Now entering its fourth year of production, the Hyundai Kona Electric, also known as the Kona EV, is the all-electric version of the popular line of gas-powered subcompact SUVs. In this class, it competes directly with the Niro EV, which itself is an electric counterpart to a gas-engine model. To help you make an informed decision on your next vehicle purchase, let’s examine how these two electric offerings from South Korea measure up against each other.
Trim Levels and Exterior Features
Hyundai Creta Logo by The Punisher is licensed with Unsplash License
The 2022 Hyundai Kona EV is available in two trim levels. The Hyundai’s entry-level trim is the SEL, while the upper-level option is the Limited. Both measure 165.6 inches long, 70.9 inches wide, and 61.2 inches tall. The following are some of the exterior features that are standard in either trim:
- Roof-mounted center high-mount stop light.
- Automatic headlights.
- Turn-signal indicators in the side mirrors.
- Heated exterior mirrors.
- Solar front glass.
- Rear privacy glass.
- Intermittent front and rear window wipers.
The Limited trim also comes standard with advanced features, such as a power tilt-and-slide sunroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, high-beam assist and LED lights in both the front and rear.
The exterior design is minimalist and sleek. The grille-less front end features narrow headlights and a more streamlined nose than last year’s model. The charging port is underneath the right-side headlight, providing easy access to those who park front-first. A sharp line accents each shoulder, and the taillights are elongated in such a way that they complement the headlights.
The 2022 Kia Niro EV is also available in two trims: EX and EX Premium. Overall, the Niro is larger than the Kona, measuring 172.2 inches long, 71.1 inches wide, and 61.8 inches tall across both trims. The standard exterior features for both are essentially identical to those of the Kona but also include touches like roof rails, a sound-absorbing windshield, heated rear glass, and auto light control. The EX Premium also comes standard with a power sunroof and LED rear combination lights, which aren’t available for the base trim.
Similar to the Kona, the Niro EV lacks a traditional grille. However, unlike the Hyundai model, whose snout is a solid, seamless face, the Kia features a dimpled plate on the front end. Also, like the Kona, the charging port occupies the right side of the plate, underneath the headlight, but the headlights here are wider-eyed.
Interior Features
The 2022 Hyundai Kona EV provides a cozy interior that sufficiently accommodates five people. The passenger volume totals 93 cubic feet, with leg room amounting to 41.5 inches in the front and 33.4 inches in the rear. The cargo volume ranges from 19.2 cubic feet with the rear seat up to 45.8 cubic feet with the back seat. The materials within the cabin are high-quality, with the upper-level trim featuring leather-trimmed seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel as standard.
The center stack of the Kona EV contains an 8-inch touchscreen in the SEL and a 10.25-inch screen with integrated navigation in the Limited. In both, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with EV technology display is standard, as are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, if you opt for the Limited, you also get a center console whose lower section provides wireless device charging.
The 2022 Kia Niro EV offers slightly more passenger volume than the Kona, measuring 96.6 cubic feet in the interior. That being said, the leg room is similar, being 41.7 inches in the front row and 36 inches in the rear. The default cargo area measures 18.5 cubic feet but is expandable to 53 cubic feet with the rear seat down.
The cabin materials of the Niro EV are somewhat less refined than those of the Kona, featuring a significant amount of black plastic. But both trims contain a 10.25-inch touchscreen in the center stack, which comes integrated with a voice-command navigation system. As with the Kona, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.
Performance and Handling
The front-wheel-drive-only Hyundai Kona EV gets its power from a 150 kW battery that generates 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, which is robust enough to get you from 0 to 60 mph in around 6.4 seconds. The battery’s weight helps keep the Kona well grounded on the road. Still, the acceleration and instant torque give it a zip superior to many subcompact SUVs.
The Kia Niro EV is just about identically equipped. It, too, is strictly front-wheel drive and has a 150 kW battery that puts out 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque. Unsurprisingly, its 0-to-60 time and on-road performance are similar to the Kona’s.
Range and Charging
When it comes to range, the 2022 Hyundai Kona EV truly shines against the Niro. With an all-electric range (AER) of 258 miles, you could feasibly travel from Plano to Houston on a single charge. In terms of fuel economy, the Kona gets an EPA-estimated 132 mpg equivalent in the city and 108 MPGe on the highway.
The 239-mile range of the 2022 Kia Niro EV is less extensive but still significant. The same can be said for its fuel economy of 123 MPGe in the city and 102 MPGe on the highway.
For charging, both models give you a choice between a 120- or 240-volt connection. With DC fast-charging, you can charge up to 80% in an hour with either vehicle.
Huffines Hyundai Plano, Your Friends in the Car Business
The Kona EV is among the numerous great models in the 2022 Hyundai lineup. If you have any questions about this or any other Hyundai, please feel free to contact us with your inquiry. Speak directly with our friendly team by calling 972-867-5000 or use our contact page to submit your inquiry online.
When you’re ready to take a test drive, come on down to our dealership at 909 Coit Road in Plano, Texas. We are open from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Choose from our inventory of new Hyundais or our vast selection of pre-owned vehicles. We take pride in our wide variety of models and in helping our customers, who are like family, find precisely the right car for them.