2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Quick Spin: An EV Without a Learning Curve
The redesigned 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric is ready to shine as an affordable-electric-vehicle alternative now that two of the most affordable electric cars in recent years, the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, have temporarily been discontinued. I took a brief drive in the Kona Electric, which starts at $34,050 (all prices include destination), during the Midwest Automotive Media Association’s 2024 Spring Rally in Elkhart Lake, Wisc., to see what it’s like to drive one of the most affordable EVs out there.
Related: Read More About the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric
Right off the bat, know that its rock-bottom price comes with an asterisk, because the entry-level Kona Electric SE has less EV driving range, battery capacity and power versus the pricier SEL and Limited trim levels. I drove the top Limited trim level that, in addition to more power and EPA-rated driving range, for $42,420, is loaded with such niceties as a power moonroof, hands-free power liftgate, simulated-leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a Bose sound system, a 360-degree camera system and wireless charging. Current incentives, however, help make out-the-door pricing much more competitive.
| 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric | SE | SEL, Limited |
|---|---|---|
| Price, including destination | $34,050 | $38,050, $42,420 |
| Horsepower | 133 | 201 |
| Range (EPA) | 200 miles | 261 miles |
| Battery capacity | 48.6 kilowatt-hours | 64.8 kilowatt-hours |
Easy to Use
In all Kona Electrics, what stands out most is just how normal it is to use and drive. With physical buttons for climate control, a traditional instrument panel with digital gauges in front of you and an easy-to-use multimedia user interface, there’s no learning curve with the Kona Electric. And that’s not the norm, because most EVs differentiate themselves by offering unique controls and display experiences, often to the detriment of usability.
How It Drives
On the road, the front-wheel-drive Kona Electric is a joy to drive, with a surprisingly composed and comfortable ride for its small stature — which by today’s standards is subcompact in exterior dimensions, though a decade ago, this could very well have been considered a compact SUV. Wind and road noise is also well managed for a small SUV, showcasing an experience that feels a class above its size.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry
All 2024 Kona EVs come with 17-inch alloy wheels. That may seem small compared with most plus-sized wheels on many newer cars, but I appreciate the wheel choice from the perspective of ride quality as well as driving range because larger tire sidewall helps with ride comfort, while larger wheels can make a big dent in an EV’s driving range.
Further testing of the Kona Electric’s range, efficiency and charging will come during a later test when we have the Kona Electric for more time.
Interior
The Kona EV is surprisingly roomy and has no-nonsense technology including two well-designed 12.3-inch displays for the center touchscreen and digital instrument panel, which makes for a compelling budget-minded EV at its $34,050 starting price. You can also buy an adapter for the charge port called vehicle-to-load that allows you to plug in household AC devices to the Kona Electric and use the large capacity battery to power things like home appliances during an electrical outage or recreational devices while camping or working/playing outside.
