2024 Hyundai Kona EV

2024 Hyundai Kona EV - Design Review

Overall Grade = D+
CHEAP

Front End: D+
    Good: ?
    Bad: Simple, bland and boring
Rear End: D+
    Good: Spoiler size
    Bad: Multi-dimensional
Side: D+
    Good: Window accent
    Bad: Cheap plastic
Overall Appeal: D+
    Good: Small, cheap ev
    Bad: Bland, cheap and boring​

​​​Score: 43.67%
Grade: D+
Rating: CHEAP
AutoLooks Rating: 4.4 out of 10

Front End: 40.48%
Rear End: 45.86%
Side: 45.71%
Overall Appeal: 42.61%

AutoLooks Buy List: NO
Recommended Tuner: NO
Trent Setter: NO
Future Classic: NO
Stock Value: SAME

              Again, Hyundai has released an EV substitute for their entry level CUV.  With the rise in the EV marketplace, it just seems like a no brainer to release such a model and one at the entry level is even better.  But with companies like VW and GM pushing into this market as well, it seems the Kona has some bigger competition.
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                The previous model was an add on to the main product, but this time Hyundai has gone one step further to make the Kona EV a bit more different than its combustion counterpart.  Yet again, Hyundai has decided to go into this field with an updated product which seems to blend the line between conventional and futuristic.

                Like the base product, the front end of the EV does have a few changes.  Gone are the intake gills and flat plastic moldings, making way for body colour panels and an accented blackout space.  This may seem like an update over the conventional product, but really this just makes the front end look even more boring.  Sure, the lack of the plastic cladding helps to blend the front better, but by doing this they have created a vast expanse of sheet metal.  With only the power port and awkward placed sensors being your only aspects, which break up this sea of emptiness.

                Hyundai has done a wonderful job at updating the running lights, but again, they do not blend in well with its surroundings.  Add to this the fact that they were only enlarged due to the decrease in size of the head lights, which now are just a very thin strip of black accent. 
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                One thing Hyundai could have done with the vast amount of sheet metal, would be to move their symbol down onto the front façade.  This could help you better distinguish who makes it, but again do you really want people to know what you are driving with a face like this.

​                Sliding down the side, Hyundai has not done much to change the EV from its combustion counterpart.  The only main different here are the standard Hyundai EV rims.  Which of course are not the best looking out there, but are better than some of the competition.  We do get it that EV’s are trying to reduce as much drag as possible, but really, looks to affect some people’s opinion and decision over the purchase.
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                Out back you can expect the same as before, with the main differences you will find from the front.  A lack of flat plastic and oversized rear running lights are your main difference here as well.  But Hyundai did add on one major difference here, they did add gloss plastic with integrated reflectors.  This does give the rear the illusion of a futuristic design.  Good for some, but odd for others.​

                All around the new Kona EV is a step into the future with a vehicle which looks the part.  Brining the same issues as its combustion partner, this little EV may have some issues breaking into the crowd, as it could be standing on the sidelines of the marketplace.

Everett J.
​#autolooks

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