2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL: Review, Specs & More!

by Alex Braham 54 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL SUV. If you're looking for a compact SUV that's also electric, this could be the perfect ride for you. We'll cover everything from its performance and range to its interior features and overall value. Buckle up, and let's get started!

Overview of the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL

The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL is part of the Kona's electric lineup, offering a blend of practicality, efficiency, and modern technology. This model stands out as an affordable option in the electric SUV market, making it accessible to a broader range of buyers. With its distinctive styling and eco-friendly powertrain, the Kona Electric SEL aims to provide a compelling alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. The SEL trim enhances the base model with additional features and comforts, making it a well-rounded choice for daily commutes and longer trips. Its compact size makes it easy to maneuver in urban environments, while its electric motor delivers instant torque for a fun and engaging driving experience. Hyundai has packed this SUV with a host of safety technologies and convenience features, ensuring a comfortable and secure ride for both the driver and passengers. The Kona Electric SEL not only reduces your carbon footprint but also offers significant savings on fuel costs, making it an economically sound choice for the environmentally conscious consumer. Plus, with government incentives and tax credits available in many areas, the overall cost of ownership can be even more attractive. The 2021 Kona Electric SEL is designed to meet the needs of modern drivers who want a vehicle that is both practical and environmentally friendly. It's a smart choice for anyone looking to make the switch to electric without sacrificing the versatility and convenience of an SUV.

Performance and Range

When it comes to electric vehicles, performance and range are key. The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL doesn't disappoint. It's powered by a robust electric motor that delivers instant torque, making acceleration surprisingly quick and fun. You'll notice the responsiveness as soon as you hit the accelerator, providing a zippy and engaging driving experience. The electric motor churns out around 201 horsepower and 291 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough for confident city driving and comfortable highway cruising. One of the most impressive aspects of the Kona Electric SEL is its range. On a full charge, you can expect to travel up to 258 miles, which is excellent for a vehicle in this class. This kind of range alleviates range anxiety, allowing you to tackle daily commutes and even longer road trips with ease. The battery pack has a capacity of 64 kWh, providing a good balance between range and charging time. Speaking of charging, the Kona Electric SEL supports both Level 2 and DC fast charging. With a Level 2 charger (240V), you can fully charge the battery in about 9 hours and 35 minutes. However, if you're on the go and need a quick top-up, using a DC fast charger can replenish the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 54 minutes. This flexibility in charging options makes it convenient to keep your Kona Electric SEL powered up, whether you're at home or on the road. The regenerative braking system also helps to extend the range by capturing energy during deceleration and feeding it back into the battery. You can adjust the level of regenerative braking using the steering wheel-mounted paddles, allowing you to customize your driving experience and maximize efficiency. Overall, the 2021 Kona Electric SEL offers a compelling combination of performance and range, making it a practical and enjoyable electric SUV to drive.

Interior and Features

Stepping inside the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL, you'll find a well-designed and comfortable interior. The cabin is thoughtfully laid out with user-friendly controls and a modern aesthetic. The seats are supportive and upholstered in durable cloth, providing a comfortable experience for both short commutes and longer journeys. The SEL trim comes standard with heated front seats, which is a welcome addition for those chilly mornings. The dashboard features an 8-inch touchscreen display that houses the infotainment system. This system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone for navigation, music, and communication. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, making it simple to access your favorite apps and features. In terms of convenience, the Kona Electric SEL includes features like automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push-button start. These features add to the overall ease of use and make the Kona Electric SEL a pleasure to drive every day. The cargo area offers a decent amount of space for groceries, luggage, or other items. With the rear seats up, you get around 19.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Folding down the rear seats expands the cargo area to 45.8 cubic feet, providing ample room for larger items. Safety is also a priority in the Kona Electric SEL. It comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane keeping assist, and blind-spot collision warning. These features help to enhance driver awareness and prevent accidents. The 2021 Kona Electric SEL strikes a good balance between comfort, convenience, and technology, making it a practical and enjoyable place to spend your time on the road.

