As many of you know I am a 'fish out of water' here. My 2021 Kona is sitting on the dealer's lot, waiting for a new battery since October 23 with no expected delivery date. But reading some of the stuff here starts to get to me. I chose the Kona over Tesla M3, at least to some extent, because of Tesla's build quality and service. I figured that since their Pony days Hyundai learned how to build cars. I am not sure any longer.
The difference between Tesla and legacy,it's a tech.company where it's adoption for OTA updates reflects this. Hyundai has the ability to do OTA if you go to their HMC website,it lists some of the 2020,2021 vehicles who will utilize it.Hyundai has been okay with the campaigns,and recalls,but it's not forthcoming with the details for these with owners. HMC hasn't demonstrated it's
listening to owners who have actively offered feedback on the Kona electric.
I have a 2017 Model X,it had its issues.However,Tesla's use of crowd sourced data,and software driven environment fixes many issues.It can be proactive pulling all the data from its vehicles on the road.
I took a 2021 Model Y out for an over night test drive this month. I will say it's better than the Kona electric overall due to its ability to be updated via OTA, crowd sourced data utilization,and supercharging.Basics on the Y: chrome delete,heat pump;2021 model 3 same.
The Y's advanced ,beta FSD wasn't confidence building.I experienced situations while on the highway where I had to take control because the Y on beta FSD was a little erratic. Also,in beta FSD,the vehicle slowed down while on the highway at an over pass,dangerous at highway speeds because someone could've rear ended us. This is an improvement from when it used to STOP.
It doesn't have grab handles above the passenger doors,the rear 80 split is heavy to manually raise without any assisted integration.The Y's seats were more comfortable,more adjustable,and you can SAVE the driver setting.
The Y handled well,odd it has coil suspension.Kona has rear multi link which gives it a smoother road feel when you hit uneven pavement in my view. Overall,the Y's steering feedback,and handling is more European feel,stiffer.
Y's ability to auto park was great,made it parallel park,and reverse.Hyundai has included this in some of its 2020 vehicles.Why not in the Kona electric gen.1,missed opportunity.Y has a 360 camera view now which helps you see around your vehicle so you can avoid hitting someone,or something.
I took it though country roads,played with the auto high beams which were a little delayed at times.On the Kona, they have ALWAYS activated as they should. Headlights ,combined with the fog lamps,excellent on these dark roads,something Kona electric should have.
Rear view mirror, it's an adjustment due to the narrow rear window.I had to get into traffic so I can see in order to be able to adjust it during the night run.
Supercharging the Y at a V2 with about 15% SOC,took a bio break in a fast food place near by.In about 10 minutes, there was about 200km/124miles added.
It comes down to
what you want for your dollar.