2019 Hyundai Kona Electric: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for 2019 is the debut of the Kona Electric as an all-new U.S.-market compact electric crossover. It has a 64-kWh battery, a 201-hp front motor, and an EPA-estimated 258-mile range.
About the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric
1st generation (2019-2023 U.S. model years), first U.S. model year
Hyundai positioned the Kona Electric as a compact, practical EV for eco-focused drivers with active daily lives. Its defining strengths were a long 258-mile EPA-estimated range, quick electric acceleration, standard DC fast charging, an elevated crossover seating position, and usable hatchback cargo space in a city-friendly footprint. Compared with early mainstream EV rivals, it combined strong range and efficiency with familiar crossover controls, smartphone integration, and substantial standard safety equipment.
The SEL serves as the practical core of the lineup, with heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Limited adds leather seating, a sunroof, LED headlights, and wireless phone charging, while the top trim adds navigation, upgraded audio, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and stop-and-go cruise control.
What changed, by category
2019 Hyundai Kona Electric specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | Electric Motor | Electric Motor | Electric Motor |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Reduction Gear | Single-Speed Reduction Gear | Single-Speed Reduction Gear |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD | FWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 201 hp | 201 hp | 201 hp |
| Torque | 290 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft | 290 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 45.8 cu-ft | 45.8 cu-ft | 45.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 33.4 in | 33.4 in | 33.4 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 258 | 258 | 258 |
| MPGe Combined | 120 | 120 | 120 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||
| Automatic High Beams | |||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | |||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Subwoofer | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Power Driver Seat | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||
Frequently asked questions
Was 2019 the first U.S. model year for the Hyundai Kona Electric?
Yes. The 2019 Kona Electric was the model’s first U.S. model year and began its first generation in this market.
What was the driving range of the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric?
The 2019 Kona Electric had an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles. The same estimate applied to all three trims.
Did every 2019 Kona Electric support DC fast charging?
Yes. DC fast-charging hardware using an SAE Combo connection was standard on every 2019 Kona Electric trim.
Did all 2019 Kona Electric trims have the same battery and motor?
Yes. Every 2019 Kona Electric used a 64-kWh battery and a 201-hp electric motor that drove the front wheels through a single-speed transmission.
How did the three 2019 Kona Electric trims differ?
SEL covered the everyday essentials, Limited added comfort features, and the top trim focused on added cabin technology. Limited had leather seating, a sunroof, LED headlights, and wireless phone charging; the top trim added navigation, upgraded audio, ventilated front seats, a head-up display, and stop-and-go cruise control.