The first-generation Hyundai Kona sent a message that subcompact crossovers did not have to be boring. It had loud colour options, outside-the-box styling, and was surprisingly fun to drive with the optional turbo engine. Hyundai followed up on this in short order with an optional electric powertrain for more environmentally conscious buyers, and that lineup structure continues with the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric.

What’s new for 2025?

Following a full redesign last year, the 2025 Kona lineup is pretty much a carry-over. The good news is, this second-generation model retains much of what we loved about the original Kona. It still offers a number of powertrain options, it still looks funky, and it’s much roomier and more comfortable inside than before. The bad news is, my biggest complaint remains: the interior still feels like a step down from its competitors. Much of the plastics on the dash, centre console, and door panel are hard to the touch and feel cheap, especially for its near-$50,000 as-tested price. Jump into something like a Mazda CX-30, and you can see what others can do for much less money.

Style, comfort, and cargo

Thankfully, the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV looks good inside and is ergonomically pleasing. Everything is smartly laid-out and well within reach. The dual 12.3-inch displays serving as the gauge cluster and infotainment touchscreen are crystal clear; ease-of-use is clearly the name of the game when it comes to Hyundai’s user interface. An eight-speaker Bose sound system does an adequate job here in the Kona EV, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. For those who prefer not to rely on their smartphones for everything, Hyundai offers built-in navigation as well here.

Thanks to its increased dimensions over the first-generation Kona, the 2025 model fits five comfortably for the most part. Headroom isn’t an issue regardless of where you sit, but if you’re over six-feet tall, anyone sitting behind you will find it tight but doable. The rear cargo area has a very usable 723 litres of space with the seats up, growing to 1,084 L when folded flat.

Outside, the Kona Electric sets itself apart from gas models with a few small tweaks—nothing too dramatic, but noticeable if you look close enough. It does the futuristic and modern thing, looking like something you’d expect out of a sci-fi movie from a decade or two ago. The solid LED light bars up front and out back remain eye-catching and distinctive, especially at night. I thought the wheels looked rather plain and a touch too small considering the rest of the vehicle, though I’m sure the design helps with aerodynamics. Besides the plain-Jane wheels, the Kona Electric is attractive for a small crossover.

Powertrain, driving impressions, and range

Power comes from a single electric motor pumping out 201 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque. It works with a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery pack rated at 64.8 kWh. Those numbers might not jump out at you at first, but they’re good enough to get the Kona Electric from zero to 100 km/h in just over seven seconds. It’s quick for sure, but with power going only to the front wheels, you’ll likely observe a bit of wheelspin when you floor it from a standstill. Take it easy and the Kona Electric moves swiftly; it rides comfortably and remains quiet at speed on the highway, but at the expense of hard cornering performance. That’s OK, this isn’t a Kona N.

Connected to a DC fast-charger, Hyundai says you can expect to recharge the battery from 10 to 80 percent in about 43 minutes. That’s good, but much longer than an Ioniq 5, which needs about half the time as long as you can find a Level 3 charger that’s fast enough. Plugged into a Level 2 charger and that’s good enough for a zero-to-full charge in about six hours. In my time with the Kona Electric, I only had to charge it once—its 420-kilometre range proved more than enough for my daily commute, several errands through the week, and a trip downtown.

Is the 2025 Kona Electric worth it?

Canada only gets one trim level for the Kona Electric, but U.S. buyers get two motor options—our 201-hp variant, or an entry-level 133-horsepower version—allowing for a lower point of entry. This is where my largest issue lies; our pricing puts the Kona Electric not far off from other EV crossovers, like the Chevrolet Equinox EV and Hyundai’s own Ioniq 5, with even more interior space, range, and at least optional all-wheel drive. Base Kona EVs start at $46,499, which is a difficult-enough pill to swallow, but our tester works out to $51,299 as-tested thanks to the Ultimate package. By comparison, a single-motor Ioniq 5 with the larger 84 kWh battery, 500+ kilometres of range, faster charging capabilities, and an even roomier interior will run you $55,499.

The Ioniq 5 may have changed the game for the company, but that doesn’t mean the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is entirely pointless. It will save you a few bucks over an Ioniq 5, while still offering a usable interior, good range, and great road manners for a daily commuter.