The Hyundai Kona Electric has always been a fine option in the reasonably priced full-electric segment, and the 2022 model is now available with just minor changes from the outgoing model. Available for a base MSRP of $34,000, the 2022 Kona Electric turned out to be a very versatile subcompact electric SUV due to the spacious cabin, quirky styling, and top-notch versatility. The standard features list could easily beat the rivals and that makes it a value for money proposition too.

Offered in two trim configurations, SEL and Limited, the 2022 model loses out on the previously top-of-the-line Ultimate trim. Along with that, it received a minor facelift and a standard 10.3" digital gauge display as well. However, the powertrain sees no changes and the range is still one of the weakest links of this model. Competing with the likes of the Ford Mustang Mach E, Volkswagen ID.4, and Chevrolet Bolt EUV, here are 10 things you need to know before buying the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric.

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10 Decent Driving Range

2022-Hyundai-Kona-Electric-1
Via HyundaiCanada

Coming with a 64-kWh battery pack, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric managed 132 MPGe in the city and 108 MPGe on the highways, meaning it has a combined rating of 120 MPGe. The MPGe ratings turned out to be better than the Niro EV, Bolt EUV, and Leaf, making it a more preferred choice for those who crave the best range.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
Via AutoTV:YouTube

The range of 258 miles on a full charge is better than the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which could do a slightly lower 238 miles. The Kona Electric can also be charged from both 110-volt or 240-volt outlets. There is DC fast charging support too. However, the Tesla Model Y turned out to be the best of the lot in terms of range.

9 Warranty And Reliability Are Superb

Hyundai Kona Electric Static
Via: Hyundai

Hyundai has had impressive warranty coverage and that has been one of the biggest selling points of monikers from this Koran giant. When coming to Kona Electric, the same warranty coverage has been brought with no changes, helping the owners to have a fuss-free post-purchase experience.

Hyundai Kona Dynamic
Via: Hyundai

The 5-year or 60,000 miles of the basic warranty, 10-year or 100,000 miles of drivetrain warranty, and the battery warranty that covers 10-year or 100,000 miles take care of most of the issues. There is complimentary maintenance coverage for 3 years or 36,000 miles as well. When it comes to reliability, Kona Electric received a score of 81 in the quality & reliability section of the JD Power survey. It hasn't received any recalls as well.

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8 Precise Handling For An SUV

The rear of the Kona Electric
Hyundai

The stiff chassis and low center of gravity of the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric do provide this subcompact fully electric SUV with decent driving dynamics that you wouldn't expect from such a vehicle. The suspension is tuned to a neutral setting and that helps in controlling the body roll significantly.

The front of the Kona Electric
Hyundai

The Kona Electric remains rock solid on the highways and the crosswinds do not affect it one bit. The steering is sharp and accurate, and it weights up decently well as the speed rises. We also found its steering to be better than the Bolt EUV in terms of feel and feedback. Even though it is a FWD-only model, take the corners a bit enthusiastically, and you wouldn't be disappointed with the grip level.

7 Rear Seat Isn't Very Spacious

2021-Hyundai-kona-electric-Chargine-Via-Charge-Point-1
Via-Charge-Point-1

Space has always been a limiting factor of the Kona lineup, and this electric model is no different. The subcompact exterior dimensions don't make the Kona Electric the best of the segment for three passengers in the rear seat. The shoulder room isn't great and the legroom of 33.4" is subpar when compared to the segment rivals.

2021 Hyundai kona electric Seats Via Carscoops
Via Carscoops

The rear bench seat also lacked the under-thigh support like that of the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, and going long distances in the rear seat is going to be a bit jarring. However, the front seats are very supportive and offer decent all-around space. There are multiple storage spaces and cubbyholes too. When it comes to the cargo capacity, it has 19.2 cu ft, which is similar to the gasoline variant. There are 60/40 split rear seat and side bulkhead storage nets as well.

