The Hyundai Kona Electric is an electric SUV furnished with interesting features, and it is available in multiple trim levels. Unlike the award-winning Ioniq 5, this electric car wasn’t built from scratch. Instead, its design was carried over from an existing model, the Hyundai Kona, which runs on petrol. Despite the change in powertrain, the Kona Electric retains the agility that many associate with the gasoline Kona.
The Kona Electric and Ioniq 5 represent Hyundai's intent to electrify its fleet. Aside from these EVs, the South Korean automaker revealed the Ioniq 6, a sedan with a modern design blending both current and classic components. While developing and selling EVs is a great way to make headway in the market, Hyundai has also pledged to release a line of next-gen batteries, improve its output capacity, and fine-tune its software capability. The manufacturer hopes to sell 1.87 million EV units by 2030 and has promised to build a fleet comprising 17 electric models under the Hyundai brand and that of its luxury subsidiary, Genesis.
The 2023 Kona Electric supports a connected car service called Hyundai Digital Key which lets drivers remotely start and stop the SUV using a smartphone app. This feature has become standard for the crop of cars launched in the market during this period. Intending buyers can choose one of three possible trim levels. The SE trim costs $33,550, the SEL trim retails for $37,300, while the premium model, Limited, can be bought for $41,550. It should be noted that these prices exclude fees like destination charges and taxes. Based on its price, this is easily considered a budget-friendly EV. The Kona Electric features a unique design with the charging port embedded in the front bumper. The SUV comes in different exterior colors including Blue Wave, Pulse Red, and Cactus Fern. Despite being compact, the Kona Electric’s interior is quite spacious and is accompanied by a touchscreen digital instrument cluster and navigation system, both of which are offered in two separate 10.25-inch displays, depending on the model.
How The Kona Electric Trims Compare
There aren't many differences between the SE and SEL trims. Both models offer an EPA-estimated driving range of 258 miles with a 201 horsepower output and max torque of 291 lb-ft. Both come with a 64.0 kWh lithium-ion battery that can attain full charge status between 47 minutes and nine hours, depending on the level. The SE trim however comes with a smaller 8-inch touchscreen display and misses out on some premium features like wireless charging, a leather wrapped steering wheel, Hyundai Digital Key, and a conventional sunroof.
Being the most expensive trim, the Kona Electric’s Limited edition comes with ventilated front seats, Harman Kardon audio technology, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, parking distance warning, forward collision-avoidance assist, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, among others. Each variant of the Hyundai Kona Electric can be completely customized via the website based on the buyer's budget and preferences.
Source: Hyundai