Things I LOVE or Just noticed about my Kona EV

[BaylorBob]

I'm still in the honeymoon phase of owning my Kona EV, but already I'm in love. Here's some of the things I love about driving a Kona EV...
- I love that the rear passenger windows and back window are tinted...a smokey color.
- I love the sunroof, which allows the cabin to appear bright and cheerful (even on cloudy days!)
- I love the fact that when I put my car in reverse, the audio system becomes noticeable more quiet, so I can concentrate on driving safely.
- I love the heads-up display (HUD). The information presented on the projection screen is easy-to-read and not a distraction. I use it all the time.
- On these hot summer days, I love the ventilated seats (on the ultimate trim level). It's refreshing and does not use too much energy.
- I love driving an EVehicle. It's smooth, silent (minus the VESS sound when driving below a certain speed), and handles well on the road. Oh, and no emissions!
- I love the fact that when I am using Apple Car Play I can say commands using the voice control on the steering wheel. For instance, if I'm listening to my favorite podcast (i.e., Science Friday, Lore, or Living on Earth), I can press the voice command button on the steering wheel and say something like, "Rewind" or "Start from the beginning". Silly, I know, but it helps keep my eyes on the road.

What about you? What do you love or noticing about your Kona EV?

I have a 2021 Kona Ultimate. I have had this 2021 for about 18 months. I am a Senior who likes to look at a Bright Screen which I had until about 2 Weeks ago when all of a sudden it started Giving me a Black Map Background plus other screens also reversed from White to Black. I noticed this usually happened every afternoon between 4 and 5 pm even in Bright Daylight. And on those Bright Sunny Days when I pull into my Garage the screen turns Black again. I originally thought it had something to do with the Time of Day. But now I am thinking it is being caused by an Electric Eye or Photo Cell or whatever they call them, which causes the color to change when I go into a darkened garage. I called Hyundai Customer service and they told me it was a common problem and I need to Reset the Screen by putting a Paper Clip or a small pointed tool in the hole by the right side Radio knob. I used a paper clip but a toothpick also works just fine. I did this numerous times and it did not fix the problem. So I call Hyundai back and get a different person who tells me that the car needs to be parked and a lot of other things. I asked her to email the instructions to me but she never did. I watched a YouTube video where the Reviewer said "If you want to reset your Screen Push a Paperclip into this hole (pointing it out)" then said OK, now let's look at the AC or the Heater or the Tires or Whatever. I researched this Forum for Display and Display Color and Found nothing. Does anyone have any ideas on how to Fix this and get my Bright White Screen Back or who can post all the Correct Steps to follow for resetting the Screen using the Hole by the Radio Knob or other settings? Would Greatly Appreciate it. My Sofware Version is attached if I did this right. But I don't think that is the Problem because it was Updated on October 5th, 2022 and the Display just started reversing colors around December 10th.

 

[Wildeyed]

I have a 2021 Kona Ultimate. I have had this 2021 for about 18 months. I am a Senior who likes to look at a Bright Screen which I had until about 2 Weeks ago when all of a sudden it started Giving me a Black Map Background plus other screens also reversed from White to Black. I noticed this usually happened every afternoon between 4 and 5 pm even in Bright Daylight. And on those Bright Sunny Days when I pull into my Garage the screen turns Black again. I originally thought it had something to do with the Time of Day. But now I am thinking it is being caused by an Electric Eye or Photo Cell or whatever they call them, which causes the color to change when I go into a darkened garage. I called Hyundai Customer service and they told me it was a common problem and I need to Reset the Screen by putting a Paper Clip or a small pointed tool in the hole by the right side Radio knob. I used a paper clip but a toothpick also works just fine. I did this numerous times and it did not fix the problem. So I call Hyundai back and get a different person who tells me that the car needs to be parked and a lot of other things. I asked her to email the instructions to me but she never did. I watched a YouTube video where the Reviewer said "If you want to reset your Screen Push a Paperclip into this hole (pointing it out)" then said OK, now let's look at the AC or the Heater or the Tires or Whatever. I researched this Forum for Display and Display Color and Found nothing. Does anyone have any ideas on how to Fix this and get my Bright White Screen Back or who can post all the Correct Steps to follow for resetting the Screen using the Hole by the Radio Knob or other settings? Would Greatly Appreciate it. My Sofware Version is attached if I did this right. But I don't think that is the Problem because it was Updated on October 5th, 2022 and the Display just started reversing colors around December 10th.

It's definitely a photocell though I'm not sure where it's located. Might be a hardware issue?

 

[BaylorBob]

It's definitely a photocell though I'm not sure where it's located. Might be a hardware issue?

Thanks for the reply. I cleaned the Back of the Screen, the Dashboard, and Everywhere inside the car between me and the Windshield including the Back of the Mirror. Let's wait and see if anyone else comes up with a suggestion. Thanks

 

[Kirby34]

Based on my quick check/test earlier today, you have look at your windshield from outside your Kona. On my '21 Ultimate, it appears to be the group of "cells" offset a tad to the left in that black area at the top-middle. I took a quick picture - ignore the black lines as they're just a reflection of overhead power lines.