6 A Comfortable Cruiser

Hyundai Kona Electric
Via theverge.com

Like in the case of handling, even the ride quality is not going to be a dealbreaker to the prospective buyers. Driving on the broken American city streets in the Kona Electric, you would find it very different to many of the rivals, which get stiffer suspension due to the added weight of the battery pack. The Kona Electric glides over the most and doesn't jostle the passengers too much.

via Top Gear

The suspension feels well-damped and the vertical movement was on the lower side when driving on the highways. The suspension also worked silently, even when met with large bumps at higher speeds. Decent performance, excellent NVH level, and precise braking add to the cruising experience too.

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5 Offers Aggressive Regenerative Braking

Hyundai Kona Electric
Via thecarconnection.com

A regenerative braking system is onboard and the level of regeneration can be varied with the help of the paddles mounted onto the steering. When set to the most aggressive setting, one-pedal driving is possible, and the overall experience was better than the Bolt EV and Niro EV. It also charges the battery pack.

Hyundai Kona Electric
Via firstpost.com

The 12" front rotors and 11.8" rear rotors make sure that the braking doesn't feel compromised even with its slightly heavier body due to the added weight of the electric motor and battery. The brakes felt sharp and progressive, like they should be. The pedal offered decent feedback and the SUV doesn't feel twitchy under hard braking.

4 High-Quality Cabin Feels Similar To The Gasoline Variant

2021 Hyundai kona electric Interior Via Hyundai
Via Hyundai

The interior of the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric comes packed with high-quality materials all around, and it feels built to last. Lay your hands over the dashboard and door cards, and you would be surprised with the soft-touch injection molded plastics, silver and aluminum accents, and premium leather inserts.

2021 Hyundai kona electric Interior Via Hyundai Canada
Via Hyundai Canada

The leather-trimmed seats of the Kona Electric Limited feel much more supple than the seats of the Bolt EV or the Niro EV. The wide armrest, tactile buttons and knobs, neatly integrated infotainment & digital gauge display, and the chunky leather-wrapped steering wheel give it the necessary premium feel too.

3 Bigger 10.3" Infotainment Comes Loaded With Tech

2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Driver Assistant Via Hyundaiusa
Via Hyundaiusa

If you get the SEL trim, the 8" touchscreen infotainment system is offered. However, the highest Limited trim gets the bigger 10.3" infotainment system. There are quite a lot of buttons and two knobs for both the infotainments and that makes it very easy to use without needing to solely rely on the touchscreen display. The steering-mounted controls are great too.

2021 Hyundai kona electric Infotainment Via You Tube
Via You Tube

The display quality and touch sensitivity are better for the 10.3" infotainment. There are no frame drops anywhere, and the menu layout is neat. The standard features include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM radio, navigation, BlueLink, Bluetooth, navigation system, and 8-speaker audio system. There is a 10.3" digital gauge display for both the trims as well.

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2 Many Driver-Assistance Features Are Standard

2021 Hyundai kona electric Engine Via Hyundai
Via Hyundai

Even the SEL trim of the Kona Electric comes packed with many driver-assistance features like driver monitoring alert, automated emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, parking sensors, and rear occupant warning. However, the Limited trim offers you adaptive cruise control with pedestrian detection as well.

via Hyundai

All the basic safety features like side-impact beams, traction control, stability control, airbags, tire pressure monitoring system, and blindspot monitoring system are onboard. It also received a good rating in most of the subsections of the IIHS crash test.

1 Decent Acceleration

Hyundai Kona Electric
Via ev-database.org

The 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric comes with the same 150kW single electric motor producing 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque, mated to a single-speed automatic transmission. The power is put down the front wheels only and the car could do the 0-60 mph run in 6.4 seconds, and that turned out to be quicker than the gasoline variant.

2021 Hyundai kona electric Engine Via Ufcnancy
Via Ufcnancy

Even though the performance is not going to pull you back to the seat like how you expect from the Tesla Model Y, it is more than adequate for city driving and freeway cruising. The initial torque is addictive and that makes slow driving an easy affair. Put your foot down from any speed, and it picks up pace effortlessly, too.