The Hyundai KONA Electric is a sleek, subcompact crossover SUV with an all-electric powertrain. It first arrived in 2019 with a head-turning design and impressive range, and with the 2024 model’s updates and redesign, it’s even better. The KONA is a leader in the small SUV market, and with changes such as new styling, more space in the cabin, and new signature LED lighting, it stretches its lead over other small electric SUVs even further. Take a closer look at the Hyundai KONA Electric, explore some of its new and upgraded features, and see how far it can go.
Engine and Performance
The KONA Electric gets its power from a single electric motor, and for the 2024 model year, there are two battery packs to choose from. The base SE trim comes with a new short-range battery with a 48.6 kWh capacity that works with the motor to generate 133 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque.
The long-range battery has a 64.8 kWh capacity and works with the motor to generate 201 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is quick and responsive with both batteries. When you press on the accelerator in a KONA Electric equipped with the long-range battery, it’ll zip from zero to 60 mph in just 6.4 seconds. The suspension is tuned for comfort, and all KONA Electric models are front-wheel drive.
How Far Can the 2024 Hyundai KONA Electric Go?
The range you can get when driving the Hyundai KONA Electric depends on the battery. Hyundai expects the new short-range battery to deliver up to 197 miles of range on a full charge, and the long-range battery carried over from the previous year will get up to 260 miles of range.
The latest KONA Electric has a new i-PEDAL driving mode that allows one-pedal driving and a Smart Regen system. When one-pedal driving is activated, the smart regenerative braking system will automatically adjust your braking based on real-time data to maximize the energy recaptured and sent to the battery when you don’t use the accelerator. It’s capable of bringing the KONA Electric to a complete stop without the driver having to press the brake at all.
How Long Does it Take To Charge the KONA Electric?
A 400-volt system sets you up for quick and efficient charging. If you plug into a 100 kW connection, no matter what battery you have, it takes only 43 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. One of the upgrades for the 2024 model is the onboard charger. It went from a 7.2 kW unit to a 10.8 kW unit to help cut down on charging times. The new onboard charger will reduce charging time from 10% to 100% by up to a third if you use a 240-volt or Level 2 charger.
The onboard charger has a vehicle-to-load recharge mode that allows you to use it to power and charge other electric items. This means you can plug in a laptop for use on the road or even other small electric appliances.
Interior Comfort and Features
This small Hyundai SUV sees some significant changes in the cabin. The entire vehicle is longer and wider than the previous generation, which means more space in the cabin. Hyundai has also updated the interior design to give it a more open feeling. The center console is smaller than before, and the transmission selection buttons have been moved to a spot behind the steering wheel to free up even more space and create a large storage area with cup holders large enough for your big water bottles.
The higher-end KONA Electric will have leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats. The power-adjustable driver’s seat makes it easy to find the perfect driving position, and the available leather-wrapped steering wheel gives this electric SUV cabin an upscale feel.
Technology
The centerpiece of the 2024 Hyundai KONA is the huge 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen that sits in the center of the dash. A matching 12.3-inch driver information display sits in front of the driver. The center touch screen comes with Hyundai’s latest generation infotainment system that now supports over-the-air updates, so the software will automatically update.
Another new addition to this small SUV is Hyundai’s Digital Key 2 Touch. This feature turns your smartphone into your key, allowing you to lock, unlock, and start the KONA Electric with your phone. It’s compatible with Apple, Samsung, and Google devices. You can also share the digital key with up to three different people, and the primary user can control access to a shared key and end the usage at any time.
Safety Features
The KONA Electric will come with all the safety systems from the previous generation, such as forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. It’ll also offer adaptive cruise control, a head-up display, and rear parking sensors. This latest generation KONA Electric will also have some new safety features. Just like the gas-powered KONA, it’ll come with a lane-centering assist feature that can make minor steering adjustments to keep the car centered in its lane and a front cross-traffic warning system.
Some of the other safety features you can expect to see with this small Hyundai SUV include a safe-exit system that prevents passengers from exiting the vehicle when traffic is approaching and a driver attention monitor that will remind the driver to check the back seat for children or pets before they walk away.
Get Ready For the New 2024 Hyundai KONA Electric
The 2024 Hyundai KONA Electric is bigger and better than ever. It has more space in the cabin and some new safety features. If you’re ready to make the change to an all-electric vehicle, the new generation KONA Electric is just the vehicle for you. Stop by Huffines Hyundai in Plano, Texas, and one of our sales team members can fill you in on all the details. You can also give us a call at 972-867-5000.