I definitely use the V2L on my IONIQ 5. When I go camping I pack my toaster, travel kettle and induction stove, and also the plug for my laptop. Additionally, on the hotter summer days I work in the car to make use of the air conditioning (permanent home based, in an apartment with no air-con that gets unbearably hot), and my laptop is plugged in to the three-pin all day.
Going from meeting to meeting, having the odd Teams call in between, being able to plug in my laptop would be REALLY useful - then I don't turn up to a client (or potential client) and go "My laptop's dead, can you give me some of your electricity...?"
important to note that the Kona 2024 had an update that enables wireless carplay and android auto in november, so if the Kona was fully updated then that feature would be on.
We had floods in northern Victoria, Australia, and a friend of mine drove around in his EV and offered to power people's freezers for an hour or so, while the power was off, to stop their frozen food thawing out. He ended up at the local hospital, where he powered a dialysis machine for a few hours, whilst their backup generator was being repaired. So, less of your scathe, thankyou.
Sounds like 'your friend' is just angling for a pat on the back. Those power outage lasted less than half a day. Most freezers are insulated to keep from spoilage far longer than that even unpowered. So 'an hour or so' isn't going to make a lick of difference, even if 'your friend' is counter intuitively wasting energy driving around topping people's freezers. Dialysis also isn't a medical emergency. In fact, most actually critical medical devices (eg. Fluid pumps, syringe drivers, ventilators, anaesthetic and monitoring) are equipped with inbuilt batteries. So 'your friend's' contribution was even less meaningful than you think. But sure, gold star! ⭐️⭐️
thing is that in the UK, or most of Europe in general, power cuts are very rare, and hospitals will have reliable back up options so it's not really something anyone here would think about ...
I wonder about these reviews sometimes. I extensively test drove the 2023 Niro and Kona back to back. The Niro was so much better in almost every way. Better performance, better quality, more modern look and feel, excellent handling and really comfortable. The only extra thing the Kona had which I wanted was a 360 cam, but the Niro was so much better in every other respect. So my money went on the Niro and I've been delighted with it. Try both before you choose.
Kona and the Niro shouldn't really be head-to-head. Ioniq 5 vs Niro seems to be a better comparison. They're closer in price and dimension. Regardless, everyone has a different set of priorities. I'm in the market but won't be buying any vehicle that requires a subscription after a year or three. For right now, Hyundai is the only manufacturer I know of which isn't piling onto the subscription nonsense. If that changes before I buy early next year, I'll consider other autos, including the Niro. (I don't love being without physical buttons, though, so it'd still be an unlikely choice for me.)
@@mistybenefield5796 Shopping for an EV and considering these two, but this is the first time I've heard about a subscription. If you have time can you explain?
The VTL is a big miss on my model y. We have had 2 power outages and powering the furnace or fire place would have been handy like the people in the Ioniq 5 did. So having a huge battery sitting there just been used to warm up the car for a few hours is a sad alternative.
Having recently lost power for 8 days after bad storms, I can tell you that the V2L on my MG4 was a life saver! I don't even have running water at my place without power. I'd never consider buying a car without V2L. 😊
I've always wondered about V2L, but during the Queensland fires and floods, people were keeping the fridge running. In one case, a family made the news by keeping a child's dialysis machine going overnight.
I’ve had to order my company in September car without a test drive and it was out of these two and for me the Kona was the better option and the heat pump as standard is a must. But I think I’ll be setting the favourite buttons to short cut switching off the driver assist bings and bongs. Mine’s due in this month.
I find it quite useful to have the headlights reviewed in the dark too. Wonder if you'd consider doing this as standard. Not just led vs halogen vs filament type but how useful are they on an unlit road etc. Quality headlights add a lot of QOL to a car IMO
Everyone complains about the chimes. I do not find them annoying at all. I find them very helpful. The speed limit beep only chimes 4 times and then shuts up. I interpret it as a call to "check your speed," which I have to do much less thanks to them. On my old car I would have to look at the speedometer every couple of seconds. On my Kona I only take my eyes off the road when I hear a chime.
