In-depth reviews

Hyundai Kona Hybrid performance, top speed & engine

The Hyundai Kona Hybrid is efficient, but it feels as slow as the on-paper performance figures suggest and isn't exactly thrilling to drive, either

Overall rating

3.0 out of 5

Performance, engine & drive rating

2.5 out of 5

Price
£24,405 - £48,180
Fuel Type:
Hybrid Petrol
0-62mphTop speedDriven wheelsPower
 11.0-11.3s  100mph Front 139bhp 

The Kona Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-litre petrol engine assisted by an electric motor. Together, they produce 139bhp, and while this seems plenty on paper, in reality the Kona Hybrid is quite slow. In fact, this 1.6-litre hybrid model is essentially no quicker than the 1.0-litre mild-hybrid version, as it's also a bit heavier.

Hyundai Kona Hybrid 0-62mph, top speed and acceleration

Depending on which trim you go for, the Kona Hybrid will do 0-62mph in between 11.0 and 11.3 seconds (the Premium and Ultimate are marginally slower than the SE Connect due to their 18-inch wheels). This is about the same as rivals like the Kia Niro and Toyota C-HR, while more expensive alternatives such as the Lexus NX 300h and Honda CR-V Hybrid are noticeably faster.

The Kona Hybrid is at its best when you’re not in a hurry: ask for maximum acceleration and the six-speed automatic gearbox will – after a slight pause – kick down a couple of ratios to get you up to speed. This causes the engine to rev loudly and coarsely, and it sounds like the engine is having to work very hard for the little acceleration it can provide.

Fortunately, once you’re up to speed, the Kona Hybrid is very quiet; this is true on the motorway, on slower rural roads and when you’re crawling along in traffic. The electric running provided by the motor integrates seamlessly with the petrol engine, meaning you hardly ever notice the car switching between the two. The Kona Hybrid even boasts a clever system that'll analyse the route in your sat nav, allowing it to use the battery at the most efficient times. There’s no ‘EV mode’ however, so how and when the electric power is used is entirely down to the car.

Handling

Handling is one of the Kona Hybrid’s biggest shortfalls. It leans quite a bit when you turn into a corner, and while the steering wheel is very light, it doesn’t feel very precise, and ultimately the Kona isn’t much fun to drive. The 2021 facelift brought some suspension improvements that boosted ride quality, although the car is still susceptible to the odd sharp jolt coming through the cabin.

Most Popular

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword
Tesla badge
News

Tesla Model 3 facelift will be a double-edged sword

Tesla’s updated EV will have an improved interior, greater range and a more affordable price – as well as one unfortunate drawback
1 Jun 2023
Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video
Vauxhall Astra Electric
News

Vauxhall Astra Electric: price, range and video

The new Astra Electric shares its parts with the Peugeot e-308, with first deliveries due soon
31 May 2023
Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV
Ford Puma EV
News

Electric Ford Puma could become the UK’s best-selling EV

The Ford Puma EV is set to arrive in 2024 with a range of over 200 miles and a tweaked exterior design
22 May 2023