1. EVs
2. Hyundai
3. Kona

Hyundai Kona

Kona Electric began NZ distribution in July 2018, with two variations - the smaller range (39 kWh) and a longer range (64 kWh).

Kona (2023-)

Several improvements were made to the 2023 Kona: larger cabin space (and exterior dimensions), V2L capability, change in exterior styling, and battery pre-conditioning. Both variants have slightly larger batteries than previous model years, although the WLTP range barely changed - up to 490 km (+6 km) for the long-range variant.

Kona (series II 2021-2023)

2021 saw the Series II released - a facelift version providing extra cargo capacity, rear seat legroom, enhanced safety features, and exterior aesthetic, but no changes to the power train (or range).

Kona (first generation 2018-2020)

Hyundai first claimed a WLTP range of 470 km. By the time the Kona EV was released, they had changed that to 459 km. Then, in March 2020, Hyundai announced a WLTP range of 484 km.

Either way, Kona owners consistently report excellent range (economic drivers getting as much as 500 km) from their Kona.

There were about 700 of these Kona's sold in NZ.

The first Kona had two trims: the base and the Elite (see the original spec brochure). The Elite offers additional extras:

• Heated and ventilated front seats.
• Heated steering wheel.
• Wireless phone charging.
• 8-speaker audio system.
• Larger 10.25" infotainment screen.
• 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, 6-way power adjustable passenger’s seat.
• Heads up display system

Hyundai Kona 39 kWh

2018→

Range

305kms

Battery

39.2kWh

Price

$69,990

• Body Type
• Seats
• Length
• Width
• Height
• Weight
• Boot Space
• Frunk

• Small SUV
• 5
• 4205 mm
• 1800 mm
• 1570 mm
• 1535 kg
• 332 L / 1114 L
• -

• 0-100 km/h
• Top speed
• Power
• Drive
• Battery
• Tow

• 9.7 s
• 155 km/h
• 100 kW
• FWD
• 42 kWh / 39.2 kWh
• -

• Highway range
• Running cost
• AC charge (max)
• DC charge (max)
• Economy
• V2L

• 235 km
• $4.29/100 km
• 7.2 kW
• 50 kW
• 7.8 km/kWh
• -

The smaller-battery Kona has a lower price point than its 64 kWh sibling but accounts for less than 20% of Kona EV sales. The lower range and lack of power may be the reason. Other SUVs such as the ZS EV and Atto 3 offer a superior range at a 30% cheaper price - we can expect the 39 kWh variant to disappear into obscurity.

Hyundai Kona 64 kWh

2018→

Range

484kms

Battery

64kWh

Price

$79,990

• Body Type
• Seats
• Length
• Width
• Height
• Weight
• Boot Space
• Frunk

• Small SUV
• 5
• 4205 mm
• 1800 mm
• 1570 mm
• 1685 kg
• 332 L / 1114 L
• -

• 0-100 km/h
• Top speed
• Power
• Drive
• Battery
• Tow

• 7.6 s
• 167 km/h
• 150 kW
• FWD
• 67.5 kWh / 64 kWh
• -

• Highway range
• Running cost
• AC charge (max)
• DC charge (max)
• Economy
• V2L

• 373 km
• $4.41/100 km
• 11 kW
• 77 kW
• 7.6 km/kWh
• -

Hyundai Kona (2024)

Expected Q4 2023

Range

514kms

Battery

65.4kWh

Price Estimate

$0

• Body Type
• Seats
• Length
• Width
• Height
• Weight
• Boot Space
• Frunk

• Small SUV
• 5
• 4355 mm
• 1825 mm
• 1575 mm
• 1798 kg
• 466 L / 1300 L
• 27 L

• 0-100 km/h
• Top speed
• Power
• Drive
• Battery
• Tow

• 8.8 s
• 170 km/h
• 160 kW
• FWD
• 68.5 kWh / 65.4 kWh
• -

• Highway range
• Running cost
• AC charge (max)
• DC charge (max)
• Economy
• V2L
• V2L Interior
• V2L Exterior

• 396 km
• $4.41/100 km
• 11 kW
• 100 kW
• 7.9 km/kWh
• 3.5 kW
• 1 x NZ Socket
• Type 2 (adaptor)

The upgraded Kona is slightly larger than its predecessor, allowing for larger boot space and interior room. A slightly larger battery also leads to a slightly increased range.

Hyundai Kona Reviews

Vehicle reviews by NZ reviewers.

Tarmac Life

Silent Running: Hyundai Kona Electric Series 2 Review

"Being a small SUV means the car body has the room to accommodate all those batteries and a motor without compromising on room. And with a range of 484km, there’s not much sacrifice there either."

Read review →

Ecotricity

Why is the Hyundai Kona EV so popular? A New Zealand review

"Well done Hyundai, you've made a real, real winner of a car. It may not be the most exciting thing on wheels but it's an excellent vehicle all around. I think for the case of the Hyundai Kona, its strength lies in its normalness."

See on YouTube →

How many Hyundai Kona's have been sold in NZ?

There have been 2,816 Hyundai Kona's registered in NZ to date. This is made up of 99.9% NZ new and 0.1% used import.

How many sold per month and year

Hyundai Kona registrations per month and year, (NZ new and used imports combined).

• MONTH
• YEAR

How many of each submodel is there?

How many units of each major model variation (NZ new only) have been registered to date.