Hyundai Kona Electric: Key Findings From a Recent Review

A recent independent review examines the Hyundai Kona Electric, covering interior, driving behavior, range, safety features, and everyday usability. Read the key insights.

Hyundai Kona Electric shows how a compact electric crossover can balance practicality, thoughtful design, and a calm, confidence-driven character. It is not a car that tries to shock or reinvent everyday mobility. Instead, it focuses on getting the fundamentals right.

The interior immediately feels welcoming and surprisingly refined. Color combinations that might seem questionable on paper work convincingly in real life. Materials feel modern and practical, avoiding the cheap or overly simplified atmosphere often associated with affordable cars of the past. The layout emphasizes usability, with an open-concept center console, well-placed storage areas, wireless phone charging, and clearly arranged ports.

Seating comfort stands out. The front seats offer solid lateral support without restricting movement, while the rear seats provide impressive legroom and headroom for a vehicle in this class. A flat floor enhances overall comfort, and the adjustable rear seatback angle adds a layer of flexibility that is still uncommon in the subcompact SUV segment. Cargo space remains competitive, complemented by an adjustable load floor and a usable underfloor compartment.

Safety equipment is extensive across the lineup. A full suite of active driver-assistance systems comes standard, supported by six airbags. While safety ratings differ between testing organizations, the overall impression is that the Kona Electric is engineered with protection clearly in mind.

On the road, the electric version resolves several minor issues noted in the gasoline model. Acceleration is immediate and smooth, especially from a standstill, and power delivery feels carefully managed. With all versions using front-wheel drive, torque is moderated to prevent unwanted steering input, resulting in predictable and easy-to-control behavior. The suspension favors comfort over sportiness, creating a composed ride well suited to daily driving.

Regenerative braking is one of the highlights. At its highest setting, the system enables true one-pedal driving, bringing the car to a smooth and precise stop. Compared to traditional braking, the transition feels natural and controlled, reinforcing the sense of refinement.

The infotainment setup avoids unnecessary complexity. Dual 12.3-inch displays, large icons, and a mix of physical buttons and touch controls make interaction straightforward. For a relatively affordable electric vehicle, the presentation feels notably mature and well considered.

Ultimately, the Kona Electric delivers on its core promise. It comfortably seats five adults, offers practical cargo capacity, and provides sufficient range in trims above the base version. Perhaps most importantly, it behaves like a conventional car, without forcing the driver to adapt to unconventional electric-only quirks. For many use cases, this makes it an electric vehicle that simply fits into everyday life.