Hyundai Kona review

Overview

The original Kona Electric Premium 64 kWh is an appealing used EV for households that need more than an urban-only range but do not require a large SUV. This review concerns the 2019 UK pre-facelift OS, with a 150 kW front motor and single-speed transmission. It is not the smaller-battery version or the much larger second-generation Kona. The buying decision revolves around charging access and the individual car's battery history. A convincing inspection can make this a useful daily tool; a bargain price should never substitute for evidence that its high-voltage and charging systems are healthy.

Exterior and interior

The first Kona Electric replaces the combustion model's open grille with a charging-port nose and uses a different raised centre console. That gives it a recognisable layout without making the cabin luxurious. Premium's original eight-inch navigation display sits alongside physical controls, which should be tried from your preferred seat position. Check upholstery, door seals and the console's buttons carefully, particularly where an owner has regularly transported children or equipment. Inspect the charge-port flap as well as ordinary bodywork. The car's relatively compact exterior is an advantage in town only if visibility and access suit its actual driver.

Practicality

The period UK technical document lists a 332-litre VDA boot with all seats upright, expanding when the rear backrests are folded. This is useful small-car luggage capacity rather than the space suggested by some SUV advertising. Check whether charging cables, a pushchair and your normal bags can coexist under the cover. Rear-seat room also merits an in-person trial with the front seats correctly positioned. Five seats do not make the middle rear position generous. Buyers regularly carrying tall adults or bulky family equipment should compare a roomier EV instead of assuming the long-range battery creates long-distance family comfort. Measure your garage with the front charging cable connected, allowing a safe route around the plug rather than leaving it strained against a wall. Check access to the rear seats on both sides, especially where a child restraint would leave little room for another passenger. Inspect the parcel shelf, boot-floor supports and supplied tyre-repair equipment. A buyer moving from a larger combustion SUV may find the Kona's compact load bay more important than its familiar high body shape, so repeat the test with the belongings carried on a real weekend away.

Driving experience

Independent first-generation assessments, including a period Auto Express long-term test and Carwow's archived review, provide context for a compact EV with immediate response and ordinary crossover practicality. Their impressions are not first-hand RoadMatch testing. On a viewing, assess low-speed control, the selectable regenerative braking and the transition to friction brakes. Include a rough road and a safe faster stretch to judge noise and ride for yourself. Listen for a repeated whine or rumble from the drive unit rather than dismissing every sound as normal electric operation. Strong acceleration is less valuable if the car is uncomfortable on your routine roads.

Performance

Hyundai's original UK technical sheet quotes 204 PS, approximately 201 bhp, and 7.6 seconds from 0–62 mph for the 64 kWh version. Later documents contain different figures and are not back-applied here. Front-wheel drive means enthusiastic use of the motor can challenge traction, especially with poor tyres or wet surfaces. Demonstrate progressive rather than abrupt acceleration and inspect matching tyres before admiring the response. The car needs no gear changes, but it is still a relatively compact family crossover, not a performance model. Safe overtaking decisions must reflect visibility, load and the available road rather than a brochure time.

Fuel economy

The original UK document gives a revised 279-mile WLTP potential range for the 64 kWh car. This is a laboratory maximum, not a promise for an ageing battery, winter motorway trip or repeated heated short journeys. Establish a conservative route plan with a reserve and use a credible battery-health report alongside observed charging behaviour. A home tariff makes a large difference to costs; dependence on rapid charging changes both the bill and the routine. Do not assume this early car charges like a later Kona or a modern high-voltage EV. Test the charging setup you intend to use.

Reliability

RoadMatch's moderate-confidence reliability judgement is conditional on documented battery and campaign history, not a guarantee or a measured failure probability. Ask Hyundai to confirm VIN-specific recall status and retain records of any pack replacement, software work and cooling-system maintenance. A battery replacement should be explained with dates, mileage and applicable cover, not simply advertised as making the entire car new. Inspect the underside for impacts, test the 12 V system and investigate propulsion or charging warnings. An independent EV-qualified inspection is proportionate here. Dashboard range estimates alone cannot establish remaining battery capacity or freedom from charging faults.

Safety

The official 2017 Euro NCAP Kona record was consulted, but its public applicability table lists combustion and hybrid versions without explicitly listing this Electric. RoadMatch therefore uses it only as related-generation context and does not claim an exact UK Electric assessment from that record. A later second-generation result is also not substituted. The manufacturer's UK Electric equipment sheet confirms assistance functions for Premium, which should be checked on the actual car. Examine warning lights, sensor areas, belts and windscreen repair records. No authority ratings, scores or graphics are reproduced, and driver aids never remove the need for attentive control.

Technology and features

Original Premium equipment includes phone projection, navigation, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and adaptive cruise control. Heated and ventilated front seats belonged to Premium SE in the launch specification, so an ordinary Premium does not gain them from a generic advert. Demonstrate your phone, navigation prompts, camera, sensors and cruise controls without provoking an emergency intervention. Check the in-car charging schedule and confirm what connected services, if any, actually work; later app-based functions are not assumed. The charge port, cables and locking mechanism are part of the technology inspection, not accessories to check after purchase.

Running costs

RoadMatch's £9,500–£14,500 used-price band is a planning estimate dated 3 October 2026 rather than a live market check. For an illustrative 8,000 miles at 3.5 miles per kWh, add 10% charging losses and use 25p per kWh at home: electricity costs about £629. A £200 tax allowance and £350–£800 routine service, MOT and wear reserve put the rounded annual total near £1,200–£1,650 before insurance, depreciation, finance and major faults. Verify actual tax and tariff. Public charging, tyres and high-voltage repairs can materially alter the calculation; obtain personal quotes rather than expecting an EV to be cost-free.

Advantages and disadvantages