They are Phasing out the Kona EV... Hello Ioniq 5

My main worry with the Kona EV discontinuation is the ability to obtain OEM parts somewhere down the road in a few years if my car needs them.

I hate to say this, but the Ioniq 5 eerily reminds me of a DeLorean looking from the front....has square lights, the profile.....erggghhhh. Really don't think Ioniq 5 is worth its price. Would you really consider buying an Ioniq 5 after undergoing what you went through as a Kona EV owner???

 

The article is blatantly wrong. Far from being "conspicuously absent" the 2022 Kona EV was front and centre when new models were unveiled late last year.

 

I do think the Ioniq 5 is compelling and I like the fact that it’s designed as an EV only but the Kona beats the pants out of almost every other EV with the exception of a Model 3 in efficiency and it’s not that far off from the Tesla.

 

Lots of Ioniq 5 reviews/test drives are dropping now. I wasn't fully aware just how large it is; Wheelbase is ~14" longer than the Kona's, and is overall ~15" longer! Definitely not ideal for inner city driving. The lack of FWD-only config is also interesting - I wonder if there's something intrinsic to EV platforms that makes RWD advantageous again (other than acceleration performance.)

I'd consider it, yes. I would expect all of the lessons learned from the Kona Electric would be accounted for in the Ioniq 5 and any other EV Hyundai makes going forward. It's not like Hyundai is the only company in 2020 that had to recall thousands of vehicles either, so if recalls are a disqualifier from buying a particular brand of vehicle I hope you have a good pair of walking shoes!

 

Consider this. My notebook is seven years, real old, by PC standards, it still works fine. no plans to change it. I had my first Prius for 8 years, the second only 4 because I WANTED (not needed) an electric car. Now that the battery is finally replaced, I love my Kona and it would be totally crazy to change it. Actually, I think I will drive myself to the funeral parlour in this one. To put this in context, I figure I am OK to drive an other 10+ years.
New stuff is always better - supposedly. I also like the car's size. The Ioniq 5 is quote bit larger. For now, as a small, practical 'jeep' the Kona has no competitor.

 

Considering that electric vehicles have 90% less moving parts than a gasoline powered vehicle, Lars your electric Kona can easily last 10 years +.

What is nice that for those of us who have not purchased an EV let has more options to choose from for a new EV including the Ioniq 5.

Dan

 

You are absolutely correct! You will have quite a few choices in 2010/2022.

 

My only issue with the Kona is the inability to offer to drive when we go out with another couple, the back seat is just about unusable. The Mach e and the Model Y, while not as economical, have much more space (as I presume the Ioniq 5 will have), and the Cadillac LYRIQ (coming out next year) looks very promising. I'm looking forward to the choices coming in the next few years.
Having said that, we're planning some road trips this summer with the Kona, unconcerned with the anticipated gas prices and supply problems we're hearing about.

 

I think in many ways the Kona is unique. If it fits your lifestyle (and budget ) there is no really no alternative (yet). I pull the seat forward a bit if we have company at the back. It is not the right car for family camping with 2 kids and a dog.

This car is made for markets where people prefer smaller cars like Asian countries, Europe and Canada. Just look at the popularity of the Kona in Germany.
https://insideevs.com/news/504204/germany-plugin-sales-march-2021/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+InsideEvs+%28Inside+EVs%29