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2021 Hyundai Kona Electric review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Hyundai Kona Electric highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

RepairPal reliability rating

(data not available)

Pros

  • Provides punchy performance from its electric motor
  • Comfortable seating and ride
  • Loaded with standard tech features

Cons

  • Tight rear legroom
  • Rear cargo space is limited
  • Passenger space is too tiny for rear-facing child seats

258 miles

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Year

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All Hyundai Kona Electric years

What is new for the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric?

  • Full Roof Rack features are now available as options on select trims.

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric trims

Curious how Hyundai Kona Electric trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

SEL:

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the SEL
  • Sunroofs
  • Power Seats
  • Leather Seats

Ultimate:

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric

1. Useful electric range

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric offers an impressive all-electric range for a subcompact SUV. The 201-hp electric motor and 64kWh lithium-ion battery give it an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles on a full charge.

You'll get an EPA-estimated 120 MPGe combined from the electric powertrain, which means you'll enjoy journeys both in and out of the city.

2. Perky performance

The 2021 Kona EV is a small SUV with 201 hp, offering an exciting ride. The 291 lb-ft of torque from the electric motor provides instant and quick acceleration off the line. To help you shrug off speed, four very well-judged levels of regenerative braking—which can be operated by paddles behind the steering wheel—help you conserve range, topping up the battery on the move. Charging the battery pack is quick, too: an 80 percent battery refill takes just a little under an hour when connected to a level three 100 kW DC fast charger.

3. Feature-filled trims

Hyundai has configured the 2021 Kona Electric so that whichever version you choose, you'll get a feature-filled car. The entry-level SEL trim features a seven-inch color touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple Carplay®, and Bluetooth® connectivity to keep passengers entertained. You'll also appreciate the HD Radio, two USB ports, and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Limited trim adds practical features such as a battery warmer system, full-LED headlights with automatic high beam adjustment, a power sunroof and driver's seat, leather seating surfaces, and wireless smartphone charging. Choose the Ultimate trim for a 10.25-inch touchscreen, a color heads-up display, smart cruise control, ventilated front seats, and an eight-speaker Infinity® premium audio set-up.

4. Comfortable cabin

In common with other 2021 Hyundai vehicles, the Kona Electric has an attractive interior made from nice materials. The Kona Electric's interior features silver-colored accents alongside practical touches, too. The center console extends more into the cabin, creating an additional storage area beneath it. This is handy for those odds and ends that need to be kept within easy reach.

5. Good to drive

Because its battery is mounted low in the chassis, the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is nimble and changes direction quickly and easily. The high levels of performance are useful when joining faster-flowing roads, and a comfortable, smooth ride also ensures passengers enjoy a relaxed experience. If you're looking for fun on the open road, the 2021 Kona EV will do zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds—that's not sports car performance, but the instant torque makes it feel very quick.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

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Hyundai Kona Electric features and specs

SEL 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Full Roof Rack
Battery details

Size

64.0 kWh

Range when new (EPA estimate)

258 miles

Estimated range today

Powered by Recurrent

The stated battery range data is from Recurrent, who develops vehicle battery range estimates based upon observed range data from thousands of EV owners. Actual battery range will vary depending on a number of factors, including the use, age, condition, trim level, wheel/tire size, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Recurrent estimates are provided by Recurrent and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Estimates based on Recurrent data as of July 3, 2023. Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings.  Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings

243 - 319 miles

Est. range in 3 years

Powered by Recurrent

The stated battery range data is from Recurrent, who develops vehicle battery range estimates based upon observed range data from thousands of EV owners. Actual battery range will vary depending on a number of factors, including the use, age, condition, trim level, wheel/tire size, and maintenance of the vehicle.
Recurrent estimates are provided by Recurrent and CarMax is not responsible for their accuracy. Estimates based on Recurrent data as of July 3, 2023. Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings.  Learn more about Recurrent and their ratings

239 - 315 miles

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Other specifications

Drive Wheels

Front Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

0.0L

Engine type

Electric

Wheelbase

102.4"

Overall length

164.6"

Width

70.9"

Height

61.2"

Leg room

F 41.5"/R 33.4"

Head room

F 39.6"/R 37.7"

Front tires

P215/55HR17

Rear tires

P215/55HR17

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric FAQ

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