2022 Hyundai Kona Electric - Review by Mark Fulmer

Instant Torque and 250 Mile Range

By Mark Fulmer
Exec. Producer and Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL

Driving the Kona Electric evokes many questions from folks weary of unstoppable fuel prices, and the most popular question was "So how much does it cost?" Well, the early hybrids and EVs were definitely pricey, but that situation is slowly changing. The SEL version of Hyundai's subcompact SUV has a MSRP (manufacturers' suggestion retail price) starts at 34K and the Limited version starts at 42.5K.

The second most popular question was "How long does it take to recharge?" If you charge at home, you can plug the Kona into a standard home outlet. With this method, it takes the Kona Electric to go from a 10% to 100% charge in around 9 hours and 15 minutes. If you purchase an adapter box, you can then utilize your home 220 power which will cut that time in half. If your state has charging stations with high wattage capability that can result in just a little over an hour.

The Kona has a range of 258 miles which is due to its permanent-magnet synchronous motor connected to a 356-volt lithium-ion polymer battery. So the total output is 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque delivered instantaneously for impressive, quiet acceleration.

There is mellow chiming sound under 30 mph which is very useful in large parking lots you have pedestrians in front of you who otherwise would have no idea you are behind them.

The regenerative braking system kicks in during braking routing on-the-road modest recharging to the battery. Batteries don't like cold weather, so the Kona's battery warmer system lends some helping heat. The driving experience is smooth, quiet, and strong when needed.

Seating specs:

Head room (in.) front 38.0 / 37.7

Leg room (in) front 41.5 rear 33.4

Shoulder room (in) front 55.5 rear 54.5

Hip room (in.) front - 53.3 rear - 52.2

Cargo volume (cu. ft.) rear seats up - 19.2 rear seats folded down - 45.8

Safety Features:

Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist
Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance
Parking Distance Warning
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist w/ Pedestrian Detection
Lane Keeping Assist <br> Lane Following Assist
Driver Attention Warning
Safe Exit Warning
Highway Driving Assist
High Beam Assist
Rear Seat Occupant

The Kona provides the car shopper with a cost effective, strong, and clean automotive choice.