The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric redefines compact electric SUV capability through its combination of refined second-generation design, practical 200-261 mile EPA-estimated range, sophisticated technology package, and exceptional value positioning that challenges premium competitors. As a refined interpretation of the compact SUV category, the Kona Electric delivers genuine family-friendly practicality, modern styling, and comprehensive technology at accessible pricing that makes electric vehicle ownership practical for mainstream buyers.
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric SUV showcasing its modern front-side exterior design in metallic blue.
What Makes the Kona Electric Compelling?
The Hyundai Kona Electric represents genuine evolution in compact electric SUV design. The second-generation redesign dramatically elevated interior refinement, technology sophistication, and material quality compared to previous iterations. Rather than positioning the Kona Electric as economy compromise, Hyundai engineered a vehicle competing favorably against premium competitors.
The practical battery options—48.6 kWh and 64.8 kWh—enable buyers to select capacity matching actual requirements. The 200-mile standard range proves practical for urban commuters and regional driving, while the 261-mile long-range variant eliminates range anxiety for most ownership scenarios.
The refined interior demonstrates Hyundai’s design sophistication. The floating center console, ambient lighting, and spacious cabin create an atmosphere transcending typical compact SUV proportions. The comprehensive technology package—10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, comprehensive ADAS—delivers premium features at competitive pricing.
The dual motor option (optional on certain trims) delivers 201 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, providing responsive acceleration and winter weather capability for buyers valuing performance or living in challenging climates.
Performance and Driving Experience
Power and Acceleration Options
The 2025 Kona Electric offers flexible powertrain configurations:
Standard Range Configuration (48.6 kWh):
- Single motor: 99 kW (133 horsepower), 188 pound-feet of torque
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 8.5 seconds
- Top speed: 104 mph governed
- EPA estimated range: 200 miles
- Practical for urban commuting and local driving
Long Range Configuration (64.8 kWh):
- Single motor: 150 kW (201 horsepower), 188 pound-feet of torque
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 7.0-7.2 seconds (car and driver tested)
- EPA estimated range: 261 miles
- Real-world testing: 230 miles highway-focused driving
- Highway fuel economy: 110 MPGe at 75 mph
Acceleration Performance:
The acceleration enables confident highway merging and overtaking without requiring extreme aggressiveness. The instant electric motor torque provides responsive feel despite modest horsepower figures compared to larger vehicles.
Handling and Urban Dynamics
The Kona Electric prioritizes refined urban practicality balanced with genuine driving engagement:
Suspension Engineering:
- MacPherson strut front suspension
- Torsion beam rear suspension with refinement tuning
- Optimized for comfort on diverse road surfaces
- Excellent visibility enabling confident urban driving
- Compact turning diameter for easy parking
Real-world testing reveals composed stability during lane changes, predictable handling characteristics, and excellent road isolation from tire and suspension noise. The electric power steering provides responsive control without excessive heaviness.
Regenerative Braking and Energy Recovery
The Kona Electric’s regenerative system captures substantial energy during deceleration:
- Single-pedal driving mode enabling brake application through accelerator lifting
- Configurable regeneration intensity through driving modes
- Real-world efficiency benefits particularly pronounced in urban driving
- Real-world testing: 15.2 kWh/100 km consumption achieved during mixed driving
Battery, Range, and Charging
Battery Configurations and Range
Standard Range Battery (48.6 kWh gross):
- Approximately 42 kWh usable capacity
- EPA range: 200 miles
- Practical for urban commuters and regional driving
- Lighter weight enabling marginally improved performance
- AC charging time: 6-7 hours
Long Range Battery (64.8 kWh gross):
- Approximately 59-60 kWh usable capacity
- EPA range: 261 miles
- Real-world highway: 230 miles at 75 mph
- WLTP range: 444 km combined cycle
- AC charging time: 8-9 hours
- DC charging time: 43 minutes (10-80%) at 100 kW
Real-world testing demonstrates the Kona Electric consistently achieves within 8-12% of EPA estimates—exceptional accuracy for range predictions.
400V Charging Architecture
The Kona Electric utilizes traditional 400V charging (simpler than Hyundai’s 800V platforms):
DC Fast Charging:
- Standard: 50 kW maximum
- Long Range: 100 kW maximum
- 10-80% charge time: Approximately 43 minutes (100 kW)
- Practical for roadside charging during longer journeys
AC Charging:
- 10.4 kW maximum (higher than some competitors)
- 0-100% charge time: 6-9 hours
- Standard 240V household capability
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L):
- 3.6 kW interior outlet
- Available on higher trims
- Enables device charging and emergency backup power
Exterior Design and Bold Styling
Modern SUV Proportions
The Kona Electric’s refined proportions balance practicality with contemporary design:
Exterior Dimensions:
- Overall length: 4,315 mm (169.5 inches)
- Overall width: 1,835 mm (72.2 inches)
- Overall height: 1,610 mm (63.4 inches)
- Wheelbase: 2,610 mm (102.8 inches)
- Ground clearance: 200 mm (7.9 inches)
Distinctive Exterior Features:
- Bold LED lighting signature with parametric pattern
- Flush door handles minimizing drag
- Protective lower cladding communicating SUV capability
- Wheel options from 17-inch to 19-inch variants
- Multiple color options including bold choices
- N Line exclusive styling (available) with sports aesthetics
- Power-operated liftgate with height adjustment
- Integrated roof rails enabling cargo carrying
The exterior design communicates modern electric vehicle sophistication through refined details rather than aggressive styling.
