Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer just for premium buyers in Australia. With rising fuel costs, growing charging infrastructure, and federal/state EV incentives, more Aussies are looking for practical, budget-friendly EVs. Enter the Hyundai Kona Electric 2025—a small SUV that blends affordability, usability, and an impressive increase in driving range.
This latest model is more than just an update; it represents Hyundai’s evolving EV strategy. Positioned under the larger Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, the Kona Electric is designed for everyday Australians who want the benefits of electric driving without spending luxury-car money.
In this detailed review, we’ll break down everything about the 2025 Kona Electric—from its exterior redesign and cabin tech to battery performance, real-world efficiency, safety, and how it compares with rivals like the BYD Atto 3, MG4, and Tesla Model Y.
Exterior Design: Compact SUV With a Modern EV Identity
The 2025 Kona Electric gets a complete redesign, moving closer in styling to Hyundai’s Ioniq family.
Sleeker Front End: A closed-off grille with flush surfaces gives it a clean EV aesthetic, while pixelated LED headlights echo the design language of the Ioniq 5.
SUV Proportions: It’s still compact, but the wheelbase has been stretched slightly, giving better cabin space and road presence.
Aerodynamic Efficiency: Hyundai refined the body to reduce drag, improving efficiency and range. Flush door handles and smooth panel transitions help airflow.
Wheel Options: 17- to 19-inch alloys are offered, with EV-specific aerodynamic patterns that look futuristic while saving energy.
Practical Touches: Roof rails, a decent ride height, and a hatchback-style rear keep the Kona versatile for city and weekend use.
Overall, the new Kona Electric is less quirky and more premium. It appeals to buyers who want a futuristic EV but still value the familiar SUV shape.
Interior: Tech-Focused and Spacious
Hyundai has completely overhauled the interior of the 2025 Kona Electric.
Digital Cockpit: Dual 12.3-inch displays (one for the instrument cluster, one for infotainment) dominate the dash. The system runs Hyundai’s latest connected car OS with wireless updates.
Minimalist Layout: Physical buttons are reduced, replaced by touch controls and a streamlined centre console.
Material Quality: Soft-touch materials, eco-friendly fabrics, and available leather alternatives give it a sustainable and premium feel.
Space Boost: Thanks to a longer wheelbase, rear passengers now get more legroom compared to the outgoing model. Headroom remains solid thanks to the SUV stance.
Storage: Clever compartments, a spacious boot (larger than many rivals), and under-floor storage make it practical for families.
Technology is where Hyundai has really pushed the envelope. The Kona Electric integrates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice commands, and Hyundai’s Bluelink app that allows remote functions like pre-conditioning the cabin or checking charge status.
Performance: Everyday EV Power
Unlike some sporty EVs, the Kona Electric focuses on balance—providing smooth, efficient power delivery rather than outright thrills.
Motor Options: Two versions are expected for Australia—
Standard Range: ~48 kWh battery, ~150 hp motor.
Long Range: ~65 kWh battery, ~200 hp motor.
0–100 km/h: Around 7.5 seconds for the long-range version—quick enough for urban and highway driving.
Front-Wheel Drive Only: Unlike bigger EVs, the Kona Electric keeps things simple with FWD, making it lighter and more affordable.
Driving Dynamics: Hyundai tuned the suspension for Australian roads, meaning good ride comfort on city streets and stability on highways.
It’s not a sports SUV, but it feels more refined than rivals like the MG ZS EV, and it provides a quiet, relaxed drive that suits commuting and weekend adventures.
Range and Efficiency: The Big Upgrade
One of the biggest criticisms of the previous Kona Electric was its range limitations. Hyundai has addressed this in the 2025 model.
Standard Range Battery: ~370 km WLTP
Long Range Battery: ~500 km WLTP
These figures put it ahead of many budget EVs, and real-world efficiency should be around 15–16 kWh/100 km, making it one of the most frugal EV SUVs available.
For many Australians, this means you could easily commute all week and only recharge once—making EV ownership less stressful, especially outside major cities.
Charging: Faster and Smarter
The 2025 Kona Electric supports better charging tech than before.
AC Charging: Up to 11 kW onboard charger—ideal for home wallbox setups.
DC Fast Charging: Around 100–120 kW peak charging speed, allowing 10–80% in about 40 minutes.
Vehicle-to-Load (V2L): A standout feature—lets you power appliances, tools, or even camping gear directly from the car’s battery.
Charging Network Compatibility: Works with major Australian fast-charging networks like Evie and Chargefox, making long trips easier.
