Electric SUVs used to be a rarity, with the few available offerings carrying hefty price tags. Though many electric SUVs are still expensive, the segment has diversified to allow for more options at varying price points. The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most affordable options this year, a ranking from U.S. News shows. Here’s everything you can expect from this electric SUV.

How the Hyundai Kona Electric ranks in price

With a starting price of about $37,190, the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is the second most affordable electric SUV on the U.S. News list. Only the 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which starts at $33,995, is cheaper.

Immediately above the Kona Electric in price is the 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, with an MSRP of $39,995. From here, the available electric SUVs continue to climb in price.

In the middle of the pack is the 2021 Tesla Model Y, which starts at approximately $50,490. The three most expensive options are the 2021 Audi e-tron ($65,900), the 2021 Jaguar I-Pace ($69,850), and the 2021 Tesla Model X ($89,990).

The Hyundai Kona Electric’s spec and features

The Hyundai Kona Electric makes 201 hp and 291 lb-ft of torque. It offers three drive modes: Comfort, ECO, and Sport. This SUV provides a decent 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 45.8 cubic feet with them folded down.

The Kona Electric comes standard with an abundance of safety features. They include blind-spot collision warning, vehicle stability management, rear cross-traffic collision warning, and driver attention warning.

A 7.0-inch color infotainment display is standard, although a 10.25-inch display is available on higher trim levels. This SUV also comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Other standard features include a rearview monitor with parking guidance, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an external temperature display, and push-button start.

The Kona Electric also boasts a highly competitive 10-year/100,000-mile warranty. However, U.S. News notes this SUV is available for purchase in only 12 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. Though it is possible to purchase the Kona Electric from a different state, you might face a more complex and time-consuming shopping process.

Is the Kona Electric a good buy?

Because the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most affordable new electric SUVs, it’s reasonable to wonder how it compares to rivals. In terms of range, the Kona Electric is competitive for its price point. On a full charge, it can travel approximately 258 miles. By comparison, the more affordable Chevrolet Bolt EUV has a range of 250 miles. 

The Kona Electric even outshines some pricier models when it comes to battery range. The Jaguar I-Pace has a range of 234 miles, and the Audi e-tron has a range of just 222 miles. The only models with a significantly longer range are the Tesla Model Y, Tesla Model X, and Ford Mustang Mach-E, all of which can typically travel over 300 miles on a single charge.

Given how much more affordable the Kona Electric is, its range is certainly impressive. U.S. News also observes that this SUV offers a fun driving experience, an intuitive infotainment system, and an impressive array of standard safety features.

All in all, the answer is yes — the Hyundai Kona Electric is a good buy. Despite its lower price point, it holds its own against pricier competitors. For anyone shopping for a high-quality, comfortable electric SUV with competitive range and a starting price under $40,000, the Kona Electric is definitely worth a look.