I don’t have a house battery. I charge my car at 7.5p off peak, and almost daily we plug the tumble dryer into the Niro to dry the clothes we washed during the off peak period overnight. So, for me V2L is not a gimmick, it saves me money
I've had my Kona SEL electric for a week. It replaced my 2004 Hyundai Elantra GT. I'm not tech savvy and I'm learning new things every day. One of the things that I've yet to figure out is what was perfectly described in this video. I feel like I am being parented by all of the alerts. I get the point, that these features are all about safety...but as a senior citizen, I don't feel like I need parental controls. (Well, not yet, anyway.)
I own the 2023 S model Niro ev in Australia, it is a good all rounder and pretty happy with it driving in Normal mode with full regen. I think the new Kona looks bordering on ridiculous in side view and the offset charge flap is annoying. That said the extra range and heat pump are a bonus. I’m waiting to test drive the ex 30 when it shows up locally and might forgive it for being 100mm too short for rear leg room as I am a solo person. The beeping issue is unfortunate and sadly one we all might have to live moving forward……
In Australia after storms many houses were without power for 2 weeks and some used EVs to power their equipment. In some remote areas there is no water without electricity. I would say V2L is a must.
I have a Kona and absolutely love it. Very easy to drive, fast when needed In emergency situations, very comfy, easy to park. I prefer it to my Mercedes! So I am getting rid of the Merc.
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to use your electric cars as a big battery, and I’m willing to bet that I won’t be the first person to suggest most of these. First of all, while it’s not the same thing as Save the Ford F150 lightning where it integrates into your house for when power goes out, Having the battery available for a power outage to drive electrical items in an emergency is certainly a benefit. The next option is what if you’re going on a picnic, and you wanna have a refrigerator, or an electric grill, or a speaker system? I could also see it being useful if you wanted to have a portable projection system, but it’s not going to last long enough. And, you could use it to plug-in for people to charge their phones and computers and things if you’re in a situation where you were outsidedoing that. It’s not a crucial piece of tech, but when you need it, I think it’s nice to have.
To get the beeps quieter on my 2021 Kona I go to the map screen and press the audio symbol which allows you to change notification settings and voice over for sat nav. Hopefully that works for later models.
thats good to know. I have a 2021 and never figured this out. About to end my lease and upgrade to the '24, so i'm makin' sure i can deactivate most of the beeping before I commit to another lease.
I was choosing between new Niro and an used ID4. I liked a style of Niro, modern instrument cluster, e-pedal, range and the V2L. But at the end a stoped at ID4, becouse of the ride comfort (quiet and soft) and hu-uge panorama roof. I liked it so much. If Niro or Kona would have a panorama - maybe I would choose them. New Kona impressed me with the ride comfort as well, ir become a little bit softier and much quieter than previous one. But exterior, those round lines.. Egh.. 2020 Kona is what I still would chose, in terms of style. IMHO
Nooooooo, never buy a Volkswagen ID product! You'll will get disappointed! Get the Niro, way better warranty and non so problem in software. And those seats of the Niro, everyone said they are sooooo gooood!
@@yingmustang67we have an id.4 for more than 1 year now and the software problems are very overrated. The car rides like a dream, best car we ever had
@RonnyR123 Hello Ronny, Than you and your family are the lucky ones, some ID have lesser problems. The Ultra rare species! Of course, the driving is perfect, only software issues and that's is NOT good!
Nicola talks about the noisier Niro EV. We found our Niro EV to be noisier than our old e-Niro ( on UK roads which are generally much rougher surfaced than other European roads, and therefore generate more tyre noise). Switching to e-Primacy tyres has quietened much of the tyre noise. Perhaps you should talk tyres more?
I don't understand why people keep saying Android Auto and Apple Carplay need a wire. My 2022 Kona Electric works flawlessly with both (I'm the AA user; my son has an iPhone). Did we just luck out with the particular model we have? Is it because we are in the US?