This balance of range and charging speed ensures the Kona Electric fits both city and regional use cases.
Safety: Top-Tier Driver Assistance
Hyundai has consistently delivered strong safety ratings, and the 2025 Kona Electric is expected to follow suit.
ADAS Suite (Hyundai SmartSense): Includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Autonomous Emergency Braking: Detects cars, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Driver Attention Warning: Monitors driver fatigue and suggests breaks.
Parking Assistance: 360-degree camera, remote parking assist, and ultrasonic sensors help in tight Aussie city car parks.
Crash Safety: Built on a reinforced platform that has already shown strong results in crash tests globally.
For families and first-time EV buyers, safety is a critical factor, and the Kona Electric delivers.
Features and Tech Highlights
The Kona Electric 2025 isn’t just about range—it’s packed with features.
Standard Equipment: Even base models get LED lighting, digital displays, wireless smartphone integration, and a full suite of safety aids.
Premium Options: Higher trims add Bose premium audio, heated/ventilated seats, ambient interior lighting, and a panoramic sunroof.
Connectivity: Over-the-air software updates, live traffic info, EV route planning, and voice assistant integration.
Smart Regeneration: Paddle shifters let you adjust regenerative braking on the fly—great for efficiency and one-pedal driving in the city.
This combination makes the Kona one of the most tech-rich small SUVs at its price point.
Pricing in Australia: EVs Within Reach
While Hyundai hasn’t released official Australian pricing at the time of writing, we can expect:
Base Standard Range: Likely starting around $55,000–$58,000 before on-roads.
Long Range Versions: Closer to $65,000–$68,000 before on-roads.
That positions the Kona Electric above budget EVs like the MG4 or BYD Dolphin, but below premium rivals like the Tesla Model Y or Polestar 2.
With government EV rebates in states like NSW, VIC, and QLD, plus stamp duty savings, the effective price could drop further, making it a strong value proposition.
Hyundai Kona Electric vs Rivals
The EV market in Australia is heating up. Here’s how the 2025 Kona Electric stacks against key competitors:
BYD Atto 3: Cheaper entry price, but less premium interior and lower brand recognition.
MG4 Electric: Sporty handling and low cost, but shorter range than Kona Long Range.
Tesla Model Y: Bigger, faster, and pricier—appeals to tech lovers but stretches budgets.
Nissan Leaf: Falling behind in range and tech; Kona feels much fresher.
Hyundai’s advantage is its balance of price, range, and everyday usability—making it ideal for those upgrading from petrol SUVs.
Ownership Experience: Costs and Maintenance
Owning an EV is different from owning a petrol car, and the Kona Electric highlights those benefits.
Low Running Costs: Electricity is cheaper per kilometre than petrol, especially with off-peak home charging.
Servicing: EVs require fewer service items (no oil changes, fewer moving parts). Hyundai offers pre-paid service plans to simplify ownership.
Warranty: 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty, plus an 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty.
Resale Value: EV resale values are improving, and Hyundai’s brand trust helps here compared to newer Chinese rivals.
For budget-conscious Aussies, the savings in fuel and servicing over 5–10 years make the Kona Electric attractive.
Who Should Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric 2025?
The Kona Electric suits a wide range of buyers:
First-Time EV Owners: Affordable entry with good range and safety.
Families: Small SUV practicality with space for kids and gear.
Commuters: Long range makes daily driving stress-free.
Eco-Conscious Drivers: Sustainable materials and zero tailpipe emissions.
Tech Enthusiasts: Loads of digital features and over-the-air updates.
It may not excite hardcore enthusiasts, but for everyday Aussies, it ticks the right boxes.
Future Outlook: Hyundai’s EV Roadmap
The Kona Electric is just one piece of Hyundai’s broader EV push. By 2030, Hyundai aims to have 11 new EVs globally, with Australia being a key market.
The Kona complements the Ioniq series, giving buyers an affordable alternative while sharing Hyundai’s EV technology. As charging networks expand and EV uptake grows in Australia, cars like the Kona will likely become the norm rather than the exception.
Conclusion: A Practical EV For the Masses
The Hyundai Kona Electric 2025 delivers what Australians want—longer range, better features, practical SUV design, and affordability. It won’t blow minds with performance like a Tesla, but it doesn’t need to. Instead, it provides a well-rounded, dependable, and future-proof choice for everyday driving.
For buyers looking to switch from petrol to electric without overspending, the Kona Electric stands as one of the smartest choices in 2025.
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