Basic Stats: Trims, Powertrain, and Range

There’s a trio of trim levels for the ’21 Kona EV: the SEL, Limited, and Ultimate. Their powertrain is made up of a 201-horsepower 150-kW electric motor, a 64-kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, and a single-speed transmission. All Kona EVs are front-wheel drive.

The Kona Electric’s official range rating is up to 258 miles on a single charge, with regenerative braking helping to boost that total. (Note that any EV’s range may be lower in cold weather.) Although a standard 110-volt home outlet can charge the Kona EV, it’s best to use a 220/240-volt outlet, which can fully juice the battery in about 9.5 hours. Public DC fast charging stations will take just under an hour (about 54 minutes) to get it to 80 percent of full charge. The Kona EV is equipped with paddle shifters and drive modes that allow you to control the rate of regenerative braking, where energy created during the stopping process is captured for storage in the battery to help extend overall range. Hyundai’s BlueLink app comes standard on all Kona EVs and offers features that help you monitor and optimize the charging process.

Standard Features

The base SEL is set up well with features for comfortable and connected driving. The list is highlighted by heated front seats, automatic climate control, automatic headlights, heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, two USB ports, LED taillights, keyless entry, and a dual-level cargo floor in the tailgate area to increase security for valuables left in the vehicle. To help you manage charging, you’ll get the aforementioned BlueLink connected car services and a 7-inch color LCD gauge cluster with special EV technology display. The Limited adds LED headlights with automatic high beams, a power driver seat with lumbar support, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a HomeLink technology universal transceiver, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. The Ultimate is loaded, getting leather seats (ventilated in the front row), a head-up display, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

Technology and Safety

While basic backup cameras are required in all vehicles sold in the United States, the Kona EV gets an upgraded one with parking guidelines. Also standard is the Hyundai SmartSense active safety suite, consisting of forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, driver attention warning, blind-spot collision warning, and rear cross-traffic collision warning. Rear parking sensors are added to the Ultimate trim, and its forward collision-avoidance system is enhanced with pedestrian detection.

The 2021 Kona Electric’s infotainment system has all of the features that you and your passengers will need to stay entertained, informed, and connected. Smartphone integration (both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) is standard, along with Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming, SiriusXM satellite radio, high-def radio, and six speakers. It’s all controlled via a 7-inch touchscreen. The Ultimate receives upgrades in the form of a larger (10.25 inches) touchscreen, integrated navigation, and a top-quality Infinity sound system with an additional pair of speakers and Clari-Fi Music Restoration technology.