Hyundai Kona Electric: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide

Last updated August 13, 2026

Hyundai Kona Electric

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a compact electric SUV known for fitting useful passenger and cargo space into an easy-to-park footprint. It pairs front-wheel drive with fast-charging capability, and longer-range versions from recent years travel up to an EPA-estimated 261 miles.

Since its 2019 U.S. debut, the Kona Electric has focused on making electric driving approachable in a small, practical SUV. The first generation combined strong daily range with simple controls and a city-friendly size. The 2024 redesign kept that formula but added more cargo room, a more modern cabin, and useful touches such as vehicle-to-load power.

Strengths

  • Its compact footprint makes it easy to place in traffic and tuck into tight parking spaces.
  • Longer-range versions from recent years are rated for up to 261 miles, enough for many commutes and day trips.
  • The 2024 redesign added about six cubic feet of cargo room, making the small SUV more useful for everyday hauling.
  • Fast-charging capability helps make longer drives more manageable.
  • Recent models pair straightforward controls with two large 12.3-inch displays.
  • Vehicle-to-load power lets recent versions run compatible external devices, and it became standard across the lineup for 2025.

Who it's for

It fits commuters and small households that want an electric vehicle that is easy to park but more practical than a small hatchback. It also suits drivers who take occasional day trips or light adventures, provided front-wheel drive and compact-SUV space meet their needs.

Hyundai Kona Electric lineup

The SE is the straightforward entry model and, in recent years, the shorter-range version. The SEL is the middle trim for shoppers who want the longer-range powertrain without moving to the top of the lineup. Introduced for 2025, the N Line adds sportier looks and cabin details but no extra motor power. The Limited is the upscale choice, with the most comfort and technology features.

Which Hyundai Kona Electric trim should I buy?

Hyundai Kona Electric generations

From 2019 to 2025, the Kona Electric spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2024, following the 1st Generation (2019–2023).

2nd Generation (2024–2025)

The second-generation Kona Electric is larger and has about 6 more cubic feet of cargo room than before. Its redesigned cabin uses two 12.3-inch screens, while the lineup is split between a shorter-range SE and longer-range SEL and Limited versions.

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2nd Generation (2024–2025) Hyundai Kona Electric
2025Trim changes

The N Line trim joins with sportier bodywork and cabin details but no extra motor power. Exterior vehicle-to-load power expands to every trim.

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2024New generation

Full redesign with a larger body, more cargo room, dual 12.3-inch screens, and up to 261 miles of EPA-estimated range in SEL and Limited trims.

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1st Generation (2019–2023)

The first-generation model introduced Hyundai’s compact electric crossover to the U.S. It uses a 201-hp front motor, a 64-kWh battery, front-wheel drive, and an EPA-estimated 258-mile range, with a substantial styling and cabin update for 2022.

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1st Generation (2019–2023) Hyundai Kona Electric
2023Trim changes

A new SE base trim joins, moving SEL to the middle of the lineup. Heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, and a rear USB port become standard across the range.

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2022Mid-cycle update

Refreshed front and rear styling, new wheel designs, and a more modern cabin arrive. A 10.25-inch digital instrument display becomes standard.

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2021

Carryover year with the same three-trim lineup.

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2020

The two higher trims gain a battery warmer for cold-weather operation, and the top trim gets a larger 10.25-inch navigation touchscreen.

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2019New generation

All-new U.S. model with a 64-kWh battery, 201-hp front motor, DC fast charging, and an EPA-estimated 258-mile range.

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What's new by year

See what changed in a specific model year of the Hyundai Kona Electric.

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric2024 Hyundai Kona Electric2023 Hyundai Kona Electric2022 Hyundai Kona Electric2021 Hyundai Kona Electric2020 Hyundai Kona Electric2019 Hyundai Kona Electric

Frequently asked questions

Is the Hyundai Kona Electric fully electric?

Yes. The Kona Electric is a battery-powered small SUV with no gasoline engine. U.S. versions use a front-mounted electric motor and seat five people.

Does the Hyundai Kona Electric have all-wheel drive?

No. The U.S. Kona Electric models covered here are front-wheel drive. Shoppers who regularly need power sent to all four wheels should look beyond this model.

How far can a Hyundai Kona Electric go on a charge?

EPA-estimated range depends on the year and trim. First-generation models were rated at 258 miles. Since the 2024 redesign, ratings run from 200 miles for the SE to 261 miles for the SEL and Limited; the newer N Line is rated at 230 miles.

Can the Hyundai Kona Electric use a DC fast charger?

Yes. The Kona Electric supports DC fast charging, including the first U.S. models from 2019. Charging speed and time vary with the model year, charger, temperature, and battery condition.

Is the Hyundai Kona Electric practical for a small family?

Yes, if a five-seat small SUV suits your space needs. Its compact size is easy to place in traffic, while the redesigned generation has more passenger and cargo room than the earlier version. It is still smaller than a typical family SUV.

How many generations of the Hyundai Kona Electric are there?

There are two U.S. generations in this used-model history. The first covers 2019 through 2023. The second arrived with a full redesign for 2024, bringing a larger body, about 6 more cubic feet of cargo room, dual 12.3-inch displays, and separate standard- and long-range trims.

Can the Hyundai Kona Electric power devices outside the vehicle?

Yes, on certain newer models. Exterior vehicle-to-load capability lets the battery run compatible devices. It was limited to the Limited after the 2024 redesign, then expanded across the lineup for 2025.

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