I think the model that has the smaller screen has wireless Android Auto and Carplay due to it not having the navigation system while the bigger screen ones dont… I could be wrong tho
26:58 In the Netherlands the Hyundai has 5 years unlimited miles and 7 years 100 or 125 miles as an option (795 euro extra). So that's also great! If I had to choose one of them, definitely the Hyundai Kona! My current car is a e Niro 2019 Executive line and I really love it. Maybe I am going for the EV 6 GT Line. ❤
In Sweden heat pump, 64 kWh battery and 11 kW charging is standard. Niro EV is way cheaper than Kona over here, like 9.000 € depending on campaign price. However, Kia EV3 soon will take over Niro EV.
I think you've got the 0-60 wrong on the Hyundai. According to EV database the version you tested has 0-60 of 7.8 and the less powerful version is the one with 8.8. Sorry to be pedantic!
I use the 240V socket regularly to power a camping fridge. I take meals to my parents on the Isle of Wight, 200 mile round journey (and hardly impacts on range), whenever I go shopping at more than one store for frozen goods. The Niro is a 64kWh battery store in the event of a power cut, can power all our fridges and freezers. I vacuum the car from the V2L. We have a camping kettle so I can make tea and coffee on long journeys. Quickest way round charge lap tops . Loads of uses. I wish the Niro would be compatible with V2G/V2H and that they could sort out the problems with Octopus so I could move onto IO.
@@mikeclifford7740 Kia in lively discussions with Octopus re IO, waking up car every 30 minutes and flattening batteries plus issue of reverse engineering of the Kia Connect app without company consent.
I love hearing your opinions, had never considered the cartoon hippo like look, Charlie, lol, and the asymmetricalness ( another new word?) of the charging port. I'm so used to hearing typical reviews about features and benefits, but you guys really had the most creative "shoot from the hip" comments about style & design and it was entertaining😅😉😜 I'll definitely watch again!
Oooooh, I've used V2L!! Camping! Out in a field, travel kettle! Everyone else peeing around with burners and stuff: not me. Also, charged my father in law's EV from mine once when he ran out of charge. Gave him enough to get home. USEFUL
Peter Schreyer was the first person to bring a strong and characteristic design direction to the brand. Becoming President and Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group in 2013, Schreyer's unique approach to design helped to turn Hyundai and Kia into desirable brands.
I love the V2L. Great for making dinner on road trips and you bought a giant battery on wheels, might as well be able to use it for more than one thing, like plugging in your fridge if the power goes out
V2L could allow your car to act as a battery for solar storage. You can power a fridge during a power cut, charging another car in a emergency (trapped in snow, that sort of thing). EV equivalent to a Jerry can
I rather enjoy the instant torque of our original Kona, even if it does spin up occasionally. I can't get my head around trading it in for a car that's markedly slower tbh.... I think MG will probably be getting my next car cash.
My first concern is, will my folding trike fit in the back. Is there power on the front wheels as I live where there is snow, real snow, and ice. The range thing is big because I live in Canada but in most cases it only comes into play when I am driving across the country (think 4000 km) which makes range and reasonably quick charging important.
have they solved the issue of the windows in the kona, i have a 22m.y and if you lower any windows a couple of inches you can grab the glass and wobble it side to side, i have liked mine ok enough last 2 years, but doubt if i will have another when due to change dec24, especially not with the huge haul of new EV stuff due this year
The range for each of the cars as tested in your video are the same I believe? To get the increased range (30+ miles extra) in the Kona you have to specify the (no cost option) 17 inch wheels, rather than the 19 inch ones in your test car. Ironic that, despite leaving the EU, we are nevertheless impacted by their numerous beep regulations. Any car with a touch screen requires it's driver to take their eyes off the road and get beeped!! For me the buttons on the Kona are a huge positive.
I use my V2L with my EV6 for my air compressor to fill my tires. Even helped a neighbor who had a flat to fill their tire, instead of use of 100' extension cord. Oh yeah also use it for non battery vacuum cleaner. also used power tools using V2L. In short it has come in handy. And while driving I using the cabin outlet to make hot water for tea during winter. These are just a few examples.
