The 2021 Hyundai Kona EV is one of the most affordable electric SUVs. It has a longer range than most of its non-Tesla rivals, making it stand out among hybrid and electric SUVs. It’s also one of the best electric SUVs on the market and more popular in the subcompact vehicle category. With a powerful electric motor, composed handling, smooth ride, and impressive acceleration - this SUV is fun to drive.

RELATED: 5 Coolest Features In The New Kia Niro (And 5 In The Hyundai Kona)The new Kona comes with no notable changes from the 2020 version and also features the same number of trims as the previous model. It’s loaded with series of safety features that make it not only a great budget SUV but also an extremely safe one. The Kona EV has strong points that make it stand out there presenting many reasons to buy it than not to. The new Hyundai Kona EV is budget-friendly yet loaded with features and available for as low as $37,190.

10 Delightful Power House

2021 Hyundai kona electric Engine
Via Carscoops

Unlike the fuel version, the 2021 Hyundai Kona EV carries an electric heart. The delightful powertrain is driven by a permanent magnet synchronous motor that is powered with a 356V 64 kWh Lithium-ion battery pack. The SUV is mated with a single-speed transmission, that produces 201 HP (or 150 kW) and 291 lb-ft. of torque.

2021 Hyundai kona electric Engine Via Ufcnancy
Via Ufcnancy

With the manual Drive-by-wire tech, drivers can select between three driving modes – Comfort, Eco, and Sport. The Kona EV offers sprightly driving dynamics which makes the Kona fun to run along a twisty two-lane. The Kona EV is astoundingly fast due to its engine and reduced weight. It can sprint from 0-60 mph in only 6.4 seconds with a top speed of 132 mph.

9 Newly-Redesigned Exterior

hyundai_2019_kona_electric
via autocar.co.uk

Built with an innovative exterior design that wears the look of confidence and uniqueness. In the front, the sleek closed grille proudly announces its electric powertrain. Also the signature Kona Full-LED twin headlights, create a truly one-of-a-kind look. The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is one of a kind and a gorgeous SUV.

Hyundai Kona
Via Electric Car Home

The exclusive 17" alloy wheels and a choice of 7 exterior colors and three contrasting roof colors make drivers choose the Kona that matches their style. Other essential exterior features of this vehicle include - fully galvanized steel body material, body-colored front bumper with black rub strip, rear lip spoiler, chrome rear bumper protector, etc.

8 Smart and Functional Interior

2021 Hyundai kona electric Engine Via Hyundai
Via Hyundai

Inside this car is are plush seats and an 8-way power-adjusted driver seat for the top trims. From the Limited trim, the Kona gets heated leather seats as standard. The newer versions have seats that offer bolstering support. The interior color choices range from black to grey.

2021 Hyundai kona electric Interior Via Hyundai
Via Hyundai

There is an electronic switch with which one can adjust the lumbar support. The large windows and a sunroof of the Kona give the cabin an airy feel. In terms of quality, the interior comes from good quality materials. It is also comfortable and endowed with great features. To add to the comfort, the cabin is noise insulated cutting off external noise.

7 Powerful Battery With Extended Driving Range

2021 Hyundai Kona Charging Via ET Auto
Via ET Auto

With a 64.0 kWh battery pack, this electric car comes with an extended drive range of over 250 miles after a full charge. Hyundai does not joke when it comes to batteries, they once entered a deal with SK Innovations to deliver innovative EV batteries. The Kona car can be charged on a 110-volt household outlet which is not ideal for daily charging. Therefore, a 240-volt outlet is best for home charging, and the Kona Electric also can be charged at a DC fast-charging station.

2021 Hyundai kona electric Chargine Via Charge Point
Via Charge Point

In addition to that, the battery under an hour can be charged from 0 to 80% as a result of the level three fast charger. The SUV offers 132 MPGe in the city, 108 MPGe on the highways, and a combined 120 MPGe. From the figures, the highest is the city mileage which was made possible because of the perfectly-tuned regen braking setup of the EV. The 2021 Kona due to its strong battery life was able to rub shoulders with the longest range EVs for this year.

