Hyundai Kona Electric (2018-2023) review: interior, dashboard & comfort

Starting at over £33,000, the Kona Electric is the most expensive entry in the Kona line-up, but it does come with a decent haul of equipment, even in entry-level trim. With comfortable seats and the added refinement of an all-but-silent powertrain, it’s a pleasurable way to get around.

Hyundai Kona Electric dashboard

The dashboard and controls of the Kona Electric are largely similar to those in the petrol and hybrid versions, although the gearshifter on the centre console is replaced by buttons for park, drive, reverse and neutral.

Older, cheaper examples came with an eight-inch tablet-style touchscreen, but since the car was facelifted in 2021, every version now has a larger 10.25-inch display. It sticks up from the dashboard in line with current trends, and comes with all the functionality you could wish for. There are buttons on the steering wheel and the layout of everything is straightforward and simple

Equipment, options and accessories

As noted, the Kona Electric is very well specified even in entry-level SE Connect trim (although this version is only available with the smaller 39kWh battery). On the comfort front, it comes with manual seat-height and lumbar adjustment for the driver, plus height and reach adjustment for the steering wheel. The list also includes keyless entry, rear parking sensors and a camera with a guidance system, plus an eight-speaker stereo and the 10.25-inch infotainment system.

The Premium version ramps up the kit list with heated seats, wireless phone charging and LED headlights, as well as giving you a choice of the 39 or 64kWh battery. The top-spec Ultimate, which is only available with the larger battery, brings a head-up display, plus ventilated front seats and a sunroof.

It's worth noting that the second-generation Kona Electric has been revealed and is due to arrive later this year. Technical details are still under wraps, but it will feature a new cabin design and infotainment setup inspired by Hyundai's Ioniq 5 hatchback and Ioniq 6 saloon.

Infotainment, apps & sat nav

Since the 2021 facelift, all Kona Electric models get a lovely 10.25-inch infotainment screen, plus a similarly sized fully digital instrument cluster. Bluetooth connectivity for your smartphone is standard, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay to help you get the most out of your chosen device. If you don't want to use this technology, it's pleasing to know that every version comes with a built-in sat nav, too. All but the most basic model also offer wireless phone charging.