With my Kona left on, when I got out and covered that little area, the headlights came on and both the instrument and infotainment screens went darker. When I uncovered it, the headlights turned off and both displays brightened.



Edit: What reminded me to post a reply was that as I drove under a few underpasses while out-and-about around lunchtime, I saw the nav map darken/brighten out of the corner of my eye.

 

[FishOn]

I have a 2021 Kona Ultimate. I have had this 2021 for about 18 months. I am a Senior who likes to look at a Bright Screen which I had until about 2 Weeks ago when all of a sudden it started Giving me a Black Map Background plus other screens also reversed from White to Black. I noticed this usually happened every afternoon between 4 and 5 pm even in Bright Daylight. And on those Bright Sunny Days when I pull into my Garage the screen turns Black again. I originally thought it had something to do with the Time of Day. But now I am thinking it is being caused by an Electric Eye or Photo Cell or whatever they call them, which causes the color to change when I go into a darkened garage. I called Hyundai Customer service and they told me it was a common problem and I need to Reset the Screen by putting a Paper Clip or a small pointed tool in the hole by the right side Radio knob. I used a paper clip but a toothpick also works just fine. I did this numerous times and it did not fix the problem. So I call Hyundai back and get a different person who tells me that the car needs to be parked and a lot of other things. I asked her to email the instructions to me but she never did. I watched a YouTube video where the Reviewer said "If you want to reset your Screen Push a Paperclip into this hole (pointing it out)" then said OK, now let's look at the AC or the Heater or the Tires or Whatever. I researched this Forum for Display and Display Color and Found nothing. Does anyone have any ideas on how to Fix this and get my Bright White Screen Back or who can post all the Correct Steps to follow for resetting the Screen using the Hole by the Radio Knob or other settings? Would Greatly Appreciate it. My Sofware Version is attached if I did this right. But I don't think that is the Problem because it was Updated on October 5th, 2022 and the Display just started reversing colors around December 10th.

If you have your head lights set to auto, the screen goes black whenever the head lights automatically switch on. This can happen during the day under low light conditions, i.e. if its overcast or you pull into the garage, etc.

 

[BaylorBob]

If you have your head lights set to auto, the screen goes black whenever the head lights automatically switch on. This can happen during the day under low light conditions, i.e. if its overcast or you pull into the garage, etc.

I do have them set to Auto because in California if it's Raining you must have your lights on or you get a Ticket. I will take the Lites off Auto and Check them and let you know. But your Answer Seems to make a lot of Sence!!! Can't Test it today, because it's raining again. Thanks

 

[BaylorBob]

Finally got a chance to test your theory. I turned off Auto Headlights. Been off for 3 Days. Made no Difference. Still Have a Black Background Screen on Every Screen except the Map and Radio. Maybe that was the way it worked before and I just don't remember it. That is a possibility, but I don't think so because I noticed the screen changing when I pulled into my Garage. That NEVER happened until I said it happened in my first post on this subject. FishOn do you live in the USA or Canada or Europe? Those Cars are Different in many ways. For Example, my Manual says that my Car has Walk-away Door Locks. You get about 6 feet away and the Doors lock. I like that feature a lot because I had it before. So I call Hyundai HQ Customer Service and they Say, Yes, Your Car Does Have Walk-away Door Locks and they say look on Page XXX and I go to Page XXX and they are on the same page XXX. But No Walk-Away Door Locks. They say Let us Research it and we will get back to you. Three Days later they call and tell me it was only available on the European Model. I say then Why is it in My Book without a Disclaimer saying "Only on Euro Models"? They say the USA Book is Wrong.

 

[FishOn]

Finally got a chance to test your theory. I turned off Auto Headlights. Been off for 3 Days. Made no Difference. Still Have a Black Background Screen on Every Screen except the Map and Radio. Maybe that was the way it worked before and I just don't remember it. That is a possibility, but I don't think so because I noticed the screen changing when I pulled into my Garage. That NEVER happened until I said it happened in my first post on this subject. FishOn do you live in the USA or Canada or Europe? Those Cars are Different in many ways. For Example, my Manual says that my Car has Walk-away Door Locks. You get about 6 feet away and the Doors lock. I like that feature a lot because I had it before. So I call Hyundai HQ Customer Service and they Say, Yes, Your Car Does Have Walk-away Door Locks and they say look on Page XXX and I go to Page XXX and they are on the same page XXX. But No Walk-Away Door Locks. They say Let us Research it and we will get back to you. Three Days later they call and tell me it was only available on the European Model. I say then Why is it in My Book without a Disclaimer saying "Only on Euro Models"? They say the USA Book is Wrong.

