Why the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV Is the Perfect Entry-Level Electric Car

Electric vehicles are gaining popularity for lots of reasons ranging from their zero tailpipe emissions to how they ultimately save money on fuel and maintenance. Oh, and don’t forget tax savings. But where does a consumer start?

Take a look at the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV crossover SUV, coming later this fall with a starting price of about $35,000. Car and Driver says: “The newest iteration of the Hyundai Kona Electric is meant to turn heads. And it will.” The 2024 Kona EV has more power, newly streamlined design, a spacious interior, excellent safety features, and don’t forget the industry-leading Hyundai warranty:

Three Trim Levels
SE, SEL and Limited trims will be available on the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV. Each one builds on the previous level with additional standard features.

Two Power Choices
Choose between a 99 kW (133 hp) engine with a 197-mile range and 101 mph top speed and a 150 kW (201 hp) engine with a 260-mile range and 107 mph top speed. Both are front-wheel drive. The smaller Kona EV engine can charge from 10-100% on an AC charger in about five hours, while the larger one takes 6.25 hours. On a DC fast charger they both can charge from 10-80% in about 43 minutes. It also has smart auto regeneration programming that can control the power recouped by braking and also enable one-pedal driving. The ability to adapt the 2024 Kona EV’s battery to power other equipment is a great option for camping or even during a home power outage.

Stylish Exterior
You’ll see hints of Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 in the Kona EV’s geometric design, which CNET calls “bigger, bolder and smarter … eye-catching.” An immediate tell that this is an electric is the 2024 Kona EV’s front end with its Pixelated Seamless Horizontal Lamp – a light bar extending from side to side – wags at Motor Trend calls it a “full-width LED unibrow.” The light bar is repeated on the rear. Head and tail lights are located below. The Kona EV is 5.5-inches longer than the previous iteration and less than an inch wider, although some visual tricks make it seem wider. Cargo capacity is 25.5 cubic feet; folded-down rear seats up that to 63.7 cubic feet, plus a frank with just under a cubic foot of additional space.

Comfortable Interior
Start with the pared-down seats, providing more second-row legroom and flat floor in the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV . Then proceed to what Car and Driver calls “a massive improvement in fit and finish.” There’s less of a division between the front seats, creating an airy feeling. The sweeping seamless unit is equipped with two 12.3-inch screens that provide information about the vehicle’s functions and infotainment that get over-the-air software updates. Add some LED ambient lighting, high-end materials, the Hyundai Digital Key 2 Touch that gives the ability to use a smartphone as the key, and the option of a premium Bose audio system.

Extensive Safety Features
The list is long and includes everything from navigation-based smart cruise control, to forward collision-avoidance assist with junction turning, to surround view monitor and driver attention warning. It also comes with parking collision avoidance assist-reverse and remote smart parking assist.

Saving You $$ and More
With the average price of a gallon of gasoline hovering in the $4.00 range, driving the Kona EV will save a bundle on fuel costs. In fact, Hyundai Kona EV drivers get free charging from Electrify America charging stations. With no oil or transmission fluid to worry about, you’ll save time and money. Colorado drivers are eligible for a state tax credit of $5,000 when they purchase or lease a new EV. While electric vehicles generally have fewer mechanical problems than comparable gas-powered ones, Hyundai’s 10-year warranty – America’s Best – is standard on every 2024 Hyundai Kona EV.

The 2023 Hyundai Kona was one of eight Hyundai models that made the 2023 Car and Driver Editor’s Choice list. We think that once they are able to put the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV through their extensive paces they’ll be very impressed. It will be available at Schomp Hyundai on Havana in Aurora in late autumn.