2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

It would be a smart idea to consider a 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric if anyone is interested in getting a 100% electric vehicle. This SUV is sleek and compact, and it looks very futuristic with its unique curves and interesting angles carved into its frame.

This model has been available for several years. There used to be three trims available, but now there are only two. The SEL has fairly comprehensive offerings, and the Limited comes with even more features.

The difference in price between the two trims is $8,500, which is a significant amount. It may be hard to figure out whether to get the SEL or Limited. The Limited, as will be detailed below, has quite a few impressive components, but prospective buyers will have to determine whether all of its upgrades justify the trim's expensive price tag.

Before going into a detailed comparison, it seems like it would be best to go over how the Kona Electric runs. After all, its powertrain is a main reason why it's such an intriguing model.

Horsepower is 201, and torque is 291 pound-feet. These are more than decent numbers, and this should be great news for customers who don't want to compromise performance in their pursuit of efficient vehicles. With this amount of power, the Kona Electric feels agile and athletic. It can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in around six and a half seconds, so it does have some zip to it.

Unfortunately, the Kona Electric is only available with front-wheel drive. For most situations for most drivers, though, this should be sufficient.

Power is generated from a 64-kWh battery pack. This is a good-sized battery that provides a range of 258 miles. Some won't even have to charge their batteries every night if they're only doing short commutes around town. For longer trips, having that 258-mile range should be ideal.

Charging an electric car doesn't have to be a chore. Thanks to the convenience of home and public charging stations, drivers can easily get their vehicles top up on power whenever they need it - no matter if across town or even further! Level II charge takes about nine hours for full capacity and is great for when people are settled at night; while Level III equipment has rates that reach 80% in as little as one hour - perfect those times when you're out exploring new places!

The Kona Electric can be controlled using one-pedal driving. When pressure is taken off the accelerator, the vehicle will slow itself down more, almost as if gentle pressure has been placed on the brakes. When this happens, the regenerative system can capture energy. It converts kinetic energy from the forward momentum, and it turns that its energy that the battery can use.

There are paddles behind the steering wheel of the Kona Electric that lets users decide to what degree they'd like to use the regenerative system. More aggressive use of the system means that people can really enjoy the experience of one-pedal driving.

Another way in which drivers can customize their experiences is by using Drive Mode Select. They can switch between Comfort, ECO, and Sport modes depending on the conditions and their preferences. Note that Sport mode wouldn't be as efficient as the others, but it would be a little more fun. 

Compare the SEL vs Limited Trim Levels. What is the difference?

With many other Hyundais in the company's lineup, the SE is the entry-level trim, and it's usually followed by the SEL. With the Kona Electric, the company decided to start things off with the SEL.

On its exterior, the SEL has LED Daytime Running Lights and automatic headlights. Its side mirrors have turn signals integrated into them, and those mirrors have heating elements as well. Solar glass is present on the front of the SUV, and the rear window is a privacy glass that provides some shade and makes it harder to see inside the cabin.

The SEL is equipped with projector halogen headlights, but the Limited offers a more modern take on illumination. Featuring LED head and taillights plus High Beam Assist technology, this upgrade takes road safety to the next level by automatically turning high beams on and off depending upon surrounding lighting conditions.

Further, the Limited has rain-sensing windshield wipers that can turn themselves on and off, depending on whether any precipitation is falling. The Limited benefits from having a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. Many customers love having sunroofs because it gives their cabins an open feel and a convenient way to bring in fresh air. A power sunroof is optional on the SEL.

When comparing the cabins of the SEL and the Limited trims, more differences are apparent. This is the area in which the Limited really shines.

For ultimate relaxation and convenience, the Limited provides eight-way power adjustment for its driver's seat along with lumbar support. Moreover, both front seats are heated and ventilated to ensure year round comfort no matter how hot or cold it is outside - making every journey a luxurious experience!

