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Price Range: Less Than
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$154,765
mpg/MPGe Range: More Than
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Introduction:

To help members understand the latest automotive technology so they can purchase vehicles that best suit their needs, the Automobile Club of Southern California's Automotive Research Center (ARC) began testing and reviewing vehicles over a decade ago

For the 2023 edition, we include testing and ranking cars and light trucks with the latest technology, including having at least one advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) feature. In addition to vehicle evaluation, the guide covers a number of pertinent automotive topics in detail—for example, the latest advanced safety features, how to properly maintain your vehicle, and new vehicles coming to market in the next few years.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Limited

Vehicle Type: SUV Electric
85
 overall score
Category Ranking: 15

Vehicle Price

Base Price: $42,500
Price as Tested: $43,880

Fuel Information

Fuel Type: Electricity
120V Charge Time: 5.4 miles per hour
240V Charge Time: 27.2 miles per hour
DC Fast Charger: 10% to 80% in 47 minutes
EPA City MPGe132
EPA Highway MPGe108
EPA Combined MPGe120
EPA-Est. Electric Range (mi): 258

Advanced Safety Features

  • Adaptive Cruise Control [O]
  • Advanced Headlights [O]
  • Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • Blind-Spot Warning [S]
  • Driver Monitoring [S]
  • Forward-Collision Warning [S]
  • Lane-Departure Warning [S]
  • Lane-Keeping Assistance [S]
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Warning [S]
  • Reverse Automatic Emergency Braking [S]
  • [S] Standard, [O] Optional

Overall Observations

The Hyundai Kona Electric, introduced in 2019, is basically an electrified version of the standard Kona SUV. In 2022, the compact crossover got a face-lift and took measures to reduce cabin noise. We tested the top-trim Limited edition. The Kona Electric has a lot going for it: The floor-mounted battery’s weight lowers the Kona’s center of gravity, improving its handling, and its powerful electric motor provides punchy acceleration and torque. Other noteworthy qualities include a decent range and DC fast-charging capability. A full suite of advanced safety features and heated front seats are standard. Leather seating, a power driver’s seat, and a 10-inch infotainment screen are available on higher trim levels. The Kona Electric could use some improvement in a few areas, though. The quality of the interior materials, especially the dash, feels cheap. The steering lacks precision and responsiveness (and includes some torque steer), room in the backseat is tight, and cargo space is lacking.

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Strengths and Weaknesses

Strong Points

  • • Good overall value
  • • Strong acceleration and torque
  • • Good MPGe and range

Weak Points

  • • Cheap interior look and feel
  • • Imprecise steering
  • • Tight backseat and cargo area

Vehicle Specifications

Model year tested: 2022
Number of passengers (F/R): 2/3
Curb weight (lbs): 3760.0
Exterior L / W / H (in): 165.6 / 70.9 / 61.2
Wheelbase (in): 102.4
Number of air bags: 7
Warranty (months/miles): 60/60,000
Tire manufacturer and model: Nexen Npriz AH8
Front and rear tire size: 215/55 R17
Max towing capacity (lbs): Not recommended
Headlight type: LED
Transmission type: Auto 1-speed
Drivetrain type: Front wheel
Engine/motor: Single electric motor
Electric motor horsepower: 201

Test Data

Test Vehicle Scores

Advanced Safety Features:

9.40

Fuel Efficiency:

10.00

EPA Emissions Score:

10.00

Acceleration:

6.10

Braking:

3.90
Handling: 6.45
Quality and Drivability: 6.94

Ride Quality:

6.68

Interior Size:

3.46

Easy of Entry and Exit:

6.57

Visibility:

6.26

Interior Noise:

8.03

Cargo Capacity:

1.62
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