If you’ve been searching for the best affordable EV in 2025, the Hyundai Kona Electric deserves a serious look because it offers surprising range, great tech, and everyday usability that makes it feel like a perfect fit for city drivers and commuters alike. I’ve driven plenty of small EVs over the years, but the 2025 Kona Electric stands out as one of the most complete packages under $40k—it’s efficient, comfortable, and genuinely fun to live with.
Let’s take a deep dive into how it drives, charges, and stacks up against rivals like the Chevy Bolt EUV and Nissan Leaf in the real world.
Design and Interior Feel
Hyundai gave the Kona Electric a major redesign for 2025, and it now looks far more futuristic than before. The front end is clean and aerodynamic, with smooth LED lighting that gives it a high-tech vibe. The overall shape remains compact, but the longer wheelbase adds a bit more room inside, especially for rear passengers.
Inside, the cabin feels fresh and modern. Two 12.3-inch digital displays stretch across the dashboard—one for the driver and one for infotainment—and the whole layout feels more premium than its price suggests. Hyundai also ditched most of the cluttered buttons from the older model, keeping things sleek but still intuitive.
Materials are solid for an affordable EV. There’s a mix of soft-touch plastics and eco-friendly surfaces, and the minimalist approach actually makes it feel more upscale than the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Bolt EUV. The seats are supportive for long drives, and Hyundai’s ergonomics are spot on.
Overall feel: The Kona Electric looks futuristic but still feels familiar and easy to live with—a balance a lot of EVs struggle to achieve.
Driving Experience and Performance
Behind the wheel, the 2025 Kona Electric delivers exactly what you’d want from a small EV: instant torque, smooth acceleration, and a surprisingly composed ride. The single-motor front-wheel-drive setup produces 201 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque, which feels lively in city traffic and perfectly adequate for highway passing.
Acceleration from zero to sixty takes around 6.5 seconds, which isn’t sports car fast but definitely quick enough to make the car feel spirited. The throttle response is instant, as you’d expect from an electric powertrain, and the power delivery feels clean and predictable.
Hyundai also improved the suspension for this generation, and it shows. The ride is more comfortable over bumps while still handling corners with confidence. The steering feels light but precise, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces or parking lots.
One of my favorite parts is the regenerative braking system. You can control how aggressive it is using paddles on the steering wheel, and the strongest mode almost allows for one-pedal driving—perfect for stop-and-go commutes.
In real-world use: The Kona Electric feels nimble, composed, and refined, easily one of the best driving small EVs on the market.
Range and Charging
Range has always been one of the Kona’s strengths, and the 2025 model keeps that reputation strong. The base version with the smaller 48.6 kWh battery offers an estimated 200 miles of range, while the extended-range 65.4 kWh version delivers up to 261 miles according to EPA estimates.
That number puts it right up there with the Bolt EUV (247 miles) and comfortably ahead of the Nissan Leaf Plus (212 miles). In real-world testing, the Kona Electric usually hits its rated range or even exceeds it slightly in mild weather conditions.
Charging speeds have also improved. The Kona now supports up to 100 kW DC fast charging, allowing it to go from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 43 minutes. Using a Level 2 home charger, you’ll get a full charge overnight in roughly 9 hours.
Practical takeaway: It’s not the fastest-charging EV in the world, but it’s quick enough for daily use and weekend road trips without much planning stress.
Tech and Infotainment
Hyundai absolutely nailed the tech in this generation. The dual-screen setup is clean and responsive, with crisp graphics and an easy-to-use interface. The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with built-in navigation that includes real-time charging station info.
You can also monitor charging progress, range, and climate control settings from Hyundai’s Bluelink app, which is one of the best smartphone companion apps in the business.
The driver assist features are equally impressive for this price range. Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims add features like Highway Driving Assist, which gently centers the car in its lane and maintains safe distance in traffic—perfect for long commutes.
Tech summary: The Kona Electric’s infotainment and driver assist systems feel premium and polished, rivaling what you’d find in EVs costing much more.
Everyday Usability
The Kona Electric might be compact, but it’s surprisingly practical. The hatchback design gives it 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet when folded down. That’s plenty for groceries, luggage, or weekend gear.
Visibility is good, the seating position is slightly elevated, and the quiet cabin makes highway cruising relaxing. Unlike some small EVs that feel like city-only cars, the Kona is perfectly comfortable doing long highway stretches too.
Hyundai also offers one of the best warranties in the business—10 years or 100,000 miles on the battery and powertrain, giving peace of mind to first-time EV buyers.
How It Compares to Rivals
To see how the Kona Electric fits into the broader landscape, here’s how it stacks up next to its closest rivals, the Chevy Bolt EUV and Nissan Leaf Plus.
| Model | Range (EPA est.) | Horsepower | Charging Speed (Max kW) | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric (Long Range) | 261 miles | 201 hp | 100 kW | $34,000 |
| Chevy Bolt EUV (2023, last model year) | 247 miles | 200 hp | 55 kW | $27,800 (used/new inventory) |
| Nissan Leaf Plus | 212 miles | 214 hp | 100 kW | $36,000 |
What the table shows: The Kona Electric beats both rivals in range and modern design, though the Bolt still wins for value if you can find one before remaining inventory disappears. The Leaf is aging but still offers reliable, affordable EV ownership.
Real-World Verdict
After a week of driving the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric, I came away impressed. It’s not just a good affordable EV—it’s one of the most well-rounded small crossovers you can buy, period.
It handles daily commutes effortlessly, has great visibility, and feels surprisingly premium inside. The new platform has improved space, ride comfort, and tech, while keeping the same approachable personality that made the first-generation Kona Electric so loved.
Sure, it’s not the fastest-charging or the flashiest EV out there, but it hits the sweet spot between practicality, price, and modern design. For drivers who want an EV that feels easy to own and genuinely enjoyable to drive, this one nails it.
Final verdict: The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is the best affordable EV of the year for drivers who want everyday usability, confidence-inspiring range, and upscale comfort without breaking the bank.
Related Articles
- Top Electric SUVs Under 40k in 2025
- Most Affordable EVs with 300-Mile Range in 2025
- Best Hybrid Crossovers for Commuters
- EV Charging Tips for Faster and Longer Battery Life
The EV market is more competitive than ever in 2025, but the Kona Electric stands out as a perfect example of how far affordable electric cars have come—smart, stylish, efficient, and ready for everyday life.
Let’s Talk Cars
Have a question? A suggestion? Just want to say hi?
You’re in the right place.
Use the form below to reach out to the AutoSpecs Daily team. We're happy to hear from readers, car lovers, first-time buyers, and anyone who's got something to share.
What can you contact us about?
- Feedback on one of our articles
- Ideas for new topics you'd like us to cover
- Questions about cars, gear, or general auto advice
- Media, partnership, or brand inquiries
- Anything else that's on your mind
We check every message that comes through and do our best to respond within 2 to 3 business days.
We don’t list an email address here to avoid spam, but the contact form is the best and fastest way to reach us.
Thanks for stopping by. We're glad you're here.