Costs & verdict
Everyday costs, plus how reliable and safe it is
Compared to rivals including the Kia Niro EV and Volkswagen ID.3, the entry-level 39kWh Hyundai Kona Electric will set you back much less cash. Those cars both have bigger batteries though, so stepping up to the longer range 64kWh model, something we’d recommend, will put you much closer to their price tags.
As with all electric cars, though, the Kona Electric costs company car drivers peanuts to run, thanks to its very low benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax bills.
Every Kona Electric is well-equipped in other respects, too. Entry-level SE Connect gets you 17in alloy wheels, automatic lights, adaptive cruise control, climate control and keyless entry. Premium trim adds the LED headlights we've already mentioned but also rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, privacy glass and power folding door mirrors. As it's the entry point for the 64kWh battery, it's our pick. We wouldn’t bother with Ultimate, largely because you miss out on the government grant.
Hyundai scores well for reliability, coming 6th out of 31 manufacturers in the 2020 What Car? Reliability Survey. That’s one place below Mini, but above Honda, Kia, Peugeot and Volkswagen. If things go wrong, there’s a five-year unlimited mileage warranty with the battery itself covered for eight years.
