The Kona Electric was already proof that EVs don’t have to all look the same. Now, we have given our best-selling EV the N Line treatment for those who appreciate a touch of motorsports flair, we present the KONA Electric N Line.The KONA Electric N Line features new bumpers front and rear, stylish side skirts, and dedicated 19″ wheels that emphasise the sporty appearance of the trim. The exterior is adorned with N Line badging to underscore the model’s bold look.Bold horizontal lines structure the rear – from the spoiler at the top to the Seamless Horizon Lamp and the wing-shaped bumper unique to the KONA Electric N-Line.The KONA Electric N Line also features dedicated 19″ alloy wheels in an exclusive N Line design.
Design and quality
The new Hyundai Kona Electric comes with a more futuristic design, but doesn’t do enough to differentiate itself from regular petrol and hybrid variants.That’s mainly because the South Korean carmaker claims the second-gen Kona was designed as an EV first.To separate the EV from regular internal combustion engine (ICE) Konas, it incorporates square pixel design elements across the middle portion of both front and rear light bars, and lower bumpers on both sides.Keen spotters will also notice the front shutter intake flaps from ICE variants are much slimmer, although they don’t open on the EV.The front-left charging port also appears to use the same lid as its predecessor. It still looks like an afterthought with an asymmetrical face, unlike the Hyundai Inster EV and Kia Niro EV which feature a more integrated design.
Interior Overview
Inside, the 2025 Kona EV isn’t as unique – with subtle square pixels on the steering wheel and seats differentiating itself from the petrol and hybrid Konas.The small SUV’s interior is still modern, though, aside from the rather traditional-looking brushed silver trim and plastics around the centre climate and infotainment controls.Only the top-spec regular Kona Premium can be optioned with a Light Shale Grey or Sage Green interior for $295 (depending on the exterior colour). It’s worth every cent as it lifts the perceived interior feel more than the sporty N Line option.Disappointingly, despite the Kona Electric Premium costing ~$70K drive-away, material quality could be better to justify its ‘premium’ badge.The centre console tray has a nasty raw, untextured surface that’s prone to permanent scratches, the steering wheel and armrests are wrapped in a thin layer of leatherette, and all window switches besides the driver’s door aren’t illuminated at night.
| Specification | Measurement / Details |
|---|---|
| Length x Width x Height | 4355 x 1825 x 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2660 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 151 mm |
| Boot Space (Min / Seats Folded) | 434 / 1268 litres |
| Frunk Space | 27 litres |
| Rear Seat Split Fold | 60:40 |
| Child Seat Anchors | 2x ISOFIX and 3x top-tether points (rear) |
The 2025 Kona EV is bigger in every direction than the previous model, making it a genuine family-friendly small SUV.
The 434-litre boot is generous with a flat loading lip, shallow pockets on each side, and three sturdy bag hooks, although they’re low-set and whatever is hooked may eventually detach.The Premium features an electric tailgate, which can open hands-free by standing behind the vehicle with the key. However, it doesn’t have a kick sensor so it only opens when all doors are locked. It can’t close hands-free either. On our early build tester, we found the cargo cover sometimes got in the way of the tailgate closing.Thankfully, despite the new Kona EV still riding on an ICE architecture, it now offers a small 27-litre frunk under the bonnet. It’s under a lid, but includes LED illumination and even a cargo net.
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric tech features:
| 12.3-inch touchscreen running ccNC | 12.3-inch driver instrument display |
| Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto | Qi wireless charging pad |
| Built-in maps with traffic-based routing | 4x USB-C, 1x 12-volt, and 1x V2L power sockets |
| OTA software update capability | Eight-speaker Bose audio |
| Hyundai Bluelink connected services and mobile app | Proximity key with auto-folding mirrors |
A single front-mounted electric motor produces 150kW of power and 255Nm of torque on Extended Range battery models – which is a substantial 140Nm less than its predecessor.Thankfully, less torque – along with the new Kumho Ecsta PS71 tyres – have fixed the electric crossover’s traction control issues, which constantly slipped the wheels previously when accelerating with a slightly heavier foot.In my experience, there’s still minimal wheel slip when accelerating harder out of a turn, but it’s not egregious anymore.While the new Kona Electric is still fast enough for everyday driving with instant electric torque, I sometimes wish it was a bit more zippy.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Driving Range (WLTP Combined) | 444 km |
| Energy Efficiency (WLTP Combined) | 16.7 kWh/100 km |
| Battery Size & Type | 64.8 kWh usable (estimated 68.5 kWh gross), lithium-ion |
| Battery Voltage | 358 volts (400-volt class) |
| Max Charging Speed (AC / DC) | Up to 10.4 kW AC / 100 kW DC |
| Bidirectional Charging | V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) – interior and exterior |
| Connector Type | Type 2 / CCS2 |
| Everyday Charging Limit | 80% (general recommendation) |
Would I pick the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric Premium?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is a good EV – but it’s tough to recommend in a sea of more competitively-priced electric models.In isolation, the second-gen Kona EV is a practical, reasonably efficient and long-range, and futuristic-looking small SUV with refined tech and safety assists.If you’re looking for a good EV that isn’t made in China, the Kona Electric is one of the cheapest you can choose in Australia – and it’s worth a consideration if that’s a key sticking point for you.However, it’s too expensive for what you get – with a substantial price premium over its regular petrol and hybrid Kona counterparts.
