The Kona has proven a winner for Hyundai. Its small size makes it a favorite amongst singles and urban dwellers, and its stylish good looks hold broad appeal across all demographics. Combine a healthy list of standard and optional features with an all-electric powertrain, and the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric comes out smelling like a rose.
To ensure the Kona Electric stays competitive, Hyundai gives it a 258-mile range right in line with similarly priced EVs like the Nissan Leaf Plus and Chevrolet Bolt. However, given its impressive content and standard 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and battery warranty, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric is a real stand-out.
Furthering the Kona Electric’s value story are the credits you get when buying an electric vehicle, including up to $7,500 from the federal government and other cash incentives that vary by state. On the downside, not everyone can easily find a Kona Electric, as they are sold only in CA, CO, CT, MA, ME, MD, NJ, NY, OR, RI, VT, and WA.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL (Starting at $34,000)
At $34,000, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric is significantly more expensive than its gasoline counterpart. However, the level of technology involved in building an all-electric vehicle is intensive, with competitors like the Nissan Leaf Plus, Chevrolet Bolt, and BMW i3 all costing more.
The Kona Electric SEL comes with a long list of standard safety systems, starting with forward-collision assist with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-following assist (helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane), a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. Also included are a driver attention monitor and a rear occupant reminder that reminds the driver to check the back seat via a message on the dash and smartphone alert.
The Kona Electric includes an EV Fast Charger that allows for rapid charging, up to an 80 percent charge in just under one hour using a 100kw Level III DC fast charging station. Plugin at home using a Level II 220-volt unit, and the charge time takes about nine hours.
The Kona Electric rides on 17-inch allow wheels. It includes heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, rear privacy glass, auto on/off headlights, a rear wiper/washer, and a unique contrasting color roof.
Comfort and convenience features include cloth 6-way manual front seats, 60/40 split fold-flat rear seat, a tilt-telescopic steering wheel, single-zone automatic climate control, auto up/down driver’s power window, remote keyless entry with proximity key fob, and push-button start. Also standard are illuminated visor vanity mirrors and sun visor extensions, an overhead sunglass holder, and a tire mobility repair kit in place of a compact spare tire.
A 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster replaces traditional analog gauges and includes readouts for the EV system and battery. The Kona Electric’s transmission selector operates via a set of push buttons on the console, the same as the electric parking brake.
Hyundai’s 8-inch touch-screen infotainment system includes a rearview monitor, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity and music streaming, plus Blue Link connected services. Siri Eyes Free and Google Services are also supported.
Connectivity is assured through two front USB ports, one for data/input and one 2.0-amp charge port. There’s also a 12-volt power outlet for charging devices that don’t use USB plugs.
For an additional $3,500, the SEL gets upgraded with the Convenience Package. It includes a power sunroof, LED interior lighting, an 8-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, dark gray body cladding, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Also in the mix are heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, a battery warming system, auto up/down power front windows, and Hyundai Digital Key that allows the Kona Electric to be locked, unlocked, started, and driven using a smartphone.
With the $1,185 destination fee, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL sells for $35,185. Assuming no money down, a 60-month loan at 3% yields a monthly payment of $632. See 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL models for sale
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL includes:
- 10.25-inch cluster – this futuristic gauge cluster projects a digital image of the speedometer and other gauges in a digital screen that also shows readouts for the battery and electrical system.
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – allows seamless integration of smartphone apps without the need for wires or an open USB port.
- Automatic climate control – automatically maintains a set cabin temperature.
- Lane-keeping assist – monitors lane markings to help keep the Kona Electric from drifting from its intended lane.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited ($42,500)
The jump in price to the Limited trim is quite noticeable, so unless you feel the need for the added luxury and safety features, you may find it a hard pill to swallow.
Adding to or replacing the features found on the SEL with the Convenience Package, the Limited includes LED headlights with automatic high beams, LED taillights, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and leather-trimmed seats. The Limited’s front seats are heated and ventilated, and its steering wheel is heated.
The Limited’s audio gets upgraded to an eight-speaker Harman/Kardon system, and the touch screen increases to 10.25-inches. Navigation is standard, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto get downgraded and require using wires to connect. Rear seat passengers enjoy their own USB port, and the auto-dimming rearview mirror includes HomeLink.
The Kona Electric Limited gains adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection on the driver-assist front.
With the $1,185 destination charge, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited costs $43,685. On a 60-month loan at 3% with no money down, the Limited’s monthly payment comes to $785, more than $150 over the SEL. See 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited models for sale
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited includes:
- Harman Kardon audio – a musical masterpiece and a must-have for audiophiles.
- Ventilated front seats – help keep front seat occupants cool when the temperature outside gets warm.
- Heated steering wheel – makes it easy to grip the wheel on cold winter days.
- Adaptive cruise control – maintains a set distance between the Kona Electric and the cars ahead. The system can even slow to a stop, then resume speed when the coast is clear.
Really helpful breakdown of the two trims, thank you. The Limited is definitely pricey but does have a few more things that I’d really want. It’s a tough price for me to get to so I’m probably just going to go with the Leaf.