Safety and Technology

Hyundai has equipped the 2021 Kona Electric SEL with a comprehensive suite of safety and technology features. These systems work together to provide a safer and more connected driving experience. Standard safety features include forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision. Lane keeping assist helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane, while blind-spot collision warning alerts you to vehicles in your blind spots. Rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist helps prevent accidents when backing out of parking spaces. In addition to these advanced safety features, the Kona Electric SEL also comes with standard features like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and a rearview camera. The technology features in the Kona Electric SEL are designed to keep you connected and entertained on the road. The 8-inch touchscreen display is the centerpiece of the infotainment system, offering access to navigation, music, and smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility allows you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and use your favorite apps. The Kona Electric SEL also includes features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a six-speaker audio system. Available features include a head-up display, which projects important information onto the windshield, and a wireless charging pad for your smartphone. The Hyundai SmartSense suite of safety technologies provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. These features are designed to help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. Overall, the 2021 Kona Electric SEL offers a well-rounded package of safety and technology features, making it a smart and safe choice for electric SUV buyers.

Pricing and Value

When considering an electric vehicle, pricing and value are crucial factors. The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL offers a compelling value proposition in the electric SUV market. The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the Kona Electric SEL typically starts around $37,190, but this can vary depending on your location and any optional features you choose. However, the actual cost to you can be significantly lower thanks to federal and state tax credits and incentives for electric vehicles. The federal tax credit can reduce the price by up to $7,500, and many states offer additional incentives that can further lower the cost. In terms of value, the Kona Electric SEL offers a lot for its price. It comes well-equipped with a range of standard features, including heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a suite of advanced safety technologies. The long driving range of 258 miles also adds to its value, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and longer trips. The Kona Electric SEL also offers significant savings on fuel costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles are much cheaper to fuel than gasoline cars, and you can save even more money by charging at home during off-peak hours. Maintenance costs are also typically lower for electric vehicles, as they have fewer moving parts and don't require oil changes or other routine maintenance. The 2021 Kona Electric SEL is backed by Hyundai's excellent warranty, which includes a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. The battery is also covered by a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty, giving you peace of mind. Overall, the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL offers a great combination of price, features, and value, making it a smart choice for electric SUV buyers.

Pros and Cons

To give you a balanced view, let's break down the pros and cons of the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL. This will help you make an informed decision based on your needs and preferences.

Pros:

  • Excellent Range: With an EPA-estimated range of 258 miles, the Kona Electric SEL offers plenty of range for daily commutes and longer trips.
  • Quick Acceleration: The electric motor delivers instant torque, providing quick and responsive acceleration.
  • Affordable Price: The Kona Electric SEL is one of the more affordable electric SUVs on the market, especially after factoring in tax credits and incentives.
  • Well-Equipped: The SEL trim comes standard with a range of desirable features, including heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen display, and advanced safety technologies.
  • Long Warranty: Hyundai's excellent warranty provides peace of mind, covering the vehicle for 5 years/60,000 miles and the powertrain for 10 years/100,000 miles.

Cons:

  • Limited Cargo Space: The Kona Electric SEL has a smaller cargo area compared to some of its competitors.
  • Rear Seat Legroom: Rear seat legroom can be tight for taller passengers.
  • Charging Time: While DC fast charging is available, it still takes about an hour to charge the battery from 10% to 80%.
  • Availability: Depending on your location, it may be difficult to find a Kona Electric SEL in stock.
  • Styling: The Kona's styling may not appeal to everyone.

Despite these cons, the 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL remains a compelling choice in the electric SUV market. Its long range, quick acceleration, and affordable price make it a standout option for those looking to make the switch to electric.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric SEL is a fantastic option if you're in the market for a compact, electric SUV. It brings together a respectable driving range, peppy performance, and a well-equipped interior, all at a price point that's hard to ignore. Sure, it's got a few drawbacks like limited cargo space and potentially tight rear seating, but its strengths definitely outweigh its weaknesses. With the added bonus of potential tax credits and savings on fuel and maintenance, the Kona Electric SEL is not only eco-friendly but also budget-friendly. Whether you're a daily commuter or someone who enjoys weekend road trips, this electric SUV is worth considering. Thanks for tuning in, and happy driving!