Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
With an overall Carivo score of 8.1/10, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric earns a Recommended rating among the evs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.9/10, while Performance at 6.6/10 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. Reliability comes in at 8.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.9/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.6/10 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. Technology scores 8.0/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $34,556–$46,373, 120 MPG, seating 5, the Hyundai Kona Electric sits in the mid-market bracket of the ev segment. The 8.5/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this ev delivers more than most of the class. At 1 year old, it's recent enough that the core feature set holds up well against current competition.
Bottom line: Think of the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric ranks #31 of 268 evs in the Carivo database — better than 89% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.5 points above the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $34,556 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $52,750 by about 34%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Kona Electric Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2025's 8.1 — 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.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Exceptional value for money — high-quality features at a competitive price point
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
NHTSA Recalls — 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) is recalling certain 2025 Kona Electric and 2026 Kona vehicles. The seat belt buckle in the rear center seat may fail to properly restrain an occupant during a crash.
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric reliable?
We rate the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric's reliability 8.3/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric worth buying?
It scores 8.1/10 overall, ranking #31 of 268 evs in our database (better than 89% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric cost?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric starts at $34,556 and ranges up to $46,373 across trims (MSRP when new). At 120 MPG, expect roughly $438/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Kona Electric years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 7 Kona Electric model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (8.1/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric have?
The documented issues for the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seat belts (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Hyundai Kona Electric
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More Hyundai Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Hyundai models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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