2023 Hyundai Kona Electric — Carivo review Representative photo — may show another model year
EV

2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $32,543–$39,107
Fuel Economy 120 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category EV
Est. Annual Fuel $438/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

TransmissionAutomatic (A1)
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypeElectricity
City / Hwy MPG134 / 106 MPG
Combined MPG120 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$600
Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleEV
Base Price$32,543–$39,107

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

Our scoring places the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric at 7.9/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this ev. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Performance at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The 8.6/10 safety score puts it near the top of the class on this dimension; the official trim-level results at nhtsa.gov are worth a final check.

Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Tech rates a reasonable 7.9/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.

Priced from $32,543–$39,107, 120 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Kona Electric sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.3/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Our take: The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric is a solid, well-rounded ev that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among EVs

The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric ranks #52 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 81% of the segment. Its 7.9/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $32,543 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 38%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full EV ranking → · Best EVs under $35k →

Which Kona Electric Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Hyundai Kona Electric scores 7.7/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.9 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 8.1/10$34,556 Read review →
2024 8.0/10$33,550 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.9/10$32,543
2022 8.0/10$31,537 Read review →
2021 7.9/10$30,530 Read review →
2020 7.7/10$29,524 Read review →
2019 7.7/10$28,517 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
  • Modern, intuitive tech suite with wireless connectivity and up-to-date ADAS
  • Exceptional fuel efficiency at 120 MPG — among the best in its class

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Brand resale values vary — check current market data before committing

Common Questions — 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric

Is the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric reliable?

We rate the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric's reliability 8.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.

Is the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric worth buying?

It scores 7.9/10 overall, ranking #52 of 268 evs in our database (better than 81% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.

How much does the 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric cost?

The 2023 Hyundai Kona Electric starts at $32,543 and ranges up to $39,107 across trims (MSRP when new). At 120 MPG, expect roughly $438/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

Owner Essentials — Hyundai Kona Electric

Practical extras owners actually buy. These are Amazon search links — as an Amazon Associate, Carivo earns from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

All-weather floor mats → Dash cam → OBD2 scanner → Phone mount →

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