Still not available in the United States, the second-generation Hyundai Kona Electric is en route to Canadian dealerships. Available to configure as a 2024 model, the all-electric crossover is listed with a base price of 46,399 maple bucks, which means 34,185 freedom eagles at current exchange rates.
How does it stack up against the internal combustion-engined Kona? The short answer is not great, although that's not exactly fair to the Kona Electric, which is pricier due to its high-voltage battery. To whom it may concern, the combustion-engined Kona for Canada is CAD $25,999 (circa USD $19,155).
The battery in question is listed with a capacity of 64.8 kWh. This battery is dubbed Long Range in certain markets, including Europe. Over in the Old Continent, the Standard Range packs 48.6 kWh. Turning our attention back to the Kona Electric for Canada, the Natural Resources Canada-estimated range is 420 kilometers (that would be 261 miles).
Fast charging at 400V from 10 to 80 percent takes around 43 minutes, and the only powertrain that prospective customers get is a front-mounted electric motor with 150 kW to its name. In other words, 204 metric horsepower or 201 mechanical horsepower.
Something that Hyundai Auto Canada forgot to mention in the attached press release is that Kona Electric features a multi-link setup for the rear end. The internal combustion Kona comes with a torsion beam in FWD guise, although the AWD system elevates the Kona to a multi-link rear suspension.
Photo: Hyundai
At launch, the CAD-spec Kona Electric is available in two main specifications: Preferred and Ultimate, with the ultimate starting at CAD $51,199 or USD $37,720. Both feature frunk storage, i-PEDAL driving mode, active grille shutters, and a smart regenerative braking system that adjusts the level of regeneration according to the traffic conditions.
Also standard is wireless connectivity for iOS and Android devices via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system joined by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels, a heat pump, battery heating and preconditioning, and Smartsense. The latter is a suite of driver-assist systems such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning and lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam assist.
An electronic parking brake and auto hold are shared between the Preferred and Ultimate, although the Ultimate does have a few extra standard goodies to differentiate itself from the lesser grade. Highlights include Digital Key, a wireless charger for your mobile phone, a head-up display, BOSE premium audio, Remote Smart Parking Assist, a wide-type power sunroof, and Surround View Monitor.
Scheduled to hit dealer lots in December 2023, the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric doesn't have big shoes to fill. After all, Hyundai sold a meager 24,579 units last year in Canada, those 24,579 vehicles comprising both combustion-engined and electric Konas.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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