The Unexpected Road Trip: A 2025 Hyundai Kona EV Adventure
Sometimes, life throws you a curveball. What started as a charitable mission turned into an unexpected road trip, giving me a thorough opportunity to test the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV.
The Mission That Wasn’t
The plan was simple: drive from Torrance, CA, to Palmdale, CA, to assist pet owners in need. However, Mother Nature had other plans. Due to heavy rains following wildfires, the event was canceled. Unfortunately, I was already well on my way, battling wet traffic. While the mission failed, it presented a great chance to evaluate the Kona EV’s capabilities.
Meet the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV
The test vehicle was the Kona Limited EV, the top-tier model boasting a larger 64.8 kWh battery. This translates to a manufacturer-estimated range of up to 261 miles and a 201-horsepower motor driving the front wheels.
It is a compact electric hatchback, not an SUV or crossover. It does not come with an all-wheel drive (AWD) option, and it has a ground clearence of less than seven inches.
Performance and Handling
The Kona EV’s overall performance was impressive. The braking, acceleration, and handling were all above average. While the steering lacked significant feel, engaging Sport mode noticeably improved the steering effort and responsiveness.
Starting the journey with around 200 miles of range remaining, I anticipated using the 100 kW DC fast charging capability if needed. However, after learning about the event cancellation, I decided to head back. The result? Arriving back with 50 miles of range after a 150-mile round trip.
A Comfortable and Tech-Savvy Interior
The Kona EV Limited is priced just under $43,000 and offers great features. Heated and cooled seats, a heated steering wheel, and a moonroof bring in the wow factor. It is also equipped with two 12.3-inch screens for instrumentation and infotainment, along with wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The interior offers a user-friendly experience with ergonomically placed controls, making it easy to live with on a daily basis.
Safety First
Hyundai prioritizes safety, equipping the Kona EV with a comprehensive suite of features. This includes automated emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and available adaptive cruise control. The parking assist cameras are outstanding, further enhancing safety and convenience. The Kona EV has also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, a testament to its commitment to safety.
The Road Trip’s Silver Lining
Navigating through deep-standing water and detouring around mudslide areas, I eventually received the disappointing news about the event cancellation. Undeterred, I decided to make the best of the situation by delivering pizza to others who had also made the trip. With the heated passenger seat acting as a warmer, I helped salvage the day for a few fellow travelers.
Driving back through traffic without stopping to charge, the Kona EV exceeded expectations, demonstrating impressive range even on the freeway where it generally drains faster.
Driving in silence, the Kona EV showed itself to be an ideal road trip companion. Its handling was precise, and the noise isolation was unexpectedly good. The hard buttons, switches, and dials were appreciated, offering a refreshing touch of simplicity.
Final Assessment
Despite a frustrating situation, the unexpected road trip provided a valuable opportunity to push the Kona EV to its limits. This compact electric vehicle proved to be a capable and enjoyable driver, offering a compelling blend of performance, range, and features.
While competitors like upcoming Volvo and Chevrolet EVs have greater range and are excellent choices, the Kona EV wins by being reliable and feeling like an “old friend”. The Kona EV is a sweet little driver, and I think that the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV is much better than many think.