Hyundai Kona Electric now cheaper

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range is now available to order at a price $6000 below the existing Kona Electric.

At the same time, Hyundai has reduced the prices of its continuing Kona Electric models – now dubbed Extended Range – by up to $2000.

Both battery/powertrain streams are available in two trim levels – Elite or flagship Highlander – with the range kicking off at $54,500 plus on-road costs for the Kona Electric Elite Standard Range.

Naturally, the price reduction for the Kona Electric Standard Range models comes at a cost.

The Kona Standard Range will travel 305km on one battery charge, which is markedly less than the official ADR-verified 557km range of the Kona Extended Range.

That’s due to the smaller battery in the more affordable variant – 39.2kWh versus 64kWh for the Kona Extended Range.

Power for the Standard Range Kona is down too, just 100kW versus 150kW for the Kona Extended Range. Torque remains the same, however, at 395Nm.

While the new variants are more affordable than the Tesla Model 3 and the Nissan LEAF e+ – both passenger cars – the electric Kona small SUV at its most affordable still sits $12,000 upstream of the MG ZS EV (from $44,990 drive-away), which produces 105kW/353Nm and has a 320km range.

At the Elite trim level, the Kona Electric Standard Range comes with auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather-accented upholstery, keyless entry/starting, climate control, wireless smartphone charging, power windows and heated fold-in power mirrors.

The 10.25-inch infotainment screen runs satellite navigation and an eight-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with digital radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

In addition, the Highlander grade features a front park assist system, LED headlights, high beam assist, head-up display, glass sunroof, electrically adjustable cooled front seats, heated front and rear (outboard) seats, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated steering wheel and ambient lighting.

Safety features across the range comprise blind spot monitoring with collision avoidance assist, driver fatigue monitoring, forward collision warning/autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane follow assist, rear cross traffic alert/autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear occupant alert, safe exit warning and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go function.

How much does the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric cost?
Standard Range Elite – $54,500 (new)
Standard Range Highlander – $58,000 (new)
Extended Range Elite – $60,500 (-$1500)
Extended Range Highlander – $64,000 (-$2000)
* Prices exclude on-road costs