In the video,​ Jenny reviews the new Hyundai Kona Electric. It’s Hyundai’s first electric small SUV, combines two booming vehicle types – the practical and appealing SUV, and the environmentally friendly, low-running-cost plug-in electric vehicle.

Performance Specs

Electric motor: 150 kW / 395 Nm
Battery capacity: 64 kWh Li-ion Polymer
Combined Co2: Zero emissions
Average consumption: 14.3 (kWh/100km)
Electric range: 449 km (WLTP)
Acceleration 0-100km: 7.6 seconds (WLTP)

The electric motor under the bonnet of the Kona EV develops 150 kW of power and and 395 Nm of torque. The torque is impressive and the power is enough to get you to 100 in 7.6 seconds. For now there is no AWD Kona Electric. All models are FWD.

The Drive

In terms of performance, the Kona Electric is pretty good. In terms of comfort and agility, the weight is noticeable, but since much of it comes from the batteries that are placed very low, the center of gravity is very close to the ground which reduces body roll and increases steering precision and confidence.

Both trim levels get SmartSense as standard, which means that any Kona Electric will have high levels of safety tech.

SmartSense includes things like Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go and Driver-Attention Warning. You also get Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Collision Warning and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Warning, ESC, vehicle stability management, traction control, ABS, EBD, brake assist, hill start control, and a rearview camera with dynamic guiding lines.

The entry level Kona Electric which is pretty well equipped starts at just under 60k and this Highlander increases the price to 65k. That’s definitely up there in price. However, Kona Electric is actually very close to its main competitors in terms of electric vehicle pricing. What’s not close to the competitors, but actually miles ahead of them is the range, speed, style and even equipment levels. If you are looking for a small, fully electric vehicle from a renowned manufacturer, the Kona Electric is potentially the best choice at the moment.