2022 Hyundai Kona Electric gets big price-cut, raft of changes

The 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric is now in U.S. showrooms, and in addition to packing a slew of changes, it includes a big price-cut from the 2021 model. In this story, we discuss all the aspects of the US-spec 2022 Kona EV. We have included videos and images of the updated American model.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric exterior

Hyundai unveiled a series of updates to the Kona Electric in November 2020 and is now introducing the revised edition for the MY2022 in the United States. The 2022 Hyundai Kona EV looks playful and sportier compared to the 2021 model. The company has smoothened out the electric SUV’s face enhancing the character. The new-look closed grille makes the EV purer and understated. The facelift looks nicer when spec’d with the new Surfy Blue shade that is available in Europe. In the U.S., Blue Wave, Cactus Fern, and Lunar White are the new color options.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric features new LED DRLs and sharper LED headlamps with new multifaceted reflector (MFR) technology. Vertical air inlets in front of the wheel arch cladding give it a sporty styling. At the same time, an asymmetric charging port breaks the monotony of centrally located and brand logo-covered charging ports on EVs.

Video Source: Ed’s Garage

The hood is new, an uncommon feature with mid-cycle refreshes, which gives it a more powerful appearance. The functional air intake in the lower bumper has satin accent bars and lifts the appearance of the car. Moving to the sides, the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric is longer, but not noticeably. The new 17-inch alloy wheels in the funkier design wrapped in low rolling resistance tires make it easily recognizable as the facelift.

At the rear, the 2022 Kona EV has a slightly more aggressive LED taillight and bigger and sharper combination lamps that include new LED turn indicators (instead of PY21W halogen bulbs) split into three vertical bars and wider reverse light. The new satin accent bars on the bumper look weird if you ask us and could look better if it was a body-colored piece.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric interior

Current Kona Electric customers would be happy to know that their car compares well with the incoming version. The 2022 Kona Electric features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and new, turbine-shaped outer-end AC vents. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster is a color LCD unit, and it replaces the old model’s 7-inch electroluminescent digital instrument cluster.

Other new features worth appreciating are wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, upgraded Bluelink with more functions controllable with smartphone/voice, and mood lighting. Strangely, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto are available in the lower-end 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system but not the optional 10.25-inch unit. The 8-inch unit replaces the old model’s 7-inch panel that came with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. In place of the 2021 model’s Infinity premium audio system, the 2022 model has a premium audio system from Harman Kardon.

Dynamic Voice Recognition is another new convenience feature in the 2022 Kona Electric. It’s essentially a more capable voice recognition system. It allows the user to activate and control various features of the vehicle, such as the climate control system, radio station, rear window and side mirror heating, and steering wheel heating.

Hyundai has redesigned the lower center console storage area for more efficient use of space and the switches for climate control and conveniences. The seating surfaces and materials the dash/door panel materials and accents are also new.

The 2022 Kona Electric offers a shareable Digital Key, allowing users to lock and unlock the vehicle, start the vehicle, and activate the panic alert using their smartphone. Using the BlueLink app, owners can remotely manage and monitor their vehicle, access real-time vehicle data, and perform specific commands. For people who have different electric rates at off-peak times, it is possible with the BlueLink app to schedule charging.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric safety

The Kona Electric is safer now due to improvements in the driver assistant systems department. The first change is that Hyundai has introduced four new features: Highway Driving Assist, Lane Following Assist, Rear Occupant Alert, and Safe Exit Warning. Moreover, the company has made Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection standard. Both Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Collision Avoidance Assist can now apply brakes in addition to giving a warning.

Specifications

The water-cooled battery pack and motor of the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric are a carry-over from the previous version, but the battery can charge faster. However, while a 10.5 kW three-phase onboard charger was optionally available in the old model in Europe, that is not the case for America. Similarly, the high-output motor and the extended range battery pack are standard for the US-spec facelifted model. Hyundai gives a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery pack.

The 2022 Kona Electric delivers the same range (EPA est.) as the 2021 Kona Electric: 258 miles. The energy consumption ratings (EPA est.) are also the same: 132 city, 108 highway, and 120 combined.

Quieter cabin

Hyundai has improved the noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) with the mid-cycle refresh. New acoustic windshield glass, new instrument panel insulation, and additional cargo insulation have reduced the NVH levels. A battery warmer system that helps prevent long battery-charging intervals is available. In Winter Mode, the system helps minimize battery-power losses due to low winter temperatures.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric charging time

Also new on the 2022MY Kona is improved ride quality and comfort thanks to the Hydraulic Rebound Stopper that improves suspension rebound shock when driving over rough terrain, rear torsion beam reinforcement and body valve shock absorber.

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric price

The 2022 Kona Electric’s base price is USD 34,000, which is USD 3,390 lower than the 2021 model (USD 37,390).

2022 Hyundai Kona Electric FAQs

Featured image: Hyundai