RELATED: Hyundai Introduces Three EVs Under IONIQ Brand Through 2024

6 Comfortable Seats And High Ergonomics Features

2021 Hyundai kona electric Interior Via Hyundai Canada
Via Hyundai Canada

For drivers looking for comfort, the Kona EV promises maximum comfort and convenience. Featuring decent quality materials, comfortable seats and good ergonomics the 2021 Hyundai Kona EV is the best budget SUV.

2021 Hyundai kona electric Seats Via Carscoops
Via Carscoops

It features steering wheels that are wrapped with leather and feature beautifully integrated cruise controls and audio controls. At the price of the Kona with the great comfortable interior, the SUV is serious value for money.

5 Super-efficient Braking System

2021 Hyundai Kona Skeleton Via Showroom Hyundai Online
Via Showroom Hyundai Online

The Kona Electric features an efficient brake system that brings the EV to stop from 60-0 mph in a distance of just 129 feet. The Kona Electric SUV features rotors on all four wheels and a super-effective Anti-lock Braking System. The response of the steering wheel during emergency braking and critical conditions is swift.

2021.2020 Hyundai Kona Crash Via IIHS
Via IIHS

In addition to that, it comes with a smooth regenerative braking system with three levels which sent charges to the batteries when the brake is applied. Hyundai engineers made the brakes lock quickly to make for a swift stoppage and enhance the braking time. The SUV comes with a gentle ride and composed handling.

4 Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Driver Assistant Via Hyundaiusa
Via Hyundaiusa

With a lot of essential safety features built into its system, this compact SUV is built with safety in mind. The rigid body structure features effective front and rear crumple zones which keeps passengers safe and experience lesser impact during a collision. Blind-spot monitoring and the automated emergency braking are standard across the trims.

Silver Hyundai Kona
Via Hyundai

Still, adaptive cruise control and pedestrian-detection technology are only offered on the top-spec Ultimate model. Other vital safety features include standard automated emergency braking with forward-collision warning, standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, available adaptive cruise control, and pedestrian detection.

RELATED: Here's Everything You Should Know About The Hyundai Blue Link App

3 User-Friendly Infotainment System

2021 Hyundai Kona Dash Via Autoblog
Via Autoblog

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric comes with a good and useful infotainment system. The user-friendly touchscreen comes embellished by knobs and buttons placed within reach for drivers. The screen has a fast response to inputs. The infotainment system also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability; base SEL models come with a 7.0-inch touchscreen while upgrading to the Limited adds an 8.0-inch display.

2021 Hyundai kona electric Infotainment Via You Tube
Via You Tube

Interestingly, only the Ultimate model offers full navigation and comes with an additional large 10.3-inch touchscreen. Other essential infotainment features include HD Radio, satellite radio, a six-speaker sound system, wireless device charging, an eight-speaker Infinity stereo, push-button start, proximity keyless entry, automatic climate control, two USB ports, and Bluetooth

2 Sufficient Cargo Space

2021 Hyundai kona electric boot Via Driving Electric
Via Driving Electric

Another exciting feature of the 2021 Kona Electric Vehicle is its generous cargo space. The vehicle's boot allows for 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The load floor can be adjusted with 60/40 split seats which make for easy through-loading. Folding the rear seats enhances the cargo capacity to 45.8 cu.-ft.

Red Hyundai Kona
Via: Hyundai

The boot offers a low loading lip than its rivals, making loading cargo into the Kona a lot easier. There are many cubby spaces to keep your belongings like mobile phones or wallets inside the cabin. The Kona also has big bottle holders and cup holders for passengers upfront and at the rear. In addition, the roof rails of the Kona can withstand loads of up to 175 pounds.

1 The Awesome Available Trims

Front 3/4 view of the Kona Electric
Hyundai

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is available in three trims: SEL, Limited, and Ultimate. The Kona SEL trim, one of the cheapest new EVs for 2021 is priced at $37,190, while the Kona Limited trim and the Kona Ultimate trim come at $41,800 and $45,400, respectively. Each of the trims has unique features that make them stand out while some are standard across all trims but others are specific to certain trims.

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric (2 Trims) Via Auto Express
Via Auto Express

Interestingly, all three trims get a 201-hp, 150-kW electric motor mated to a single-speed transmission that sends power to the front wheels. Standard features include automatic climate control, alloy wheels, heated front bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Hyundai’s Blue Link telematics system, and more.