The Korean EV with the Hawaiian name is funky-good
There’s a lot to love about the fully-redesigned second-generation Kona Electric with its modern styling, solid range, and impressive cabin. The contemporary exterior and open cabin are edgy and more upscale than its predecessor. Its standard feature set is also one of the best in the compact EV segment, proving that Hyundai knows how to draw customers in. The Kona Electric competes in the hot and growing subcompact EV crossover segment against the Kia Niro EV, the Nissan LEAF, and the VW ID.4.
The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric comes in four trims: SE ($32,975), SEL ($36,975), N Line ($38,375), and Limited ($41,150). Like the gas Kona, the Kona Electric gets full-width LED daytime running lights with a matching set of thin and full-width brake lights, pronounced fender trim, and prominent body creases. Inside, the open and spacious cabin has modern trimmings, great tech, and proper switchgear for climate and audio. Adding even more appeal is its great lease deal in September.
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric lease details
The Kona Electric lease deal for September is $189 per month for 36 months with $3,999 due at lease signing (excludes registration, tax, title, license, processing or documentation fees, insurance, and any emission charge). No security deposit is required, and the amount due excludes official fees, such as taxes, tags, license, and registration. You can upgrade to the top trim Kona Electric Limited for $259 per month with the same $3,999 due at signing and no security deposit. The lessee is also responsible for insurance, maintenance, and repairs. Mileage limit is 10,000 per year or 30,000 for the lease term. The lease offer ends September 30, 2025. Learn more here.
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric SE feature highlights
The base Kona Electric SE houses a 133-horsepower electric motor and a 48.6 kWh battery. Higher trims receive a 65.8 kWh battery, good for 201 horsepower, but all trims are front-wheel drive only. The Kona Electric SE delivers 200 miles of range, the SEL has 260 miles, and the N Line performance model provides 230 miles of range. Level 3 DC fast charging will get from 10 to 80% in 43 minutes, regardless of trim.
Standard features on the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric include 17-inch alloy wheels, 215/60 R17 all-season tires, projector LED headlights, automatic headlights, LED DRLs, LED combination taillights, high beam assist, heated side mirrors with turn signals, active grille shutters, proximity key with pushbutton start, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch gauge cluster, dual-zone automatic climate control, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
The Kona Electric has a robust set of standard safety features, including blind spot collision warning, rear cross-traffic avoidance assist, parking distance warning reverse and forward, forward collision avoidance assist with pedestrian/cyclist detection/junction turning and direct oncoming, lane keeping assist, lane following assist, navigation-based smart cruise control with stop & go, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, tire pressure monitoring, and safe exit warning. The 2025 Kona Electric also won the IIHS’s best rating, the Top Safety Pick+ award.
Total passenger volume is 99.0 cubic feet. The front row provides 41.7 inches of legroom, and the second row delivers 36.4 inches of legroom. Cargo space is a spacious 25.5 cubic feet with the seats in place and 63.7 cubic feet with the second row seats folded flat, the same as the gas version.
Final thoughts
The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric is one of those EVs that turns heads while it shuttles its passengers in peace, modern digs, and ample room. It’s one of the best values for a subcompact EV today, and its modern styling punches above its price point. Standard features like standard adaptive cruise control and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are options on some competitors, but not on the Kona Electric. The sub-$200 September lease deal just makes the Kona Electric that much more approachable. Before signing the lease agreement, review the costs due at signing, including taxes and registration fees, potential dealer costs, etc.
*Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. The information presented herein is based on manufacturer-provided lease offer information, which is subject to frequent change and may vary based on location, creditworthiness, and other factors. We are not a party to any lease agreements and assume no liability for the terms, conditions, availability, or accuracy of any lease offers mentioned. All terms, including but not limited to pricing, mileage allowances, and residual values, require direct verification with an authorized local OEM dealership. This article does not constitute financial advice or an endorsement of any particular lease or vehicle.
About the author
Amos Kwon
Contributing Writer, Autoblog