’s not that slow! My times are from EV database

[@TotallyEV]

Glad you enjoyed the review, but that site is often incorrect. Our data is ALWAYS sourced from the manufacturer, thus are all correct.

[@waidz]

Very comprehensive review. However, I personally find design of new Kona absolutely ridiculous.

[@TotallyEV]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it! What don't you like about its design?

[@davemachin9201]

i think that is the point

[@ElGoogKO]

Revieing the top trim version is stupid and highly deceiving. Always review the base models without any extras added, so that people can see what they get without all the overpriced crap these scumbag manufacturers add on top.

[@TotallyEV]

Or allows people like myself to actually comment and review said features to see if it's worth it - as it is evident in the review. Note: as press we don't usually get the choice.

[@TerryHickey-xt4mf]

a bit over the top --scumbag?