2025 Hyundai Kona EV| First drive & review

#hyundaikonaev #hyundaiev #hyundaikona

Hyundai’s popular subcompact crossover goes fully electric once again in the redesigned 2025 Kona EV. With a bold new look, updated tech, and improved interior space, the Kona EV is positioned to appeal to both new EV drivers and those looking for a smart, city-friendly electric SUV.

🚗 What’s New?
The 2025 Kona EV brings a fresh, futuristic design inspired by Hyundai’s Ioniq series. A full-width LED light bar across the front, cleaner body lines, and a more aerodynamic profile give it a sleek, modern feel. Inside, the cabin gets a complete overhaul with more passenger room, a larger cargo area, and upgraded digital displays.

💡 Trims & Pricing
The lineup includes four trims:

SE (entry-level)

SEL

N Line (new sporty appearance trim)

Limited (fully loaded)

Pricing starts around $32,900 for the SE and climbs to just over $41,000 for the Limited. Leasing may offer attractive incentives, especially with available EV tax credits.

⚡ Performance & Range
There are two battery and motor options:

Standard Range: 133 horsepower, 188 lb-ft of torque, and about 200 miles of range

Long Range: 201 horsepower, 291 lb-ft of torque, and up to 261 miles of range

The front-wheel-drive setup is smooth and efficient, though there’s no all-wheel-drive option. Charging from 10% to 80% using a DC fast charger takes just over 40 minutes. While it’s not the fastest charger in its class, it’s still practical for most users. All trims now offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, meaning you can power small devices or even appliances from the car.

🖥 Interior & Tech
Inside, the Kona EV feels like a big step up. The layout is clean and futuristic, with dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and the digital instrument cluster. Materials are soft-touch and upscale in higher trims. Rear passengers benefit from more legroom compared to the outgoing model, and cargo space is competitive, with nearly 64 cubic feet of storage when the rear seats are folded. There's even a small front trunk for storing cables or smaller items.

🛋 Comfort & Features
Even base models come well-equipped with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting, and a full suite of safety tech. Higher trims add conveniences like heated and ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, a power liftgate, wireless charging, and premium sound. The N Line offers sporty touches like 19-inch wheels and unique styling details, though opting for this trim slightly reduces driving range.

🛡 Safety & Driver Aids
Every Kona EV includes Hyundai’s full safety suite:

Forward collision warning with automatic braking

Lane-keeping assist and lane-centering

Blind-spot monitoring

Rear cross-traffic alert

Adaptive cruise control

Safe exit assist

These features come standard, making the Kona EV one of the most safety-focused vehicles in its class.

🛣 On the Road
Driving the 2025 Kona EV is a quiet and pleasant experience. It’s tuned for comfort, making it ideal for city commuting and daily errands. The steering is responsive, and power delivery is smooth. While it’s not a performance SUV, it offers enough punch for confident highway merging and passing. Some drivers may find the suspension a bit soft, especially at higher speeds, but overall it strikes a nice balance between comfort and efficiency.

✅ Pros & Cons
Pros:

Modern, eye-catching design

Impressive range for the price

Roomier interior with upgraded tech

Plenty of standard safety features

V2L external power support

Cons:
– No all-wheel drive option
– Slower charging than some rivals
– The ride can feel too soft for some
– N Line trim sacrifices range for style

🎯 Final Thoughts
The 2025 Hyundai Kona EV is a solid option for anyone looking to go electric without breaking the bank. It’s stylish, practical, tech-savvy, and packed with standard features. While it doesn’t offer AWD or lightning-fast charging, it makes up for it with smart packaging, comfortable ride quality, and competitive range. Whether you’re new to EVs or just want a reliable, well-rounded electric SUV, the new Kona EV is worth a serious look. Thank you for watching, and consider subscribing if you haven't already. And I will see you all at the next one.