Used 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

Anyone thinking of taking the electric plunge and saying goodbye to gasoline should give the Kona Electric some serious thought. It’s effective as battery-powered personal transportation, with a range that should dispel any anxiety. It also doesn’t ask owners to lower their expectations in other areas.

The level of standard equipment is high, with plenty of advanced driver aids included. The Kona EV is enjoyable to drive and easy to park. The gasoline-powered Kona counterpart has scored well in crash tests, so we expect the same for its electric counterpart.

These qualities all add up, which is why Kelley Blue Book has made the Kona Electric a multiple Best Buy Award winner for its electric vehicle (EV) class.

Combustion-only versions of the Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV have their own review.

Hyundai says the maximum range of the 2023 Kona Electric (starting with a full battery, of course) is 258 miles. That’s really good. The Chevy Bolt EV does better by just one mile. The most affordable Tesla, a Model 3, can manage 267 miles, but it costs appreciably more.

In the course of Kelley Blue Book’s long-term test of a Hyundai Kona Electric, we achieved 275 miles of range. The secret is to drive conservatively and use the regenerative braking system as much as possible.

With brake regeneration levels at their highest, the Kona Electric brings one-pedal driving into the mix. By lifting off the accelerator, the vehicle will slow down with some strength and can come to a complete halt if necessary. No need to move between the two pedals during intense city driving, unless a quick and forceful stop is necessary.

Should the urge arise to not be so conservative, there’s a punchy 291 lb-ft of torque at the ready, enabling plenty of zip from a standstill in addition to extra thrust when overtaking on the freeway. Factor in the well-judged suspension with a good balance between poise and comfort, and the Kona Electric definitely has its fun side.

A set of shift-by-wire buttons instead of a traditional gear lever makes the cabin of the 2023 Kona Electric look nicely futuristic, especially since it’s accompanied by the standard 10.25-inch digital driver information display. It also makes possible a “floating” center console, with extra storage space underneath.

The SE and SEL trims come with cloth upholstery, while the Limited has leather seating surfaces. No one expects subcompact SUVs like the 2023 Kona Electric to perform the impossible, like providing a lot of interior volume in such a small overall footprint. But 33.4 inches of rear legroom doesn’t compare so well with the Chevy Bolt EUV’s 39.2 inches.

Behind the rear seats is a luggage area of 19.2 cubic feet. Folding those seats reveals a maximum cargo space of 45.8 cubic feet. This is the same as the combustion-powered Kona, so there’s been no compromise by adding a battery pack (which is located under the vehicle floor).

For nose-in charging locations, the socket and flap are located conveniently at the front, just near the headlight on the driver’s side. The new-for-2023 SE trim offers the choice of a contrasting black roof. And 17-inch alloy wheels are standard across the 2023 Kona Electric lineup.

1. Electric propulsion
Zero emissions, no need to worry about gas prices, quiet running, and an expanding network of chargers across the country. Electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular, and the Hyundai Kona Electric is a fine example.

2. Bluelink Connected Car System
With a smartphone app and a free 3-year subscription, Kona Electric owners can check on the battery’s levels, set the charging schedule, lock/unlock remotely, set the cabin temperature, and rest easy with functions like stolen vehicle recovery and roadside assistance.

3. Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
Although this form of smartphone integration is standard in the SE trim with the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, a cable is still required in the upper trims with their 10.25-inch touchscreens.

4. Digital instrument cluster
A standard feature across the Kona Electric SUV lineup, it shows specific information for electric vehicles including how much battery power is left and an estimate of range. It also adds to the high-tech vibe.

5. Hyundai Digital Key
Standard in the SEL and Limited trims, this allows users to access the Kona Electric using a smartphone. The owner can authorize other drivers by text message. So far, this works only with Android devices.

6. Harman Kardon audio
This 8-speaker audio system is found only in the top Limited trim. But this same make is found in many high-dollar vehicles like BMW. Considering how much time most of us spend listening to the in-car stereo, it’s worth having a good one.

Generating 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, the 2023 Kona Electric SUV’s single electric motor drives just the front wheels. It’s energized by a liquid-cooled 64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Recharging this battery from 10% to 80% on a DC fast charger takes about 47 minutes. For a full replenishment on a 240-volt home setup, we’re looking at almost 9.5 hours. Best to do it overnight.

Towing is not recommended. This all-electric drivetrain is covered by a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, whichever happens first.

Permanent-magnet synchronous motor
64-kWh lithium-ion battery pack
201 horsepower
291 lb-ft of torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 134/106 MPGe
EPA-estimated range per full charge: 258 miles