The Hyundai Kona is a runaway sales success. Termed a “compact sport utility vehicle” by the manufacturer, it is proof — if any was needed — that styling sells cars. The Kona is certainly a looker. It may be the perfect choice for shoppers looking for a cute ute, one that is neither too big nor too small.
Just introduced last fall, the Kona is selling at more than a 5,000 car per month clip in both the US and European markets. The base model with a gas engine and front wheel drive starts at $19,500, although a quick internet search reveals local dealers are offering them at up to $1,500 below sticker price. The price of the top of the line all wheel drive model with a turbocharged engine is $28,700.
But the car people are really excited about is the Kona Electric with a 64 kWh battery. It’s not on sale yet, but the EPA has rated it at 258 miles of range. Its MPGe numbers are 132 city, 108 highway and 120 combined. For comparison purposes, the Tesla Model 3 MPGe ratings are 131 city, 120 highway and 126 combined. Well done, Hyundai. (h/t InsideEVs)
Compact SUVs are ground zero in the new car market today. That means the Hyundai Kona Electric is perfectly positioned to capture sales from people who want one that travels on electrons instead of molecules. In Norway, where the top model sells for a touch over $42,000, the Kona Electric is already sold out for the rest of 2018 as Hyundai rushes to build enough cars to meet the demand.
Prices in the US have not been officially announced, but if the EPA ratings are any indication, they will be soon. Expect the electric version of the car to be well equipped and list for less than $40,000. Here is what the EPA sticker in the window will look like when you get to see one of these cars up close and personal at your local dealer.
Hyundai says the car will come with a 7.2 kW onboard charger and be compatible with CCS 100 kW fast charging. Charging time on a 240 volt charger is estimated to be 4 hours.
The Kona Electric has just about everything a car buyer today could want in a compact SUV. For now, Hyundai can sell every one of them it can build. That situation won’t last forever, so the question is whether it can capitalize on its ability to bring the right car to market at the right time.
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