Hyundai details its new Kona EV for 2024

• The horsepower is now at 215.

• The new range is at 490 km according to WLTP.

• The new crossover is bigger in every way.

Hyundai is still going strong with its electrified future. This time, the new 2024 Kona is the latest model to receive some additional details before it reaches our market later this year. It’s worth mentioning that the design was already shown a few weeks ago, but this time around, the Korean giant has decided to add a layer of juicy information about its popular crossover that, let’s not forget, will still be available in several flavors, including a sportier N-Line trim.

But, for now, Hyundai focused on a series of details about the pure electric version. In fact, Hyundai confirmed that it took a different approach with this new model starting with the electric version and then moving onto the ICE-powered versions. In short, this is the opposite of the previous generation, which was initially designed to accommodate gasoline-powered powertrains first.

While it’s clear that the design changes quite drastically, from any angle for that matter, the new Kona is also longer, taller, wider, with a longer wheelbase, on top of being roomier with increased dimensions inside. This will make the new Kona one of the biggest vehicles in its class, which won’t hurt, as it had been losing some of its edge to newer and larger models. The new model is also more aerodynamic than the previous one, with a drag coefficient of 0.27.

Up front, the bumper gives way to a large LED daytime running light that sits between the brand’s badge and the charging door, while further down, the real headlights are housed at the edges of the front-end. Finally, the bumper receives this lower grill for a more rugged look. In profile, the new model takes on a more conventional silhouette. The square fenders are reminiscent of the Tucson’s. As for the rear section, it also houses this large LED light that crosses the tailgate. The gasoline versions will be a bit more aggressive up front with an exclusive grill and even unique wheels.

Inside, the dashboard is inspired by the brand’s latest creations, with a large panel that houses two screens (12.3 inches each), one behind the steering wheel and the other, touch-sensitive, that serves as a link between passengers and the infotainment system. The designers also took inspiration from the Ioniq lineup with that steering column-mounted gearshift lever. And thankfully, there are still several traditional buttons under the center screen, as well as on the center console where the vehicle can also accommodate two cups.

Of course, the Kona Electric will be compatible with OTA (over-the-air) updates. Safety wise, the new Kona will be rich in that manner, with all these devices grouped together in the SmartSense suite of safety systems.

For now, we know the power and torque of the new Kona Electric, the SUV that is equipped with a single electric motor of 160 kW (or 215 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 255 Nm (or 188 ft-lb), which represents a big drop on that end. The previous model could deliver up to 290 ft-lb. The range will be greater than the outgoing model with an estimated distance of 490 km according to the WLTP calculations. In other words, this distance will be shorter for North America. Moreover, with a possible range of 415 km for the “old” Kona Electric, we can believe that this range will be between 415 and 490 km. Note also the addition of a one-pedal driving system, a cool feature for city driving.

As for its recharging capacity, the Kona Electric must leave the field open to the Ioniq models, because with a maximum recharging capacity of 100 kW, the Kona Electric is not as advanced as the two members of the Ioniq family. Nonetheless, the 10-80% recharge time is estimated at 41 minutes with a fast charging station. There is also a preconditioning system to prepare the battery, as well as a heating system to prevent the charging door from being blocked in cold weather (down to -30°C) and even a small lamp to light up the charging port at night.

The automaker hasn’t disclosed a price or arrival date, but the Kona Electric – and its gasoline variants – are expected to arrive later this year.