With the SEL, heated front seats are optional, as is a power-adjustable driver's seat. The default configuration would be to have manually adjustable front seats that can move in six ways.

The SEL has cloth upholstery, and the Limited has leather upholstery along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both have 60/40 split fold-flat rear seatbacks. Lowering that rear seatback can expand cargo capacity from about 19 cubic feet to 45 cubic feet. There isn't a ton of space in the second row; there is only 33.4 inches of leg room back there. This might be something to pay attention to for buyers who will likely have taller passengers riding with them on a regular basis.

In regards to technology, Hyundai has done an excellent job of giving the Kona Electric many attractive elements. The SEL is equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster through which users can keep track of how they're vehicles are doing in relation to their performance, efficiency, and battery life. The SEL has an eight-inch touchscreen with SiriusXM, HD Radio, and smartphone integration.

The touchscreen on the Limited is larger than that of the SEL. It measures 10.25 inches. Perhaps its most important perk is that it comes with navigation. Navigation offers turn-by-turn directions, and it can provide updates regarding traffic. Instead of a six-speaker audio system like the SEL has, the Limited has a Harman Kardon premium sound system that's enhanced with Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology.

Dynamic voice recognition is another component that comes with the Limited. It allows users to speak naturally to give certain commands.

The SEL and Limited trims of this vehicle both offer premium features like Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and USB outlets. The unique selling points? Wireless smartphone integration on the SEL allows for effortless connectivity while an optional wireless charging feature is available with the upscale Limited trim - plus a bonus second-row USB outlet.

The Limited takes convenience and safety to the next level. Enjoy one-touch power windows on both sides of the front seat, plus an auto-dim rearview mirror with HomeLink - giving you single touch control over your home lighting or garage door from inside your car.

Enjoy the convenience of Hyundai Digital Key, now an optional feature on the SEL. This helpful program allows you to leave your key fob at home and simply use your phone as a digital lock for unlocking doors, meaning that daytrips needn't be hindered by cumbersome items - plus it's perfect when friends or family come visiting.

It's nice that both trims have proximity key entry and a push-button start system. They have Bluelink, too, which lets drivers use their phones to connect with their vehicles. With an app on their smartphones, they can remotely lock or unlock their doors, check on battery charge, pinpoint the locations of their vehicles, and more.

The Kona Electric offers a suite of technologies to ensure driver safety, with both the SEL and Limited trims boasting blind-spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidances assistance, lane keeping assists and more. Additionally each trim includes an attentive Driver Attention Warning system as well as Safe Exit Warnings for extra peace of mind on even your most daring journeys.

The rearview camera can be helpful when backing up. A parking distance warning is built into the Limited so that accidents are less likely to happen. When the Kona Electric gets too close to an object when it's in reverse, an alert will be issued.

One other safety component is really more of a convenience thing. The Limited gets to have smart cruise control. This can work like a traditional cruise control system, but it can also make adjustments to speed if the leading vehicle slows down. If that vehicle then speeds up, the Limited can speed up, too. In busy traffic situations, smart cruise control can even bring the Limited to a complete stop.

Upgrade your SEL experience with the Convenience Package! Offering a range of luxurious features, this package provides an extra layer of comfort and convenience. Enjoy a leather-wrapped steering wheel, sunroof, heated front seats and more for just $3,500. Plus you'll get wireless charging capabilities along with access to Hyundai's innovative Digital Key system - all without compromising on navigation or ventilated seating options that often come at higher prices.

 

Final Thoughts

The SEL trim of the Hyundai is a great option for those looking to save yet still take advantage of advanced driver-assist tech and amenities. However, if customers want additional features such as wireless charging, navigation capabilities or heated/ventilated front seats then they can opt for its sibling - The Limited. Its impressive high-tech offerings come at an increased cost starting from $42,500; however it does include sunroofs and rain sensing wipers too! Alternatively there’s also an available Convenience Package which offers some extras without going right up to the top tier model.