I live in Canada and my car is the same, ie only the map and radio change to white at times and all the other screens always have a black background.

 

[Mike Bearsails]

Things I love about my Black 2023 Kona Ultimate? Everything...only thing I would change if I could is a faster charging speed...but even that is not a major issue being retired! Oh and I didn't really want black but that was what was on the truck when I called the dealer in August!
We have had the Kona for 4 1/2 months now and just clicked over 22,000 km. So we do a lot of road trips and so far have had pretty much a great experience...the car is comfy and quick and always puts a smile on my face when I drive it. Love the regen braking...I think we only hit the brake pedal 5 times (seems like it may have been a bit more ) on the last trip down to Florida from SW Ontario. Heading back there again in February.
Hyundai has done a great job on this car considering it is a multi use platform.
My wife is still working and she uses the car daily - our expenditure for fuel has dropped considerably...down to about $110/month as opposed to $550/month. And no oil changes (have always done my own with synthetic on a 10,000km cycle) A side benefit is our 2016 Rav4 rarely gets driven now as we use the Kona on weekends instead of the Rav...something we did not consider when we purchased the Kona. Bonus.
In any case EV is the way to go...
As for the screens going dark...yes ours does the same thing everytime going under an overpass or pulling into the garage...you get used to it!
Mike

 

[BaylorBob]

I live in Canada and my car is the same, ie only the map and radio change to white at times and all the other screens always have a black background.

I beg to differ with you when you say Canadian Cars and USA Cars are the Same. They are Not. I have watched Dozens of YouTube Reviews from Canada and Europe and Australia where they show and explain the Dashboard Controls and Buttons plus the Settings on the Big Screen and on the Steering Wheel. First of all, they don't have an Ultimate Model. This was because they Never Produced the Ultimate Trim model in those countries or it was subsequently dropped or it was given a different name. So the Reviews do Not Match My Ultimate even though the Exterior and the Interior Look Identical and some of the Reviewers say that the Model we (they) are Reviewing is Equivalent to or maybe called the Ultimate in the USA. I want to say the Palisades (?) Model they reviewed is what they were comparing to the Ultimate. Don't worry. When I get some time I am going to call MapnSoft in Florida and ask them about this. If I get any new info I will Post it here. Thanks

 

[FishOn]

I beg to differ with you when you say Canadian Cars and USA Cars are the Same. They are Not. I have watched Dozens of YouTube Reviews from Canada and Europe and Australia where they show and explain the Dashboard Controls and Buttons plus the Settings on the Big Screen and on the Steering Wheel. First of all, they don't have an Ultimate Model. This was because they Never Produced the Ultimate Trim model in those countries or it was subsequently dropped or it was given a different name. So the Reviews do Not Match My Ultimate even though the Exterior and the Interior Look Identical and some of the Reviewers say that the Model we (they) are Reviewing is Equivalent to or maybe called the Ultimate in the USA. I want to say the Palisades (?) Model they reviewed is what they were comparing to the Ultimate. Don't worry. When I get some time I am going to call MapnSoft in Florida and ask them about this. If I get any new info I will Post it here. Thanks

I didn't mean to imply they are identical, just the same in this instance. My car is the Ultimate trim which is available in Canada. It will be interesting to hear what MapnSoft says.

 

[BaylorBob]

I didn't mean to imply they are identical, just the same in this instance. My car is the Ultimate trim which is available in Canada. It will be interesting to hear what MapnSoft says.

FishOn, Hyundai may Name the Car Model the ULTIMATE in Canada and the USA or in Europe or Australia, but that does not mean all the features and settings are the same. In many cases they are not. I learned this from watching numerous Video Reviews of Hyundai Kona Ultimates on YouTube where my car does not have the feature or setting they are telling me how to set on the German or Canadian or Australian Model. If you read the fine print on many of the Manuals that came with your current Car and any cars you have owned in the past they will discuss a feature that will say, for example, "Not available on US Models". I Have not had time to call MapNSoft Yet. It's on my to-do list.

 

[wlbugle]

I like that my Kona has the turn indicators on the right of the steering wheel and the wiper controls on the left. We have had other brands of car in our household that have been built in countries where the driver sits in the left seat and the manufacturer just tools up to produce the same steering wheel assembly for both LHD and RHD markets and it's easy to sometimes run or turn off the wipers when changing lanes.

 

[John Lumsden]

I like that my Kona has the turn indicators on the right of the steering wheel and the wiper controls on the left. We have had other brands of car in our household that have been built in countries where the driver sits in the left seat and the manufacturer just tools up to produce the same steering wheel assembly for both LHD and RHD markets and it's easy to sometimes run or turn off the wipers when changing lanes.

I certainly appreciate the point about the wipers. Our 2018 Kona was built to Irish specifications and the turn signal stalk is on the left. On the 2021 it is on the right. So when I drive my wife's car the windscreen gets washed a lot at roundabouts!