The Hyundai Kona Electric is an affordable electric SUV that offers good value and responsive handling. However, it also has some limitations to consider before purchasing. This article will provide an in-depth look at 6 potential drawbacks:
- Limited availability – only sold in specific regions
- No all-wheel drive option
- Less rear legroom than rivals
- Sluggish acceleration
- Adaptive cruise control only on higher trims
- Less cargo space than competitors
Below we‘ll explore each area in detail, outlining the pros and cons with supporting data. We‘ll also highlight some alternatives to think about if these cons are dealbreakers for you. Our goal isn‘t to definitively declare the Kona Electric should be avoided, but rather equip you with objective information so you can determine if it aligns with your needs and priorities.
Reason 1: Regional Availability is Very Limited
One curious limitation of the Kona Electric is that Hyundai only sells it in specific states:
States Where Kona Electric is Sold
- California
- Connecticut
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New York
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- VermontThis makes the Kona Electric unique among small electric SUVs in having such restricted regional availability. If you live outside those areas, you won‘t even have the option to purchase one from your local dealer.
The Pros
- In regions where it‘s available, it can be easier to find Kona Electric inventory compared to supply-constrained rivals
The Cons
- No availability for majority of U.S. buyers based on location
- Limits brand exposure and mainstream adoption
So if you don‘t reside in one of those states, the Kona Electric being unavailable takes it off your shopping list entirely. That may be enough reason alone to avoid it and look at more widely-available options.
Reason 2: No All-Wheel Drive Option
The Kona Electric only comes with front-wheel drive:
Kona Electric Drivetrain Configurations
- Front-wheel driveThere are no all-wheel drive variants offered. The electric motor and battery pack are mounted up front, so power only goes to those wheels.
The Pros
- Simpler, cheaper drivetrain than dual-motor AWD EVs
- Adequate traction for most conditions
The Cons
- Reduced control/stability in poor weather
- Other EVs offer AWD (see alternatives later)
If you want maximum traction or live in areas with frequent rain/snow, the lack of AWD could be a dealbreaker. But if you reside in drier climates, front-wheel drive may suffice for daily commuting.
Reason 3: Less Rear Legroom Than Competitors
The Kona Electric has limited back seat legroom:
Rear Legroom
Kona Electric: 33 inches
Chevy Bolt EUV: 39 inches
Kia Niro EV: 35 inches As you can see, both the Chevy Bolt EUV and Kia Niro EV offer significantly more stretch-out space for rear passengers.
The Pros
- Adequate legroom for kids or short trips
- Similar legroom to gas Kona
The Cons
- Very tight on legroom for adults
- Worse than rivals in same price range
If you frequently drive adult passengers or need maximum interior room, the cramped back seat could be a key reason to avoid the Kona Electric. Families may want to strongly consider more spacious alternatives.
Reason 4: Sluggish Acceleration
The Kona Electric‘s power and acceleration performance is mediocre for an EV:
Performance Stats
- 201 horsepower
- 0-60 mph in 6.6 secondsIt delivers responsive handling for solid urban mobility. However, the straight-line acceleration lags behind sportier rivals.
The Pros
- Good around-town responsiveness and handling
- On par with gas Kona acceleration
The Cons
- Relatively slow 0-60 time for an EV
- Lagging performance versus rivals
If you want a zippy, exhilarating EV, the Kona Electric leaves a lot to be desired. Performance-minded buyers may find the modest acceleration underwhelming.
Reason 5: Adaptive Cruise Only on Higher Trims
The Kona Electric reserves advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control for range-topping variants:
Trim Levels with Adaptive Cruise Control
- Limited
- N Line w/ Tech package Lower SE and SEL models lack this key feature.
The Pros
- Available on top Limited and N Line trims
- Can be added affordably via packages
The Cons
- Not standard across lineup like some rivals
- An important missing safety feature on base models
Having to step up to more expensive starting points just to get adaptive cruise control could be a turnoff versus other EVs that include it standard.
Reason 6: Less Cargo Space Than Rivals
Behind the rear seats, the Kona Electric offers 19 cubic feet of cargo room. While reasonably versatile, some competitors eke out a bit more volume:
Cargo Capacity
Kona Electric: 19 cubic feet
Niro EV: 23 cubic feet
ID.4: 30 cubic feetYou can fold the rear seats for more room, but the absolute maximum cargo capacity remains lower than alternatives.
The Pros
- Space sufficient for daily errands or smaller loads
- Similar cargo room to gas Kona
The Cons
- Less volume than Niro EV or ID.4
- Rear seats must fold for full capacity
If you frequently haul larger items or bulky gear, the marginal cargo room could push you towards more spacious EVs. But for lighter duties, the usable cargo hold gets the job done.
If those limitations seem like dealbreakers for your needs, several alternatives exist that are worth checking out:
1. Chevy Bolt EUV – Very similar price point to the Kona EV. Offers a smoother ride, much better rear legroom, and slightly faster charging. However, its exterior styling is a bit bland by comparison.
2. Kia Niro EV – Another affordable small electric SUV alternative. It delivers even more cargo room than the Kona and a sleek modern design. Acceleration is equally modest though.
3. Volkswagen ID.4 – The ID.4 has cutting-edge tech features, a sharp premium interior, and much better storage capacity. It comes at a higher starting price but also qualifies for the $7,500 federal tax credit to help offset that cost.
4. Tesla Model 3 – The Model 3 offers vastly superior performance, technology, range, and charging compared to the Kona Electric. It‘s in a higher vehicle and price class but delivers impressive EV capabilities for not much more upfront outlay.
The Hyundai Kona Electric is still a solid affordable EV. For the right buyer living in a region it‘s sold who doesn‘t need AWD or maximum interior room, it retains some appeal. However, there are good reasons why it may not suit wider audiences or driving requirements.
Carefully assess your must-have features, performance needs, and cargo/passenger space demands. If the Kona Electric‘s limitations identified above are dealbreakers or you simply want more EV for your money, several compelling alternatives exist worthy of your consideration.
Test driving options can help clarify the best match for your priorities. And be sure to check latest incentives, rebates, tax credits, and projected ownership costs – not just MSRP – when making comparisons.
Hopefully this overview equips you to determine if the drawbacks of the Hyundai Kona Electric are prohibitive factors for your situation or if its strengths still make it a viable contender among small electric SUVs. Let me know if you have any other questions!
