2020 Hyundai Kona Electric Long-Range 64 kWh (204 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In less than three years since its introduction, the Kona Electric subcompact crossover has won the hearts and wallets of over 120,000 customers worldwide, so Hyundai decided to facelift the vehicle to keep buyers coming to its showrooms.

The EV market was rising, and customers started to understand the benefits of these new types of cars, and the Kona Electric deserved some credit for that change of attitude. Its range made its drivers believe they could use it for more than just cruising around town. Furthermore, its ground clearance was high enough to easily run over dirt roads or curbs, and the spacious cabin was fit for families. As a result, Hyundai sold more than 120,000 units of it worldwide and more than 53,000 units in Europe alone. These encouraging figures made the Korean automaker hope for more, and as a result, it launched the refreshed version of its first electric crossover in late 2020 for the 2021 model year.

Hyundai tried to make the Kona electric version look different from its ICE-powered stablemates. To do that, it installed a curved panel instead of a classic grille and an offset-placed charging port slightly lower than the brand’s badge. Furthermore, the slim line of the daytime running lights placed on the upper side of the front fascia looked more stylish than on its predecessor, thanks to the multi-LED system that doubled as turn signals. In addition, the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric came with redesigned headlights, featuring three blocks behind the same piece of glass swept-back on the sides, over the fenders.

The automaker noticed that customers weren’t that eager to take their electric Kona crossover camping and use it as a mobile power bank. As a result, it swapped the black cladding over the front and rear fenders with body-colored ones, giving the vehicle a smoother look. But still, the curved and ascending lines that were carved into the door panels were still there, and they created a dynamic look for the vehicle. In addition, to emphasize the Kona’s fresh look, the car manufacturer introduced newly designed light alloy wheels. Like the rest of its siblings, which were also refreshed, the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric was 40 mm (1.6-inch) longer than its predecessor.

Inside, customers were greeted by the same spacious cabin as the non-refreshed version of the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric. Fronting the driver was a new 10.25-inch display for the instrument panel. In addition, the car manufacturer added a new touchscreen for the updated infotainment system, which was placed atop the center stack and featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Depending on the grade, the car came fitted with heated and ventilated front seats. Still, the trunk space was nothing to write home about, and the frunk was non-existent. In the back, the automaker placed a split-folding (60/40) bench seat where three average-sized adults could sit comfortably for short jaunts.

Customers were pleased by what the 2018 Kona Electric could provide, so they didn’t ask for more. As a result, the car manufacturer kept the same motors as on the non-refreshed version of this B-segment crossover. In the lowest trim, the car had a smaller battery pack and a motor that could do well in crowded city traffic. At the same time, the higher grade featured a battery pack large enough for 258 miles (415 km) on a single charge.