2020 Hyundai Kona EV

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$37,190

starting MSRP

2020 Hyundai Kona EV
2020 Hyundai Kona EV

Key specs

Base trim shown

Overview

The good:

  • Carlike maneuverability
  • Highway poise
  • Nimble
  • Smooth six-speed automatic
  • Simple touchscreen system

The bad:

  • Driving position not high enough for some
  • Firm, busy ride
  • Gas-pedal lag in Normal drive mode
  • Base engine's limited power reserves
  • Extensive use of hard plastics in cabin

3 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2020 Hyundai Kona EV trim comparison will help you decide.

Notable features

  • Five-seat subcompact SUV
  • Quirky exterior design
  • Front- or all-wheel drive
  • Choice of four-cylinder engines, including turbo
  • Apple CarPlay, Android Auto standard
  • Available Kona Electric with 258-mile range

2020 Hyundai Kona EV review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2020 Hyundai Kona?

The Hyundai Kona is a five-seat subcompact SUV, though from the outside you might think its proportions are more wagon-like in terms of height and size. This can be an advantage driving in a crowded city center, but the SUV’s unusual exterior design is polarizing.

Available with a choice of gas engines, the Kona is also offered with an all-electric drivetrain; the aptly named Kona Electric delivers a 258-mile EPA-estimated driving range. The standard gas engine is a 147-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder that works with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 175-hp, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that works with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is also available. While gas Konas can have front- or all-wheel drive, the Kona Electric is front-drive only. Competitors include the Kia Soul, Nissan Rogue Sport and Honda HR-V.

What’s New on the 2020 Hyundai Kona?

The high-end Ultimate trim level gains adaptive cruise control. SEL Plus and higher versions get a 4.2-inch color multi-information display, wireless charging and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Meanwhile, the Kona Electric adds an available battery warmer, and its Ultimate trim gets a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen.

What Features in the 2020 Hyundai Kona Are Most Important?

You get a lot for your money with the Kona. Standard features include automatic headlights, heated side mirrors, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth and cruise control. To make your Kona more luxurious, available comfort touches include leather seating, heated front seats, navigation, an Infinity stereo and wireless device charging.

Should I Buy the 2020 Hyundai Kona?

The 2020 Kona is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a smaller SUV with car-like manners. While the base engine’s power is modest, the turbo four-cylinder provides an extra jolt of performance. For early tech adopters, the Kona Electric has the range needed to make it a viable daily driver, but it’s only offered in certain regions of the country.

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.8
  • Interior design 4.6
  • Performance 4.9
  • Value for the money 4.4
  • Exterior styling 4.3
  • Reliability 5.0

Most recent consumer reviews

4.6

Smartest little car ever

I bought 2021 Kona Ultimate w/ 16k miles at $40,000 cash a month ago. Awesome little car! I’m used to much larger luxury cars but with 15mpg and $6.50 gas it’s time to put them away for a while. This feels a bit like a rental car if you get that, but is actually loaded with options. It is very clever, very fast, a blast to drive and full of surprises. ‘Zippy’ is a great adjective. Drive it fast and fun all day, then plug it in overnight and you’re right back to 100% in the morning. Terrific range, decent stereo, not exactly luxury but pretty close. Smartest little car ever but not at all cheap or easy to find if you want the ‘ultimate’ trim instead of SEL. Only two similar in all of California. Downside was plenty of dealer games in San Leandro; other hassle is the STUPID arrangement of drive selector buttons on console. Really annoying, but o well, nothings perfect

5.0

Great car

This car met all my need. Help the environment made me feel better and made me great . Great range of the car helped me with decisions

4.9

Never go back to gas

This car does any thing I ask of it compared to my ICE cars, no range anxiety. Best EV out there in its class by far. Buy the Kona EV for your 1st EV, at this stage no other comparison for the money. Only complaint, Dealers stink, they have no interest in selling or leasing them. Not enough profits in service plus lack of trained sales people. I had to insist on them to charge mine just to test drive it let alone lease it!

See all 9 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Hyundai
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
60 months/60,000 miles
Corrosion
84 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
120 months/100,000 miles
Maintenance
36 months/36,000 miles
Roadside assistance
60 months/unlimited distance
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
Less than 80,000 miles; less than 7 years old (currently MY18- MY24)
Basic warranty terms
Remainder of the 5-Year/60,000-Mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Powertrain
10-Yr/100K-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty. From original in-service date and zero (0) miles.
Dealer certification required
173-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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