2021 Kona vs Kona Electric Differences
2021 Kona vs Kona Electric Differences
Posted on June 24, 2021
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that's won plenty of admirers over the three years it's been in production. It's available as either a gas-powered model or an all-electric version, and our 2021 Hyundai Kona vs Kona Electric review outlines the main differences between the two.
Design Tweaks
It's easy to tell the two cars apart from the exterior. While both are designed to the same overall subcompact SUV profile, the EV engineering of the Kona Electric means there's no need for a front grille to cool the engine. Because of this, Hyundai have covered over the empty space with an aerodynamic panel that gives a smoother, bolder look.
2021 Kona vs Kona Electric Difference
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is a subcompact SUV that's won plenty of admirers over the three years it's been in production. It's available as either a gas-powered model or an all-electric version, and our 2021 Hyundai Kona vs Kona Electric review outlines the main differences between the two.
Design Tweaks
It's easy to tell the two cars apart from the exterior. While both are designed to the same overall subcompact SUV profile, the EV engineering of the Kona Electric means there's no need for a front grille to cool the engine. Because of this, Hyundai have covered over the empty space with an aerodynamic panel that gives a smoother, bolder look.
Choice of Powertrains
But as you'd expect, the key differences between the two cars are mainly found under the hood. The standard Kona is available with a choice of two gas engines. The first is a 2.0L four-cylinder model producing a substantial 147 horsepower and 132lb-ft of torque. This option is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice between front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The gas-powered Kona can also be equipped with a 1.6L turbo mill which pushes the horsepower up to 175hp and the torque up to 195lb-ft. Again, there's a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, but for this engine the transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic design.
In contrast, the Kona Electric is available with just one powertrain.. A single electric motor powers front-wheel drive only, and as with other pure electric vehicles, there's no traditional transmission, manual or automatic.
The output of the Electric is a very healthy 201 horsepower with a juicy 290lb-ft of torque. A huge benefit of the Electric is that all that torque is instantly available to give huge acceleration from a standing start, in contrast to gas engines which have a variable torque curve with a lull at low revs.
This makes the Electric a stronger performer than the regular Kona in the 0-100kmh acceleration test, finishing with a time of 6.4 seconds, a fifth of a second less than its sibling.
What's more, the 16kWh battery pack is good for an extremely useful range of up to 415km, with regeneration technology recharging the battery every time you brake rather than wasting the energy as heat and noise.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy comparisons are difficult between gas and electric vehicles, but as you'd expect the Kona Electric comes out way ahead. The regular Kona has figures of 7.1L / 100km for the lower-powered engine, and 7.3L / 100km for the turbo.
And while these figures are impressive, they're not even close to the Electric's equivalent rating of 1.8L / 100km.
Pricing
Not surprisingly, the Electric is the more costly of the two, but it's still an affordable option with a starting price of $44,999 compared to the standard Kona's $21,099.
2021 Hyundai Kona vs Kona Electric Review: The Verdict
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is deservedly a highly popular car, whether you choose the gas-powered or all-electric version. But for excellent economy with an eye to the future, it's the Kona Electric that wins out.
Choice of Powertrains
But as you'd expect, the key differences between the two cars are mainly found under the hood. The standard Kona is available with a choice of two gas engines. The first is a 2.0L four-cylinder model producing a substantial 147 horsepower and 132lb-ft of torque. This option is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a choice between front-wheel or all-wheel drive.
The gas-powered Kona can also be equipped with a 1.6L turbo mill which pushes the horsepower up to 175hp and the torque up to 195lb-ft. Again, there's a choice between front-wheel and all-wheel drive, but for this engine the transmission is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic design.
In contrast, the Kona Electric is available with just one powertrain.. A single electric motor powers front-wheel drive only, and as with other pure electric vehicles, there's no traditional transmission, manual or automatic.
The output of the Electric is a very healthy 201 horsepower with a juicy 290lb-ft of torque. A huge benefit of the Electric is that all that torque is instantly available to give huge acceleration from a standing start, in contrast to gas engines which have a variable torque curve with a lull at low revs.
This makes the Electric a stronger performer than the regular Kona in the 0-100kmh acceleration test, finishing with a time of 6.4 seconds, a fifth of a second less than its sibling.
What's more, the 16kWh battery pack is good for an extremely useful range of up to 415km, with regeneration technology recharging the battery every time you brake rather than wasting the energy as heat and noise.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy comparisons are difficult between gas and electric vehicles, but as you'd expect the Kona Electric comes out way ahead. The regular Kona has figures of 7.1L / 100km for the lower-powered engine, and 7.3L / 100km for the turbo.
And while these figures are impressive, they're not even close to the Electric's equivalent rating of 1.8L / 100km.
Pricing
Not surprisingly, the Electric is the more costly of the two, but it's still an affordable option with a starting price of $44,999 compared to the standard Kona's $21,099.
2021 Hyundai Kona vs Kona Electric Review: The Verdict
The 2021 Hyundai Kona is deservedly a highly popular car, whether you choose the gas-powered or all-electric version. But for excellent economy with an eye to the future, it's the Kona Electric that wins out.