2025 Hyundai Kona Electric Review: How Does It Stack Up in 2025’s EV Market?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona electric shows its determination to bring electric travel to more mainstream consumers. As a compact pure electric SUV, it strikes a balance in terms of range, price and configuration, making it one of the most affordable electric SUVs on the market today. Consumers can choose from four different configurations, covering a wide range of battery capacities and power outputs to meet various driving needs.Not only that, Kona electric also integrates modern technology, unique design and comprehensive warranty of modern vehicles, with familiar SUV shape and zero emission driving experience, smooth connection between the transformation of traditional fuel SUV and full EVs.

2025 Hyundai KONA Electric Versions

The 2025 Hyundai KONA Electric offers four configuration levels: SE, SEL, N Line and Limited, to meet the needs of different users. The SE is the base model, equipped with a 133hp motor and a 48.6 kWh battery, offering a range of approximately 200 miles. Equipped with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and touchscreen, LED lights, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and Hyundai SmartSense safety features. The SEL has been upgraded to 201 hp and a large 64.8 kWh battery, increasing its range to approximately 261 miles. It also features a new roof rack, heated front seats, an electric driver's seat, and a leather steering wheel. The N Line is targeted at performance enthusiasts. It continues to feature the same power combination but adds sporty elements. 19-inch alloy wheels, sporty exterior package, ambient lighting, Bose audio system, digital key, wireless charging and Alcantara/ synthetic leather seats. The Limited is the top-of-the-line model. Besides the luxurious and technological features of the N Line, it also comes with a hands-free smart tailgate, surround view monitoring, blind spot view, ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel, further enhancing comfort and safety.

Exterior and Interior

The 2025 Hyundai KONA Electric Edition has undergone a complete makeover in both appearance and interior, presenting a modern and futuristic design style.In appearance, the body lines are more simple and smooth, equipped with a new front grille shape, upgraded LED headlights and taillights, optimized pneumatic body panel, a variety of wheel hub options, and higher ground clearance, giving consideration to fashion and practicality. In terms of interior design, the cockpit is centered around the driver, equipped with a digital instrument panel and touchscreen infotainment system. It is complemented by high-quality seat materials and more spacious luggage space, offering a five-seat layout and multi-directional adjustable seats to enhance comfort. The storage design covers multiple locations inside the vehicle, facilitating daily use. Soft-touch materials are applied to key contact areas, balancing durability and texture. The center console integrates air conditioning control with the central touch screen, retaining physical buttons for frequently used functions to ensure convenient operation.Exterior and interior color options vary with configuration, allowing consumers to create an ideal visual style according to their personal preferences.

Performance

The KONA Electric is equipped with an electric motor that can output 133 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of instantaneous torque, providing rapid acceleration performance and is highly suitable for urban driving. The electric power system eliminates the lag of traditional engines. You can get immediate power as soon as you step on the accelerator. Its main performance parameters include front-wheel drive and single-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and seamless power transmission.The N Line version maintains the same power system, but adds sporty elements and more responsive handling. Compared with gasoline engines, electric motors operate quieter, creating a quiet driving environment. Regenerative braking systems help recover energy and allow drivers to adjust the braking force to optimize the driving experience and efficiency.No matter what the outside temperature, Kona electric can stably output power, although the extreme low temperature may have some impact on the battery efficiency, but the overall performance is still reliable.

Technology and Systems

TheKONA Electric is equipped with dual 12.3-inch curved panoramic displays, one as a digital dashboard and the other as an infotainment system, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for wirelessly connected smartphones without cables. The vehicle is equipped with advanced driving assistance systems and connected car services, supporting remote monitoring of charging status and battery power. Drivers can also set the interior temperature in advance. The intelligent battery management system, DC fast charging and regenerative braking technology jointly enhance charging efficiency and energy utilization. The technical configuration of Kona Electric is gradually upgraded according to four different decoration levels: SE, SEL, N Line and Limited. The electric power system is seamlessly integrated with the overall technical system, optimizing performance and providing real-time feedback on energy consumption and driving efficiency.

Range and Charging Time

The KONA Electric offers diverse range capabilities based on different decoration levels, and the charging time varies depending on the type of power supply, supporting level 1, level 2, and DC fast charging. The level 1 charging uses a standard 120V household socket, which is relatively slow. Secondary charging significantly speeds up charging efficiency through a 240V power supply, and all models are equipped with 11kW on-board chargers. Specifically, the SE model is equipped with a 48.6 kWh battery, and it takes approximately 4 hours and 55 minutes to charge from 10% to 100% on level 2 charging. In contrast, the SEL, N Line and Limited models are equipped with a 64.8 kWh battery, and the full charging time is about 6 hours and 5 minutes. Most users are accustomed to using level 2 charging at night or during working hours, which is both convenient and can meet the daily battery life needs.The vehicle uses a standard J1772 charging interface and a dedicated 240V charging station to further improve charging convenience and efficiency.

DC fast charging offers an efficient solution for long-distance travel and quick energy replenishment. The 2025 KONA Electric supports up to 100 kWh of DC fast charging. Whether it is a 48.6 kWh or 64.8 kWh battery, all configuration models can be charged from 10% to 80% in approximately 43 minutes. This vehicle is equipped with CCS connectors and is compatible with most public fast charging networks. The charging speed may vary due to factors such as battery temperature, current battery level and charger power, and usually peaks at 10% to 50% of the battery capacity.The KONA Electric is equipped with vehicle load capacity and supports the power supply of external devices via an optional V2L adapter for enhanced vehicle flexibility.

Pricing

The base SE trim starts at $32,975 for the 2025 Hyundai KONA electric, making it one of the more affordable electric SUVs on the market. This car offers four different trim levels, with prices in sequence as SE ($32,975), SEL ($36,975), the newly launched sporty N Line ($38,375), and the flagship Limited ($41,150). N Line adds sporty style elements and more functions on the basis of SEL, while Limited is equipped with more advanced facilities and technologies. The price difference between the base and top-of-the-line models is approximately $8,175. The configurations are gradually upgraded, featuring more abundant equipment and distinctive features.

Conclusion

The 2025 Hyundai KONA Electric and the 2025 Kia EV9 represent two different types of EV ownership experience. Kona Electric mainly targets the compact SUV market, suitable for urban commuting and small families, with a starting price ranging from $46,499 to CAD 52,199. The EV9, on the other hand, caters to the needs of a three-row large family and is priced at around $75,000. Both adopt the electric platform of Hyundai Motor Group, are equipped with a similar 160 kW power configuration, and are fitted with modern charging and infotainment systems. The main difference lies in that the Kona Electric has a 5-seat layout, a more compact body and smaller luggage space, making it more suitable for urban environments. The EV9 offers 7 to 8 seats and a more spacious cargo area, making it suitable for users who have higher demands for space. The choice of which model to use mainly depends on an individual's space requirements and budget. Singles or small families prefer the economical and practical KONA Electric, while large families that need third-row seats will consider the EV9. No matter which one you choose, both offer competitive battery life and advanced safety features in their respective market segments.