It’s done! I tested the new electric Kona from Hyundai Ride the Lightning

I knew the old man well. My boss Sylvain Juteau lent me one for a week in 2019 and I loved it. I also rented one two years ago when I went to visit the Vancouver area.

The Kona is very similar to my Bolt in that it is intended to be a practical, not too expensive model for families or people who need a versatile car. The dimensions are the same and so is the driving feel.

A new generation
When I first saw the new model, I wasn’t convinced that I liked the new look. But now I’m getting used to it. One thing is for sure, the new Kona has lost its good side. The new design is now more stable, more masculine.

It was the Hyundai dealership in Val-David that loaned me a shiny black Kona Ultimate to drive. As soon as I walked around it and sat inside, my impression was overwhelmingly positive. It really is a beautiful machine!

Bigger than ever
The big flaw of the old Kona was the rear seats and the trunk were a little tight. It gave it a nice look, but it wasn’t the most practical. For that reason, I preferred the Kia Niro which shared the same technology, but was bigger.

This limitation no longer exists, because the trunk of the new Kona is 33% larger and the rear seats can now accommodate older teenagers without problems. In addition, the bench seat hits practically flat, which is an important advantage in my opinion!

But it is certain ahead that we have a bigger surprise. The dashboard is pushed back, which means that we have a lot of space around us. I have never seen a crossover this size to be spacious!

Charging port
Others claimed that the charging port on the front of the car was a mistake. Know it’s always in the same place! I recharged on a fast terminal during this test and I do not agree with this criticism. On the contrary, I find it very practical. With my Bolt EUV, the port is on the side and sometimes it’s hard to pull a big cable there. For the front port it is easier, because you are connected to the terminal.

It is much better than my son’s Tesla which I use regularly and which has a port in the back. At express stops, you must always park backwards. No, I like the front port on the bumper. And for those who say that the small door can freeze in winter, know that the businessman Sébastien Provost confirmed to me that there was now a heating element in the door. “Just press the defrost button and you’re done,” he told me.

Road behavior
On the road, the new Kona behaves like the old one. The suspension is balanced well, the engine is strong and there is always this four regenerative powers that we activate with the paddles and that I find brilliant. (Most EVs have 2 regeneration powers.)

If I were to compare the road behavior of the Kona with my Bolt EUV, I would tell you that we feel like we are in a car that is a bit more stylish and quieter, but with a slightly “toy” ride. Anyway, it’s a great car and I can’t help but recommend it to you! There are two models, the Preferred for $38,630 plus tax (including subsidy) or the Ultimate for $43,430 plus tax (also including subsidy).

Straight to the podium
This is why I think it is almost the best electric car to buy in 2025.

1. It has been around for a long time, so it has a proven track record.
2. It is cheaper than most electric cars on the market. (Yes there is a Leaf, but it’s outdated with its heatless battery and its CHAdeMO port.)
3. Amazing space in the front, back and trunk (+ flat floor)
4. It has a long range (420 km) + heat pump on all models.
5. It is guaranteed for 5 years bumper to bumper.
6. The center screen is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. (I don’t know about you, but for me it’s important!)
7. The waiting time is two to five months depending on the style and color. This means that if you buy it in May, June or July, you are sure to have it before the end of the year and thus benefit from a full subsidy from the Quebec government.

People’s fears
Sweets. Are you going to tell me that you are hesitant because you heard that the charging speed is not as fast as the IONIQ 5 or 6?

This is all rubbish! The Kona EV charges really fast, I swear. And we even saved a few minutes with the new version. Not buying a Kona because of its charging speed is a mistake in my opinion. The charging speed of the Kona 2024 is quite good, trust me.

Hesitating because it’s not offered with AWD? Another mistake in my opinion. So let’s see! You do not need to have an AWD vehicle to drive safely in Quebec. Only those who have to take very steep roads need this. Stop wasting your money on AWD!

Are you afraid of driving? Well, forget rear-wheel drive EVs, but at least say yes to front-wheel drive EVs, please!

Finally, the price. You will tell me that electric cars are more expensive than petrol cars. Hmm, with subsidies and savings on gas, you might be surprised. One thing is for sure, if you choose the Kona Preferred (which is very well equipped by the way), you will save money compared to most gasoline vehicles!

Example: Kona EV vs gasoline CR-V
When we have a small family and want to change cars, our colleagues, friends, company, advertising, everything encourages us to buy an SUV such as the RAV4 petrol or CR-V (the two most popular SUVs in America).

Know that the mid-range Honda CR-V AWD (EXL) costs $46,398, all inclusive of tax*. That’s $7,769 more than Preferred Corner, if we factor in subsidies!

Even the base 2WD CR-V isn’t cheap. It costs $37,247, just $1,382 less than the 100% Preferred electric Kona (still including subsidy).

OK, the CR-V is a bit big and it’s a real SUV, but I swear to you that the Kona EV is not small and that you can make a very good living with a car of this size. And there are…

We don’t pollute anymore!
We are no longer releasing CO2 into the atmosphere!
We don’t pay for gas anymore!

Conclusion
I want to see more Quebecers buy Kona EVs in the coming months and take advantage of the full subsidy! Don’t like the look of Konas? Check out the Niro EV at Kia. This is also a good option because all the cars share the same technology.