Open cargo boot space of Hyundai Kona Electric SUV with a metallic storage box highlighting the trunk capacity.
Interior Design and Practical Comfort
Spacious and Refined Cabin
The second-generation interior dramatically improved refinement:
Interior Dimensions:
- Front headroom: Generous clearance for tall drivers
- Rear headroom: Comfortable for passengers to six feet tall
- Shoulder room adequate for three-across rear seating
- Flat rear floor enabling comfortable center-seat positioning
Premium Seating and Comfort
- 8-way power-adjustable driver seat (higher trims) with lumbar support
- Heated front seats standard on mid-trims and above
- Ventilated front seats (available) using active cooling
- Premium upholstery with sustainable materials
- Spacious rear seating with excellent passenger comfort
- Heating capability for rear outboard seats (available)
Climate and Ambiance
- Dual-zone automatic climate control enabling independent temperature management
- Heat pump technology maintaining efficiency during cold-weather operation
- 64-color customizable ambient lighting with multiple preset themes
- Pollen filtration maintaining air quality
- Panoramic sunroof (available) flooding cabin with natural light
Technology and Infotainment
Digital Cockpit and Displays
Hyundai Kona Electric’s spacious cargo area with rear seats folded flat for maximum storage capacity.
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system with intuitive interface
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster behind steering wheel
- Wireless smartphone charging pad (mid-trims and above)
- Full navigation with real-time traffic integration
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- Over-the-air software updates maintaining currency
- Hyundai BlueLink connected car services
- Voice command recognition with natural language capability
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (SmartSense)
Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA):
- Detects vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Junction turning detection
Lane Assistance Features:
- Lane Keeping Assist maintaining lane positioning
- Blind-Spot Monitoring with alerts
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Additional Safety:
- Surround View Monitor with 360-degree cameras
- Parking sensors with visual guidance
- Smart Cruise Control with Stop and Go
- Highway Driving Assist
Boot Space and Cargo
The Kona Electric delivers practical cargo capability despite compact dimensions:
Cargo Specifications:
- Boot capacity (seats upright): 332 liters (11.7 cubic feet)
- Boot capacity (rear seats folded): 1,093 liters (38.6 cubic feet)
- Practical tie-down hooks and cargo nets
- Flat floor enabling efficient packing
- Power liftgate with height adjustment
The cargo flexibility enables practical family trips and recreational activities without requiring larger vehicles.
Safety and Warranty
Comprehensive Safety Protection
- Six airbags throughout cabin
- ISOFIX child seat anchor points
- Electronic stability control
- Anti-lock braking system
- Comprehensive ADAS suite
Industry-Leading Warranty
- 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
- 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty (70% capacity guarantee)
- 3-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance
- 24/7 roadside assistance
Specifications at a Glance
Performance
| Specification | Standard | Long Range |
| Power | 133 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 188 lb-ft | 188 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | ~8.5 seconds | ~7.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 104 mph | 112 mph |
Battery and Range
| Specification | Standard | Long Range |
| Battery (gross) | 48.6 kWh | 64.8 kWh |
| EPA Range | 200 miles | 261 miles |
| Real-world Range | 185-195 miles | 230+ miles (highway) |
| DC Charging | 50 kW | 100 kW |
Charging Times
| Specification | Standard | Long Range |
| AC Charging (0-100%) | 6-7 hours | 8-9 hours |
| DC (10-80%) | ~45 minutes | ~43 minutes |
Pricing and Value
Estimated US Pricing:
- SE (Standard): ~$33,000-35,000
- SEL (Long Range): ~$39,000-41,000
- Limited (Long Range): ~$42,000-44,000
- N Line (Long Range): ~$43,000-45,000
The pricing delivers exceptional value—sophisticated compact SUV with premium features at mainstream pricing levels.
Final Verdict: The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric represents genuine evolution in compact electric vehicle design. The second-generation redesign dramatically elevated interior refinement, technology sophistication, and material quality. The practical battery options enable buyers to select capacity matching requirements. The comprehensive technology package delivers premium features at competitive pricing.
The Kona Electric appeals to mainstream buyers seeking practical electric SUV capability without demanding performance extremes or premium pricing.