Hyundai Kona against Volvo EX40

The compact electric SUV from Volvo now has a new name that has been changed to another naming style: the Volvo EX40 (formerly the XC40) had to compete with the revised Hyundai Kona in the Auto Zeitung test in the 10/2024 issue. Both models had their own strengths and weaknesses, but both shared one problem: they had difficulty coping with cold weather during the test period.

The Hyundai Kona with a large usable energy battery of 65.4 kWh and the Extended Range Volvo EX40 Single Motor were specifically compared. This one has the biggest battery on board with 79 kWh, is almost ten centimeters long, weighs 300 kg and, at more than 55,000 euros, is also a good 10,000 euros more expensive than the Korean one. So it’s not quite a fair comparison.

The most surprising thing, however, is that the Volvo got the lowest consumption value in the test at 23.9 kWh, while the Hyundai Kona drew 25.3 kWh from the battery according to the test report. In our experience, however, this is a high value compared to Kona. In addition to driving style, the aforementioned cold weather also plays a role here.

The Volvo theoretically charges twice as fast

In the asset rating categories – namely, body, driving comfort, engine/transmission and driving dynamics – from the tester’s perspective, the EX40 is ahead across the board – even if sometimes narrowly so. Interestingly, the smaller Hyundai does better when it comes to space. And testers also see the Korean ahead when it comes to handling and driving safety. The Swedish-Chinese, on the other hand, separates from Hyundai in terms of performance and stopping distance, among other things. And of course from the perspective of a large battery and low consumption in terms of range.

If the temperature was slightly below zero, both cars would definitely lack the maximum charging performance at the charging station. On paper, the Hyundai has a capacity of up to 102 kW, the Volvo is in a better position with up to 200 kW. The authors do not record how the payment performance was in the test. However, at least the charging current for both cars was stable.

However, the Hyundai is clearly ahead in the final environment/cost category – not least because of its low purchase price. But that is no longer enough to jeopardize the Volvo EX40’s victory. In the end he beats the Korean by 3040 to 3008 points out of a possible 5000 points. Testers describe the Volvo as “A well-built electric SUV that drives comfortably, though not too powerfully”. The low-end Hyundai, on the other hand, is also an electric car suitable for those who can live with a limited range.

Source: Auto Zeitung (10/2024, pages 58 to 63) – “Electricity for those who travel”