The Kona Electric comes in two distinct generations, and identifying which one you're looking at is the first step. Gen 1 (2019-2023) is the original subcompact built on a combustion-derived platform, front-wheel-drive only, offered with a smaller or larger battery and given a 2022 facelift that updated the styling and equipment. Gen 2 (2024 onward) is a larger, fully redesigned car still on a 400-volt combustion-derived platform and still front-wheel-drive, with a roomier interior and updated technology.
For Gen 1 cars, the critical item is the battery fire recall. Following a series of fires worldwide involving 2019-2020 Kona Electric vehicles, Hyundai traced the problem to defective LG cells (a folded anode tab that could cause an internal short and, rarely, thermal runaway). Hyundai first issued a battery-management software update and later concluded that affected packs needed full replacement; the global campaign replaced batteries on the affected fleet. The US recall population was relatively small but covered 2019-2020 cars. This is the most important thing to verify on an early Kona Electric: run the VIN through NHTSA and confirm whether the car received the updated BMS and, critically, whether the battery pack was replaced under the campaign.
Otherwise, the Kona Electric is a well-regarded, efficient small EV. It charges more slowly than Hyundai's E-GMP cars because of its 400V architecture, so set expectations accordingly. Check whether a given car has the heat pump, which improves cold-weather efficiency and was not fitted to every early US car. Trims include SEL, Limited, and (Gen 2) Ultimate. Depreciation on Gen 1 cars has been significant, which can make a verified, battery-remedied example an affordable used EV.
