Mainstream automakers are starting to enter the all-electric SUV scene with affordable options. Hyundai has been selling the Hyundai Kona Electric for a few years. For 2022, the Kona Electric arrives with new styling updates, a new 10.3-inch digital gauge display, and a simplified lineup. Thanks to its extensive list of standard features and 250-mile range, the Kona Electric is a popular EV. Hyundai hasn’t announced pricing and features for the 2022 model yet, so we’ll be using information for the 2021 Kona Electric in this comparison.
For 2022, Chevrolet came out with the all-new Bolt EUV. The Bolt EUV may be based on the Bolt EV hatchback, but it has an SUV body, a range of 247 miles, and a spacious cabin. The electric SUV also comes with Chevy’s high-tech Super Cruise system as an option.
Consumers looking for an affordable electric SUV will find the Kona Electric and the Bolt EUV to be some of the best options on the market. Which one deserves a spot in your garage? That’s what we’ll answer in this comparison.
What the Hyundai Kona Electric Gets Right
The Kona Electric is the more affordable EV of the two options when you take the full federal tax credit into consideration. Pricing for Hyundai’s electric SUV starts at $38,565 (with destination). Unlike Chevrolet, Hyundai’s vehicles are still eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit. If you can take full advantage of the full federal tax credit, the Kona Electric can cost as little as $31,065. The Bolt EUV is priced at $33,995.
Hyundai’s electric SUV has slightly better performance figures than Chevrolet’s option. The Kona Electric comes with an electric motor that’s rated at 201 horsepower and 291 pound-feet of torque. The Kona Electric’s 64-kWh battery pack is rated to have 258 miles of range. Chevrolet fits the Bolt EUV with an electric motor that makes 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque, while its 65-kWh lithium-ion battery pack is rated at up to 247 miles of range.
Read Our Overview of the Hyundai Kona Electric
What the Chevrolet Bolt EUV Gets Right
Chevrolet offers more high-tech features on the Bolt EUV than you’ll find on the Kona Electric. The Bolt EUV comes with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, an 8-inch digital gauge cluster, wireless smartphone compatibility, and a wireless smartphone charger as standard. The Kona Electric has a 7-inch touchscreen and wired smartphone compatibility as standard. Additionally, the Bolt EUV is available with Chevrolet’s hands-free Super Cruise system. Hyundai doesn’t offer anything like it with the Kona Electric.
The Bolt EUV is the larger of the two options. It has more front headroom, as well as front and rear legroom than the Kona Electric. Additionally, the Bolt EUV offers up to 56.9 cubic feet of total cargo space, while the Kona Electric is rated to hold up to 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space.
Styling can be a personal thing, but the Bolt EUV has a more mainstream design than the Kona Electric. Hyundai’s option stands out for being unique, but its daring design may not be to everyone’s liking. Hyundai has toned the Kona Electric’s design down for 2022, but the Bolt EUV is still the better-looking vehicle in our eyes.
Read Our Overview of the Chevy Bolt EUV
How Much Do You Qualify For?
The Kona Electric and Bolt EUV are evenly matched in a direct comparison. The main selling point for the Kona Electric is that it’s still eligible for the full $7,500 federal tax credit.
While it’s going to take some work and a long discussion with your tax accountant, finding out how much you’re eligible for is key when choosing between these two options. If you can get the full amount, the Kona Electric becomes the better option.
Our Verdict
The Chevrolet Bolt EUV wins this comparison. With more advanced tech features, a more spacious cabin, a similar amount of range, and a more mainstream design, the Bolt EUV is the better option for the majority of shoppers.
Compare Side-By-Side: Hyundai Kona Electric vs. Chevy Bolt EUV »
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