THE BOTTOM LINE
Regardless of several minor drawbacks, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electrical is a powerful SUV that gives many miles of gas-free driving and plenty of tech for an inexpensive value.
PROS
- Cheap beginning value
- Aggressive vary.
- Numerous revolutionary options, lots of that are conventional
- Intuitive infotainment system
CONS
- Push-button middle console shifter
- Tight second row for more prominent passengers
- No accessible AWD
2022 HYUNDAI KONA ELECTRIC SPECS
| Body Type | Crossover |
| Drivetrain | Entrance-Wheel-Drive |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Fuel Kind | Electric |
| Engine | 150 kW/201-horsepower permanent-magnet synchronous motor |
| Transmission | Single-speed |
Though it doesn’t seize as many headlines as the newest high-tech cars from Tesla and Ford, Hyundai’s Kona Electrical is an excellent electrical car (EV) for regular use, competing primarily in opposition to the Kia Niro EV (its barely bigger sibling) and different smaller EVs such because the Chevy Bolt. The redesigned 2022 Kona Electrical sports activities have sharper styling, more extended battery varies, and enhanced connectivity and security compared to its predecessor. We might’ve preferred an all-wheel-drive (AWD) choice and weren’t impressed by the SUVs dealing with; however, that does not change the truth that you are still getting lots for the worth.
Aggressive Worth and Battery Vary,
The Kona Electrical is obtainable in SEL (beginning at $34,000), and Restricted (starting at $42,500) trims. A 150kW and 201-horsepower permanent-magnet synchronous motor with a liquid-cooled 64kWh lithium-ion battery powers each fashion. A single-speed transmission delivers most of 291lb-ft of torque to the entrance wheels. With a total cost, the EPA estimates that the Kona Electrical has a variety of 258 miles, which is comparable with varied Mustang Mach-E fashions and the Volkswagen ID.4.
You can charge the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in just under an hour if you use a commercial SAE-Combo fast charger and it has an onboard Level-II charging system that is capable of a 7.2kW rate of charge.
In slightly more than nine hours, using a home charger that is rated for 220 volts, you can charge the battery of the Kona Electric from 10 percent to 100 percent.
The vehicle is also compatible with standard 120-volt outlets; however, charging at that rate will take significantly longer.
Design and Trim Choices
The new front fascia design of the 2022 Kona Electric features a shape that is more aerodynamic, along with headlamps that are more streamlined and lights that are active during the daytime. Vents placed on each side of the vehicle help direct the flow of air and give it a more aggressive appearance. The addition of a charging port in the area of the front grille is a thoughtful and distinctive touch, particularly for front-facing parking spaces.
The interior is given a stylish look without appearing garish thanks to faux-aluminum accents that have a matte finish that does not reflect sunlight and, as a result, do not cause eye strain or discomfort. The push-button shifter that is located on the center console is not a feature that appeals to us, as we favor the more conventional stalk design. When compared to the previous model, the rear cargo area and the second row benefit from a little bit more space; however, the back is still cramped for passengers who are larger than average.
The SEL trim comes standard with exterior features such as 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/55R17 tires, automatic halogen headlights, heated and body-color side mirrors with turn signal indicators, LED daytime running lights, and two-speed, intermittent windshield wipers. Other standard exterior features include LED daytime running lights, heated and body-color side mirrors with turn signal indicators, and LED daytime running lights.
The SEL trim comes equipped with the following interior features as standard: a rear seatback that folds down in a 60/40 split, keyless proximity entry, automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, power windows, push-button start, six-way manually adjustable front seats, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, and steering wheel audio controls.
The SEL model comes standard with a number of high-tech features, such as an infotainment system with a touch-screen display measuring 8 inches, a digital instrument cluster measuring 10.25 inches, a six-speaker sound system with HD Radio and SiriusXM capabilities, dual USB ports, a rearview camera with guidance lines, and wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. In addition, the Blue Link telematics system from Hyundai is installed, which can be used in conjunction with a smartphone app to provide remote access.
Standard driver assistance features include detection and intervention for blind spots and rear cross-traffic, warnings for driver drowsiness, forward-collision warnings with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, lane-keeping and lane-following assist, and safe-exit warnings.
In the Limited model that we tested, the following features were included: an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink; an eight-way power driver seat; heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats; a leather-wrapped steering wheel; LED headlights with automatic high beams; LED taillights; a power tilt-and-slide sunroof; rain-sensing wipers; rear parking sensors; and a smartphone-based digital key.
The Limited model comes standard with a number of additional technological features, such as a rear USB port, voice recognition, a 10.25-inch touch screen with navigation and free HD Radio traffic data, adaptive cruise control, a premium Harmon Kardon audio system, and voice recognition. In addition, wireless smartphone charging is included as standard.
The carpeted floor mats costing $155 were the only option that could be added to the Limited trim level that we tested. The final price, which included an inland freight and handling fee of $1,225, came to a total of $43,880 after the sticker was applied. To put these prices in perspective, the base price of a 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E is $42,895, while the base price of a 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 is $39,995.
Easy Interface and Distinctive Options
The Kona Electrical Restricted mannequin makes use of the identical 10.25-inch contact display screen because of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid. The minimal interface lets you swipe through its number of pages and rearrange icons to your choice. One distinction, nevertheless, is that the Kona Electrical display screen has some EV-specific options. For instance, it lists the present cost stage, reveals the time left till a total cost, and helps you schedule charging classes by day and time.
The contact display screen also shows info resembling charging stations’ situation, your vary on a map, and an eco-driving rating. We also like that you need to use the display screen to fine-tune the warning timing and quantity of lots of the driver to scale back alarm fatigue.
The infotainment system helps each Android Auto and Apple CarPlay through Bluetooth. You additionally get three years of free entry to Hyundai’s Blue Hyperlink service, which program gives mobile connectivity for security options (computerized crash notifications) and conveniences (distant begin and distant door lock and unlock).
The utility model is distinctive to the Kona that lets you join 120-volt home equipment, audio tools, and lights to the car for tenting emergency energy or tailgating. Winter mode is another helpful contact; it warms the battery at low temperatures to stop it from dropping.
A Enjoyable, However Bumpy, Journey
The 2022 Kona Electrical is enjoyable and zippy in all three drive modes—Consolation, Eco, and Sport. In Sport mode, the SUV advantages from a noticeable acceleration bounce.
That mentioned, the automotive’s dealing with is lackluster, and the suspension doesn’t iron out even small bumps within the street. The trip is tough on uneven pavement.
You can select between three ranges of regenerative braking for the EV’s paddle shifters. On the highest setting, the car successfully brakes if you raise off the accelerator, so you possibly can immensely almost drive with a single pedal.
A Worth-Centered Electrical SUV
If you are in the market for an electric SUV, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric should be near the top of your list of considerations. It has a reasonable price point, a respectable battery life, and implements technology that is both helpful and innovative. The fact that it does not come with an all-wheel drive (AWD) option and has only average handling prevent it from receiving an even higher rating and our Editor’s Choice award. You should also consider the Volkswagen ID.4 and the Mustang Mach-E, despite the fact that they are not direct competitors. The Volkswagen ID.4 comes with an all-wheel drive (AWD) option, while the Mustang Mach-E has superior performance. On the other hand, in terms of value, the Kona offers a good deal of value for the money, which makes it simple to recommend.
