Though available in full-electric, hybrid, and conventional combustion engine versions, for the Kona’s development, Hyundai broke away from the ICE-to-EV development norm. Instead, they went the opposite way, going EV-to-ICE instead. This has led them to create an exterior design with an ultra-slippery 0.27 co-efficient of drag. The wheel arch “armor” remains, but everything else has been given a futuristic vibe. On the EV variant, it has the pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp and Pixel graphics for the light clusters.

Compared to the previous generation Kona, the new model has unique proportions with increased dimensions. Based on the EV variant, its length is now 4,355 mm, 175 mm longer than the previous generation, with a wheelbase of 2,660 mm, which is 60 mm longer. Its width is 1,825 mm, which is 25 mm wider, and the height is 20 mm taller at 1,575 mm.

The Kona’s reliance on Hyundai’s EV-derived universal architecture has helped them free up more interior room. For example, the front row has a “floating” horizontal crash pad. The gear selector moves from the center console to behind the steering wheel, while the driver is treated to dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screens.

The first-row seats distribute body pressure to help alleviate fatigue, while the Curveless Bench Seat in the second row maximizes space and provides easy maintenance. A two-stage latch allows some degree of recline. The second row also folds flat, revealing 723 liters of space. A Smart Power Tailgate improves access to the cargo hold. There’s even a small 27-liter storage space upfront (frunk).

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Kona is that Hyundai’s launching the all-electric version first. This version doesn’t adopt the Ioniq series’ cutting-edge 800-volt system, settling for a 400-volt system instead. However, to accommodate a wider variety of audiences it comes with two battery sizes—48.4-kWh and 65.4-kWh. At 156 horsepower, the former smaller battery version of the Kona EV produces less power to the long-range version’s 217 horsepower. In both cases, torque is rated at 255 Nm. Range is pegged at more than 490 kilometers.

With a bi-directional onboard charge, the Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function can power any device or charge electrical equipment, with both interior and exterior outlets for convenience. Inside, devices can be plugged into a standard outlet on the rear center console when the EV is powered on. Outside, devices and home appliances can be plugged in using a V2L adapter to use battery power when the car is parked.

A new i-Pedal enables a driving mode that allows drivers to accelerate, decelerate, and stop using only the accelerator pedal. The Smart Regenerative System automatically adjusts the amount of regenerative braking based on information from forward traffic flow.

According to Hyundai, the all-new Kona will play a major role in their electrification strategy alongside the Ioniq models. It is just part of the 11 new Hyundai EVs that will arrive by 2030.