End of an era

I won't buy another Kona then b/c I need the longer range of the 64 KWH battery. I've been running our car all over the state.
 
Specs and range aside, i think a big issue with this one is it's looks. It's frankly pretty ugly. Reminds me of an 80s Le Car. Of course, that's my opinion, but i'm not shocked to see it didn't sell well.
 
Haha, I wouldn't call it ugly, maybe funky. I know when it comes to EVs, looks really vary, but beauty, or not, is definitely in the eyes of the beholder. I know there are some cars that I consider ugly, but others do not. I do not like big audacious grilles which some ICE cars have. For me, those are particularly ugly.
 
brianc35 said:
it didn't sell well.
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Hyundai Kona EV (2nd gen 2024) in Canada sales was second only to Ioniq 5:
HYUNDAI 2024 Electrified Sales

Vehicle CY2024 CY2023 % Change

KONA EV 9,179 5,963 53.9 %

IONIQ 5 13,484 5,097 164.5 %

brianc35 said:
It's frankly pretty ugly. Reminds me of an 80s Le Car.
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I am pretty happy with my "ugly" Kona EV and have actually had some very positive comments on it's "looks".:)
Not sure which similarities are seen between the 2 makes'
JMHO
 
I really like the looks of the new refreshed Kona. Looks very smart and modern. Not sure why they are ending that model. Maybe replaced by an Ioniq 2 or 3? I like small cars, but wish they would include a trim with all the desirable features like memory seats. Fast (800V) charging is also very desirable. Was at a charger in Merritt yesterday, and saw the new Kona there. Looked good but he was still only charging at 57kW. I have been spoiled by the I6 with its fast charging speed, and now wouldn't want anything less.
 
R P said:
I really like the looks of the new refreshed Kona. Looks very smart and modern. Not sure why they are ending that model. Maybe replaced by an Ioniq 2 or 3? I like small cars, but wish they would include a trim with all the desirable features like memory seats. Fast (800V) charging is also very desirable. Was at a charger in Merritt yesterday, and saw the new Kona there. Looked good but he was still only charging at 57kW. I have been spoiled by the I6 with its fast charging speed, and now wouldn't want anything less.
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Like we have mentioned before, it depends on the owner's requirements.
I personally do not travel long distance frequently, so charging at .75 c on a 50kW charger is fine for me. In your case, the 3c would be a very good feature/time saver.
Sure, AWD and 800V would have been a nice addition, but Hyundai obviously wants to expand their E-GMP line and financially that does make sense.
I guess we will wait to see the future offering, but I feel the value of the Kona EV will be lost forever...damn shame:(
 
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R P said:
I do not like big audacious grilles which some ICE cars have. For me, those are particularly ugly.
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BMW is particularly criminal with their oversized grilles (even on their BEVs!). I loved this photo in Car and Driver's review of the 2021 BMW M4:
upload_2025-8-7_0-2-13.webp
Car and Driver's caption for this photo: Lemon, named after famed Detroit Tigers center fielder Chet Lemon, is a three-year-old husky–pit bull mix and has been carefully positioned here to make the M4 look better.
 
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R P said:
Haha, I wouldn't call it ugly, maybe funky. I know when it comes to EVs, looks really vary, but beauty, or not, is definitely in the eyes of the beholder. I know there are some cars that I consider ugly, but others do not. I do not like big audacious grilles which some ICE cars have. For me, those are particularly ugly.
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I think all cars look the same these days all CRV's or smaller.
 
GPM432 said:
I think all cars look the same these days all CRV's or smaller.
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The problem for me is there are so few actual cars available these days. I'm so glad I acquired my distinctive and fun-to-drive MINI Cooper SE before BMW moved production from England to China, which eliminated the car from the North American market. I religiously follow automotive news and it's looking like there won't ever be another car like it for me to buy.
 
Sorry to see it go. We enjoyed ours. After 150+k we replaced it with a Chevy Equinox. I was shopping for another Kona but the Hyundai dealers were jerks so I bought the Chevy instead. For the same money (Equinox LT no options) it is better than the Kona: more range, more space inside, faster charging, tows a trailer legally, and more refined. Worth a look. All is not lost with the discontinuation of the Kona.
 
Glad the Equinox works well for you, but some of us prefer something smaller, and we don't have many choices. That should improve a bit next year. Personally, my eyes are on the Kia EV3.
 
brianc35 said:
Specs and range aside, i think a big issue with this one is it's looks. It's frankly pretty ugly. Reminds me of an 80s Le Car. Of course, that's my opinion, but i'm not shocked to see it didn't sell well.
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I agree, especially the butt. Not for me.
 
lars2885 said:
I won't buy another new vejicle with a black interior, and that seems to be a problem.
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Have you seen the interior of the new Leaf? Blue and White. Really great. I refuse black interiors too. That's what kept Kia an GM off my list for a long time. Thank goodness that seems to be changing.
 
Wildeyed said:
Have you seen the interior of the new Leaf? Blue and White. Really great. I refuse black interiors too. That's what kept Kia an GM off my list for a long time. Thank goodness that seems to be changing.
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Black interiors aren't an absolute deal-killer for me, but I don't like them. If carmakers are moving away from all-black, that's progress.
 
electriceddy said:
Sad to see this release:
https://www.hyundainews.com/en-us/releases/4513#Kona_EV
The 2025 my Kona EV is the last model year with the 64 kWh battery, confirmed by Ioniq Guy:

As he describes probably to make room for a smaller E-GMP version (Ioniq 3 possibly).
I sure feel relieved to have purchased the last model year with the long range battery.
Sorry to see this wonderful EV discontinued.:(
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Sad to hear this, but I suppose all good things will ultimately come to an end. I love my 2021 Kona. The best car I ever owned. Hope she will keep on going for few more years without any undue problems.
 
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