Hyundai offers the front-wheel-drive Kona Electric in three trims: SE, SEL, and Limited, all of which get their power from a 201-horsepower permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor with a 64-kWh lithium-ion battery. Using a Level 3/DC fast charge system, the Kona Electric can be powered up from 10% to 80% in about 47 minutes. The same amount of recharging via a 240-volt home system takes 9.5 hours. The EPA estimates that a fully charged Kona Electric can travel 258 miles, while its MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) is 134 around town and 106 on the highway.
The Kona Electric SE comes with remote start, heated front seats, proximity keyless entry, push-button start, automatic climate control, projector-style halogen headlights with automatic on/off, fabric upholstery, an eight-way power driver’s seat, rear privacy glass, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, a tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels, and heated side mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators.
The additional equipment for the SEL includes a power sunroof, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Hyundai Digital Key (a smartphone app for vehicle access and operation without a physical key). Completing the Kona Electric trio is the Limited, which is loaded with leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, all-LED exterior lighting (including the headlights), an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Hyundai SmartSense is installed on every Kona Electric. This safety suite contains forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist, driver attention warning, safe exit warning, and rear occupant alert. The Limited also gets an advanced version of forward collision-avoidance assist (cyclist detection is added), adaptive cruise control, highway driving assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. Kona Electrics also have a multi-airbag system, anti-lock brakes (ABS), electronic stability control, traction control, and a rearview monitor with parking guidance.
Infotainment for the Kona Electric SE revolves around an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity (wireless for the SE), a multi-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, multiple USB ports, and Siri and Google Now support. The SEL and Limited are upgraded with a 10.25-inch high-resolution touchscreen, navigation (with over-the-air map updates), voice recognition, and wireless device charging. The Limited also has an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. All trims come with the Bluelink Connected Car System for emergency help, vehicle monitoring, and other services.