I drove the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric for a week — and it sets a new record

When I drove the Hyundai Kona Electric last year, I really wasn’t that eager to test it out because it didn’t look like it was special in any sort of way. I was dead wrong, so that’s why I had a change of heart with this year’s model.

I can name a dozen or so electric vehicles I’ve tested in the last year that are cooler looking, packed with more premium features, and make me feel special driving them. Yet, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric can’t be shrugged off so easily because not only is it one of the cheapest EVs you can buy, but it’s also one of the most efficient.

After driving the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric for a week, I have found that owning an electric vehicle doesn’t require you to spend a fortune. At the same time, it sets a new record that proves it’s one of the best electric cars around.

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2025 Hyundai Kona Electric: Specifications

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric: Testing summary

I’ve tested more than 20+ electric cars in the last year, and the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric N Line is the most efficient one of them all. I put in 412 miles during my week’s worth of driving, resulting in an average efficiency of 4.3 mi/kWh. Even though that’s the best mark I’ve recorded all year, it trails last year’s record of 4.5 mi/kWh with the 2024 Kona Electric.

But then again, it’s probably due to how the N Line trim has a more powerful electric motor with a 201 hp performance and larger 19-inch wheels. I suspect that the base trim, the SE, would’ve gotten better results. It’s still the class-leader in the space, beating out other efficient models like the Lucid Air Touring and the Chevrolet Equinox EV LT.

Likewise, the Kona Electric charges pretty fast with Level 1 charging at home. Its 3.96 mi/hr charging rate yields a decent amount of range added back to the Kona Electric with an overnight charge — beating out the majority of vehicles I’ve charged. Of course, I’d still recommend installing a Level 2 charger if you drive a lot each day.

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric: What I Like

Class-leading efficiency

If you’re looking to buy an EV, one specification that should absolutely be on your list is how efficient it is. The Kona’s 4.3 mi/kWh efficiency is a big deal because it actually beats the car maker’s EPA-estimated range of 230 miles.

In fact, the 4.3 mi/kWh average I obtained would effectively give it a range of about 278 miles based on its 64.8 kWh battery. Sure, the range is still short compared to some other long-range EVs, but it means you won’t be charging it as much compared to EVs with a similarly sized battery.

It’s cheap for an EV

EVs are still notoriously expensive, with the average costing about $55,689 according to Kelly Blue Book. However, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the most affordable out there with a starting MSRP of $32,975 with the SE trim — and that one supposedly has more range than the N Line trim.

There are upgrades with the $39,880 cost of the N Lime trim I tested, including a more powerful electric motor, larger 19-inch alloy wheels, leatherette & Alcantara trimmed seats that are heated, Bose premium audio, a powered sunroof, wireless charging for your phone, and AC vents for the rear passengers.

Very easy to drive

Anyone can drive the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric N Line because of its small size, making it easy to park as well. Other EVs can be challenging to drive because of their size, but I find the Kona Electric a breeze.

I also like how you can adjust its regenerative braking system, along with disabling it completely to make it an easy transition for anyone going from driving a gas-powered vehicle to an all-electric vehicle. With regenerative braking, I really enjoy how there are different intensity levels to choose from — allowing new EV drivers to slowly step it up.

Sport mode injects much-needed power

For most of my week’s worth of driving, I kept the Kona Electric in ECO mode to get the most range out of its battery — and it’s the mode you want to get the best efficiency. The downside of ECO mode, much like on any other EV, is that it makes the vehicle feel underpowered.

Thankfully, there’s sport mode when I need the extra power to accelerate or want a tighter response with the steering. It makes it fun to drive, just like my experience with the Volvo EX30. There’s also a noticeable boost to its acceleration.

Adaptive cruise control

I’ve always enjoyed the adaptive cruise control that Hyundai offers with its EVs, including the larger EVs like the Ioniq 9 I drove not too long ago. The Kona Electric offers the same system as that pricier EV with its ability to accelerate and brake on its own to maintain cruising speed.

There’s also a dedicated button on the steering wheel to activate Lane Following Assist, a safety feature that keeps it centered in a lane. What I love about this feature is that it works on all roads, and it can be activated without cruise control.

Overall, it’s pretty reactive to the driving condition, without that jolt that I experience in other vehicles that try to ramp up to cruising speed.

Decent sized trunk

Don’t let its small size fool you because there’s ample trunk space in the back. I’m able to stow larger stuff in it, like my Jackrabbit OG2 Pro and electric scooter, with ease. Plus, if I need more room, I can also pull down the rear seats.

Sporty look

Although I much prefer the edgier design language of the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kona Electric N Line’s sporty look isn’t too shabby — especially for a sub-compact SUV.

The horizontal LED light bar that spans the front hood gives it a striking look at night, while the sharp, diagonal lines around the sides give it an aerodynamic look. For something so cheap, I really like the sportiness of its design.

Bose premium audio

Likewise, I wasn’t expecting such a good sound system in a tinier vehicle like this. Hyundai throws in premium Bose audio into the N Line trim, so that’s an upgrade worth considering if you’re eying the cheaper base model. Not only does it pack a ton of bass, but it’s never too overwhelming — and it goes well with its sporty demeanor.

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric: What I Don't Like

Tight seats in the back

Since it’s a sub-compact SUV, there’s not a whole lot of room with the rear passenger seats. They’re unsurprisingly tight with the legroom, which can make it uncomfortable for adults to drive long distances in them. Even with the front seats moved forward, there still isn’t enough room for you to stretch out your legs — but I don’t see it as an issue for children.

Lots of plastic everywhere

When you’re this affordable, it’s not surprising to find a car maker sticking to a mostly plastic interior. The hard plastic parts of the dashboard give it that utilitarian look that budget cars are known for, but this is the sacrifice you’ll need to accept to get one of the cheapest EVs around.

2025 Hyundai Kona Electric: Bottom Line

More from Tom's Guide

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric N Line is memorable for a number of reasons. It proves that you don’t need to spend a fortune on an EV to get excellent efficiency and utility.

While the N Line trim costs more than the base one, I really like how it feels way more powerful and fun to drive — all while retaining a 4.3 mi/kWh efficiency that beats all other EVs I’ve tested this year. The only drawback, of course, is that your rear passengers will have to endure some crampedness.

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