Kia e-Niro V/s Hyundai Kona Electric

Korean manufacturers are among those who have mastered electrical technology the best today. Hyundai and Kia are part of the same group and we find many synergies between the two brands, two crossovers sharing the same underside, with a few details. In the case of the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia e-Niro, it's pretty much the same. The two other Korean cars, very close technically, are engaged in a merciless battle in the world of 100% electric SUVs. Which one best suits your needs? Answer in our comparison.

Style, Dimensions, and Weight

Even though our two vehicles share the same platform, they are not identical on the outside, the best proof being their respective dimensions. TheHyundai Kona Electric is 4.18 meters long, 1.80 meters wide, and 1.57 meters high. Its wheelbase is announced at 2.60 meters. Depending on the versions and equipment, the weight is around 1,685 kilograms with the 64 kWh battery and 1,535 kilograms with the 39.2 kWh battery, making it a beautiful baby for a car of this size.

For its part, the Kia e-Niro is 20 centimeters taller and measures 4.38 meters long. It is the same width as the Hyundai Kona Electric with 1.80 meters, while it loses a small centimeter in height with 1.56 meters. Regarding the wheelbase, it gains ten centimeters compared to its counterpart and rises to 2.70 meters, enough to offer a little more habitability to its occupants. When it comes to weight, the e-Niro with its 64 kWh battery claims 1,737 kilos, compared to 1,592 kilos for the smaller battery.

Interior, Comfort, and Roominess

Inside, the Hyundai Kona Electric has recently had the right to a little makeover, enough to allow it to get back to the page in the face of competition that has sharpened in recent times. We find two 10.25-inch screens with rather decent graphics and fluidity in the appreciable menus, without arriving either at the level of the Tesla models. The interior is of good quality and the materials are generally decent. Regarding the trunk, the Hyundai Kona Electric has 332 liters, and up to 1114 liters once the rear seat is folded down. In terms of comfort, the Kona Electric is a surprisingly dynamic car, with rather well-controlled body movements and logically firmer suspensions.

Regarding the Kia e-Niro, there is a difference in comfort with the Kona, since the Kia is intended to be a little softer and more comfortable. The flip side is a bit less dynamic and fun behavior compared to its counterpart. Inside, the Kia e-Niro has a dashboard that is less original than the Kona, but just as complete. The 20 centimeters longer and the greater wheelbase of the e-Niro benefit the trunk space since Kia claims a capacity ranging from 451 to 1405 liters.

Embedded Technologies

Regarding the onboard technologies, everything will depend on the level of finish selected, but overall, the two models are rather very well equipped. On the highest finishes, namely Executive for the Hyundai Kona Electric and Premium for the Kia e-Niro, we find a wide range of driving aids, from adaptive cruise control to the crossing warning track with correction at the wheel, or monitoring of blind spots.

The two infotainment systems are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, unfortunately, neither of the two models has these two interfaces via Bluetooth, it will be necessary to go through a USB-A port. Both cars also have induction smartphone charging.

On the Road

We were able to take over the two models a few months ago. It is the occasion to note that, even if these two cars share many elements in common, starting with the batteries and the engines, the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro are a little different in their road behavior.

As stated above, the Kona is a little more dynamic with firmer suspensions, more incisive steering, and relaunches that we found more vigorous, perhaps thanks to its relatively more contained weight. The Kia e-Niro plays on a whole different picture, it wants to be more comfortable and less dynamic, without being clumsy. In general, the torque instantly available from the electric makes these models rather lively.

Engine

Both models benefit from the same powertrains. Thus, with the 39.2 kWh battery, they are available with an engine of 136 hp and 395 Nm, while with that of 64 kWh, the power increases to 204 hp and 395 Nm. Not enough to make war wrath, but the power is sufficient to move these two SUVs certain overweight.

In terms of performance, the Kia e-Niro requires 9.8 seconds to go from 0 to 100 km / h with its block of 136 horsepower and 7.8 seconds with that of 204 horsepower. The maximum speed is limited to 155 and 167 km / h respectively. The Hyundai Kona once again takes advantage of its lighter weight to grab some time against the clock, with a 0 to 100 km / h shot in 9.3 seconds for the 136 horsepower version and 7.6 seconds for the 204 horsepower version. The maximum speeds are the same as for the Kia e-Niro.

Autonomy, Battery and Recharging

Despite their technical similarities, the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia e-Niro do not have a perfectly identical autonomy, for the simple reason that this varies according to the weight and the onboard equipment.

With the 39.2 kWh battery, the Hyundai Kona claims 305 kilometers under the WLTP cycle, while the e-Niro is advertised at 289 kilometers on a single charge. Thanks to the 64 kWh battery, autonomy becomes more interesting with 484 kilometers for the Hyundai, against 455 kilometers for the Kia. The peculiarity of these two models is their efficiency, since their appetite remains under control, even on motorways, where it is possible to do more than 300 kilometers with a single charge without too many problems.

Status quo also in terms of recharging for our two models. The charging power is limited to 55 kW for the smallest battery, against 80 kW for the largest. Thus, on a 100 kW fast terminal for example, as you can find at Ionity, it will take 47 minutes to recharge their battery from 10 to 80%. On a 50 kW terminal, the 39.2 kWh version will finish charging in 48 minutes, compared to 65 minutes for the 64 kWh version. If you are more into charging at home, know that our two models are equipped with a 7.2 kW onboard charger allowing you to charge on a Wallbox.

Kia e-Niro and Hyundai Kona Electric Price

Offered from INR 23.77 - 23.96 Lakh in its intuitive finish and with its 39 kWh battery, the Hyundai Kona is less expensive than the Kia e-Niro with the equivalent battery, since it starts from 37,100 euros with the Motion finish. For the 64 kWh battery, with the same trim levels, it will cost from 39,900 euros for the Kona and 41,100 euros for the e-Niro.

Wrapping up

Technically very similar, these two models are a little less so on the road, and our preference is more for the surprisingly dynamic behavior of the Hyundai Kona Electric. Families will surely prefer the e-Niro for its spaciousness and comfort, but in any case, these two SUVs are among the most successful electric cars in their segment, although they are not necessarily very young, since they are now over three years old.

Who are we?

At Kazam, you can find every possible assistance about Electric vehicles and their charging stations in India. We also take care of our EV buyers and give them customized EV solutions as per their needs. From battery and charging solutions to the range and cost of electric vehicles, this is the one-stop-shop for every EV requirement. For more information, please visit Kazam EV at https://www.kazam.in/, or write to us your concerns on our social media handles Kazam EV, and we will try to respond to your queries at the earliest. Book an appointment today!