The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric is easy to like. It offers a sense of conventionality that should ease the transition from gas to plug. This is because it's based on an already excellent subcompact crossover.

Tesla has been in the headlines for most of the time, but Hyundai decided they also wanted the spotlight. The South Korean automaker quietly developed one of the most compelling electric vehicles to come out in 2019. Hyundai really went all out with the Kona Electric, giving the car plenty of range and satisfying performance, even making it better than the standard Kona in some ways.

When the car is fully charged, it can go for 258 miles. At the time (2019) that was more distance than you'll get from any other similarly priced EV. The only vehicle in its class that beat this distance is the Tesla Model 3, but only when equipped with its big and expensive long-range battery pack.

Aside from its electric powertrain, the Kona Electric is a lot like the gasoline-powered Kona, offering quick acceleration, safe handling, and a respectable level of luggage carrying utility.

Let's find out more about the Kona Electric and why it got all the attention in 2019.

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Hyundai Made Sure The Kona's Performance Would Give Its Rivals A Run For Their Money

2019 Silver Hyundai Kona Electric engine
Via: Hyundai

The Kona Electric has a strong electric motor that produces 201 hp and 290 lb-ft. The motor allows the vehicle to merge onto freeways easily and has no trouble on steep grades.

According to reviewers, the braking feels secure and stable, and the pedal is nicely firm and reassuring in daily use. They also praised the steering and said it's direct, precise, and consistent. But the only drawback is that it lacks the feedback that gives the driver a true sense of how hard the tires are working when cornering. Another small issue about the steering is that it can feel a bit too light when cornering at a higher speed.

Even though Hyundai claimed the Kona Electric is an SUV, the Kona Electric has the performance of a hot hatch like the VW GTI. It is capable of making quick turns and feels secure at every turn. Even when you drive through mid-corner bumps, the multi-link rear suspension maintains its stability and composure.

The Kona Electric is very smooth and simple to drive because of its electric motor. There are three configurable levels of the regenerative braking system, but even the most aggressive one loses effectiveness at 5 mph and cannot bring the car to a full stop. As such, the Kona Electric does not provide the option of one-pedal driving.

The 2019 Electric Kona Is More Comfortable Than The Standard Kona

2019 Silver Hyundai Kona Electric charging
Via: Hyundai

Owners of the standard Kona have praised the car for its comfort, but the Kona Electric is even more comfortable. Its electric propulsion system eliminates all engine noise and vibration, while its multi-link suspension and low battery mass deliver a more sophisticated ride quality.

The Kona Electric's front seats are comfortable and supportive. Reviewers have said they are a little nicer than the ones in the regular Kona. The back seat bottom is a bit flat, but the seatback angle is comfortable.

The Kona Electric has a firm but refined ride that makes it feel like a sporty luxury vehicle. Rival cars like the Chevy Bolt, which uses a less sophisticated rear suspension, don't ride nearly as well.

2019 Silver Hyundai Kona Electric rear view
 Via: Hyundai

The Kona EV's motor is silent at all speeds, and noises like wind and road roar are not evident when the car is cruising on the highway. There's a feature that allows the car to emit a low-speed pedestrian alert sound, though all-electric vehicles are supposed to have this feature.

Critics were amused with the performance and layout of the Kona Electric's standard dual-zone automatic climate control system. They said it's powerful, and the controls are obvious and easy to operate. Other features like seat heating come standard, and if you pay for more features, you get a seat ventilation feature on the Ultimate trim. This feature isn't offered in some electric vehicles.

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The 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric: Infotainment System Is Advanced But Simple To Use

2019 Silver Hyundai Kona Electric interior
Via: Hyundai

The Kona Electric comes with a long list of standard tech features, including adaptive cruise control. This feature isn't available in the Chevrolet Bolt.

Critics have said the infotainment system's graphics look dated and boring but don't let that fool you. It is a well-designed and easy-to-use system thanks to the prominent volume and tuning knobs, numerous shortcut buttons around the screen's perimeter, and logical virtual buttons on the responsive touchscreen. The Infinity audio system also produces impressive sound quality.

The Bluetooth system allows phones to pair easily. There is also Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is easy to bring your phone connected and get it up and running. The only downside is that the Kona comes with just one USB port.

The voice recognition system works well if you stick to common words and phrases. It has on-screen prompts, and you can link steps together once you learn the flow. If you don't like this system, you can still use Siri or Google Voice interface.