The slow, but steady stream of 2024 Hyundai Kona details continues, along with some specifications for the electric version. Apart from being bigger overall, the small SUV gets a slightly bigger battery pack as well as slightly more horsepower than its predecessor. And it has a slight edge over its cousin, the Kia Niro EV.
Supplying power is a 65.4-kWh battery pack, which marks an increase of 1.4 kWh. And while it’s not much, it’s enough to squeak out a bit more range. In comparison to the WLTP range, the new one can go 304 miles as opposed to 301. EPA range will of course be lower, but there should be a slight bump over the current Kona Electric’s 258-mile range as well as the Niro EV’s 253-mile range. Category.
Interestingly, there is now a shorter-range Kona Electric with a 48.4-kWh battery pack as well as a less powerful electric motor. Hyundai hasn’t said in its official materials whether it will be offered in the US, but car and driver indicates that there is reason to believe that it will not make it to the state’s shores. We’d be inclined to agree, as it might be a tough case when a similarly low-range Nissan Leaf would undoubtedly be more affordable, and a more powerful, longer-range Chevy Bolt would probably cost similarly.
On the subject of power, the long-range Kona Electric we’re almost certainly getting now makes 218 horsepower, which is 17 more than the old Kona or the current Niro. This comes at the obvious cost of torque though. Hyundai lists just 188 pound-feet of twist instead of the tire-chirping 291 you can get now. The short-range Kona has similar torque but much less power at 156 horsepower.
Hyundai also shared a few more details about the features of the new Kona, especially the electric one. Like the Ioniq 5 and 6, there is a “rest seat” option for the driver’s position. Vehicle-to-load bi-directional charging is also available like the Ioniqs, either via an internal outlet or with a CCS-adapter for the outside. Peak charging rates weren’t given, but Hyundai estimates it to take 41 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. And a host of tech features are available including blind-spot monitoring with cameras, adaptive cruise control, digital keys and remote parking assist.
More details are yet to come, such as pricing and N line specifications. They should be coming soon as we approach the 2024 model year.
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