The small SUV segment is an extremely popular market niche, and among that group, Hyundai’s Kona stands out from the crowd when it comes to value.
Offered in five trims, SE, SEL, N Line, Limited, and my tester – Limited Electric, Kona offers one of the most comprehensive product packages in the segment, including the widest range of powertrains.
Now in its second-generation, Hyundai – in an unusual move – developed the new platform with an electrified version in mind. With a long-range 64.8kWh battery, Kona delivers a 260-mile range, I-PEDAL driving mode, smart regenerative system, and active grille shutters.
“The all-new Kona Electric provides outstanding efficiency, innovative technologies, distinctive styling, and comprehensive safety features,” said José Muñoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. “The new Kona Electric represents the next step forward in eco-friendly mobility solutions, a key model in Hyundai’s rapid transition to clean mobility.”
i-PEDAL enables a one-pedal driving mode that allows drivers to accelerate, decelerate and stop using only the accelerator pedal when desired. Maybe it’s my experience of driving golf carts, but I love this feature. The Smart Regenerative System automatically adjusts the levels of regenerative braking based on real-time data from forward traffic flow, optimizing regenerative braking system efficiency.
I recharged the battery system at an Electrify America station from less than 10 percent to 82 percent in approximately 45 minutes. Enough time to browse Half Price Books and return with a “Chicago 16” treasure.
Kona seats four adults with a serviceable cargo area that can be enhanced with the second-row seats folded flat. Ease of access is achieved with a power lift gate, allowing hands-full use. Kona Electric also provides useable storage space in the “frunk”, otherwise known as the hood.
Kona’s interior is lovably eccentric. As part of its new ergonomic layout, the shift-by-wire gear selector has been relocated from the center console to a stalk behind the steering wheel, allowing more storage in the open console area. The layout emphasizes Kona’s larger, wider interior, providing a versatile and comfortable space for driver and passengers. Ambient interior lighting options are also available that correspond to drive modes, acceleration, or to suit the mood of the driver.
Creature comforts include a push-button start, heated and ventilated front seats, surround view monitor, remote smart parking assist, digital instrument cluster, navigation system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bose premium audio, wireless phone charger, front and rear USB ports, Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.
The second-generation Kona offers next-level Hyundai SmartSense features not available on many small segment SUVs, providing elevated levels of safety and convenience. One feature is a blind-spot view monitor that provides live video in the instrument cluster when the driver makes a lane change.
Kona also offers additional safety features, such as enhanced forward collision-avoidance assist with junction turning support. It also offers Highway Driving Assist, which can help drivers maintain the vehicle in the center of the lane and at a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
Completing the all-new Kona package are intelligent speed limit assist, high beam assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist,, driver attention warning,, rear occupant alert/safe exit warning, and parking collision avoidance assist-reverse.
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