2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Summary Points
The 2024 Kona Electric kicks off the second-generation model of the brand’s popular small EV crossover.
Changes and updates include a larger body, longer wheelbase, and an energy-dense 64.8 kWh battery that delivers an estimated 260 miles of range.
Expect a starting MSRP in the $34,000 neighborhood with the destination fee.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: What’s New?
The second-gen Hyundai Kona Electric is all-new for 2024. Still as “trendy” as ever, the second-generation Kona has a longer wheelbase and more cargo room than the 2023 model. It’s almost six inches longer than before, and the 2.3-inch longer wheelbase should be enough to make the 2024 Kona’s rear quarters a better fit for adult passengers.
Similar to the outgoing Kona that reshuffled buyers’ perception of what a “car” should look like, the Kona Electric is brandishing a modernist façade derived from the brand’s Staria people carrier sold in other parts of the world.
The Kona’s cyborg-inspired styling will undoubtedly turn heads, while its sleek, aerodynamically optimized body panels deliver a stellar 0.27 drag coefficient to maximize range and efficiency.
Moreover, those “Pixelated Seamless Horizon” lighting elements and graphics fortify the vehicle’s high-tech vibe. The Kona Electric is available in 10 paint hues, including Meta Blue Pearl, Neoteric Yellow, Mirage Green, Cyber Gray, Abyss Black, and Soultronic Orange.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric. Photo: Hyundai Motor America.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Range
All 2024 Kona Electrics have a single, front-mounted electric motor. The base Kona Electric SE has a smaller 48.6 kWh battery and a 133-horsepower electric motor, suitable for a manufacturer-estimated 197 miles of range.
Meanwhile, the Kona Electric SEL and Limited feature a 64.8 kWh battery and a 201-horsepower electric motor from the prior Kona Electric to deliver an EPA-estimated 260 miles of range.
Hyundai claims the bigger battery could recharge from 10 to 80 percent in 43 minutes with a 100 kW DC fast charger. Moreover, the new Kona Electric features bi-directional Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities (up to 1.7 kWh) to power appliances or external electronic equipment.
Interior Space & Cargo Capacity
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric’s growth spurt could only mean good things for its five-seat cabin. Measuring 171.5 inches long and 71.9 inches wide, it offers an interior volume of 126.7 cubic feet.
Importantly, the 2024 Kona Electric now delivers up to 25.5 cubic feet of storage room behind the second row, significantly more than the first-generation Kona’s tiny 19.2 cubic-foot trunk. In addition, the Kona Electric has a front trunk or “frunk” that offers 27 liters of cargo space.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Starting MSRP
The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric has three trim grades: SE, SEL, and Limited.
The SE starts at $34,010, about $870 less than the prior model. The lower price extends to the SEL ($38,010) and Limited ($42,380), which is about $500 to $600 less than before. All price figures include the $1,335 destination fee.
The new Kona Electric’s slightly lower entry price is good news as it does not qualify for federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. In a market where new car prices are consistently on the uptrend, the 2024 Kona Electric’s lower base price is a welcome relief.
Buyers can expect new amenities across the Kona Electric lineup, like a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Other features include heated and ventilated front seats, an available 12-inch heads-up display, and an active sound system that plays “virtual driving sounds” while the Kona is moving.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Safety Features
The 2024 Kona Electric is standard with Hyundai’s SmartSense technology. The package includes forward collision avoidance, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit warning, driver attention warning, navigation-based cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, and highway driving assist.
Hyundai Kona Electric Warranty
The 2024 Hyundai Kona leaves the Ulsan, South Korea factory with a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 10-year/100,000-mile battery warranty. A three-year/36,000-mile complimentary maintenance plan is standard from the factory.
Options are available to extend the warranty coverage on any Hyundai vehicle, including the Kona. See this comprehensive guide to learn more about whether you need additional coverage or not.
2024 Hyundai Kona Electric Conclusion
The all-new, second-generation Hyundai Kona Electric is worth considering when looking for a roomy, practical, and lower-priced EV that doesn’t skimp on cabin niceties and advanced safety tech. The redesign has put it on par with its higher-priced Hyundai and Kia EV siblings, while the lower base prices may offset the frustration of not qualifying for federal credits.
Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.
Photos & Source: Hyundai Motor America.
Original article: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric: New Styling, Two Battery Choices, DC Fast Charging, Lower Starting MSRP & More
