2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited: The Brand’s Subcompact Crossover

Highlight: The Kona EV has a driving range of 258 miles.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $43,840 (Base SE Model: $35,490)

Seating Capacity: 5-seat capacity

Standard Safety Features (Limited): airbags; ABS; a stability control system; a tire pressure monitoring system; a blind-spot collision warning system; a rear cross-traffic collision warning system; a forward collision assist system with pedestrian protection; a lane following assist system; a lane keeping assist system; a highway driving assist system; a Blue Link connected car service and a tire mobility kit

Standard Equipment (SE): 17-inch alloy wheels; automatic headlights; a rear spoiler; an 8-inch infotainment screen; a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system; cloth seats; and manual operated front seats

Standard Equipment (Limited): a battery heating system; a power tilt and slide sunroof; heated steering wheel; heated front seats; a leather wrapped steering wheel; heated front seats; ventilated front seats; a digital key for vehicle operation; a wireless device charging port; a radar activated cruise control system with a stop and go control; LED headlights; LED taillights; ambient interior lighting; and rain sensing wipers

Options: Carpeted floor mats

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 8-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles 

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Horsepower: 201-hp electric motor

Recommended Fuel: Electric

Towing: N/A

Standard Fuel Mileage: 

108 MPGe (Highway)

132 MPGe (City)

Driving Range: 258 miles

What’s New: For 2022, the Kona Electric gets a style makeover that includes new front and rear bumpers, wheels, and an updated cabin.

Why:

An all-electric vehicle

A whopping 258-mile driving range

A stylish design

Low maintenance

No gasoline required

A high level of standard safety features

A 10-inch digital cluster screen

Easy to maneuver

Ability to seat up to five occupants

USB outlets for rear occupants

Above adequate horsepower

Heated and ventilation system designed for the driver’s side only to maximize energy

Seemingly great fit and finish

Lane following assist system

One of the best new vehicle warranties in the industry

But: 

No longer qualifies a government incentive under the Inflation Reduction Act, which places the vehicle at a price disadvantage

Only one tire size

Verdict: The all-electric Kona subcompact crossover was one of the most affordable EVs for consumers to purchase prior to the announcement of the Inflation Reduction Act. Unfortunately, the stylish EV is at a price disadvantage, when compared to the U.S. built EVs.

For the 2022 model year, the updated Kona EV is available in three trims. The peppy crossover, which has a driving range of 258 miles, is compatible with both a Level 2 and DC fast chargers.

Depending upon the trim one can expect to accessorize the Kona EV with such features as a radar activated cruise control system to ventilated front seats to a power driver’s seat.

While the vehicle is at a price disadvantage, I would still consider place it on my shopping list.

Competition:  Kia Niro EV; Chevrolet Bolt EUV; and Nissan Leaf Plus