If you don't drive a car like Jeremy Clarkson then you should be very happy with either of these two. They're not meant to do Top Gear Challenges but to get you safely from point A to point B. Both are great quality cars. It looks like Kia transferred the nose from the Carnival and I don't think the 'swoopy' dash is really an issue.
One thing that isn't mentioned is the different Euro NCAP safety ratings between the cars. The Kia Niro got 4 star in 2022 (5 star with safety assist pack) whereas the new Kona got 4 star but "was lucky to avoid three stars" with testers saying it was a "real disappointment." The safety assist systems weren't good enough - particularly the emergency braking - and the adult occupant protection only just got 4 stars with 80%. Now, the Niro was tested a year previously, and the tests get stricter every year, so perhaps it wouldn't do so well if it had been tested this year along with the Kona, but overall its scores are much higher. This influences people's buying choices - if I was choosing between the two I would have gone for the Kona, but knowing the safety scores I would now favour the Niro. Electrifying needs to discuss safety more on cars because it's important and matters to people, particularly (I would guess) families with children. Not just if it has lots of annoying beeps or a good-looking "bum".
Regadring the high power AC outlet, there are some geeks who really enjoy that ... I am a radio amateur with lots of transceivers and amplifiers that run on 230V as well as special chargers for battery packs that I need for model aircraft / drone flying that is just super convenient to have built into the car by design with so much extra power compared to any traditional car, where you need separate extra huge and heavy batteries and stuff to do the same.
I had been waiting for the new Kona with much anticipation, as I was hoping it would be my 'perfect EV'. Having owned a 2018 Leaf 2.zero for a couple years and now driving the Zoe Ionic (with CCS) I was hoping that the bigger, longer range, high seating, V2L Kona would be the one - nope! I drove the new Kona earlier this year and found the seats were disappointingly not as comfortable as either the Leaf or the Zoe, but the main thing (besides THOSE BEEPS), and the feature that was a dealbreaker for me, is the eye-sensor doesn't recognise sunglasses!!! I couldn't believe it, and the salesman in the showroom just said "yeah, that annoys me too!". I'm off to look at a BYD...
I think the Hyundai rear is ugly! That light cluster and the shape of the rear arches are hideous. The Niro rear looks like a Focus MK2 but it's still better than the Kona
The new Kona is definitely generally more ugly than the original and I preferred the pre facelift more SUV like styling of that one, even then it’s not a thing of beauty!
I think the Niro looks like a CR-V from a generation ago and that isn't a bad think. It's isn't too busy and the slit lights will hopefully be dated in a few years when designers realize they take away the soul of a vehicle.
Hmmm...the off-set charging port on the Kona has never bothered me at all, but I don't spend much time looking at the front of the car. You know.....either parked or driving....I don't care much. Regardless, I did enjoy the real, unfiltered honesty of video. I'm about to choose between these two cars and this vid has helped.
Regarding the asymmetric placement of the charge port door, the beauty of owning a Kina EV means you rarely see the asymmetry … well, at least while (or whilst, if you prefer) you're inside the car.
I like the the Kona myself an while the EX30 is also nice, I HATE the center console for everything that Tesla introduced. Not even a competition, Kona wins that one.
👑 king kona all day long, shape, style, tech all at a lower price what’s not too like. But then maybe bit biased as mine is on order, tell you in 3 weeks as to wether I made the right choice for 1st EV
At the risk of hurting my own self interest, here are some facts and advantages of the NERO over the KONA: 1) more rear leg room by 3.5 inches (that's significant) 2) more cargo room (just slightly however) 3) Has Rear AC /Heat (very big advantage if you have children or have passengers in the back seats often) the KONA does not 4) And of course the longer warranty Note: You can also make the NERO quieter by adding third party dampener's I believe (try looking on RUclips for examples of this being done)
I keep a Ninebot scooter in the trunk of my Ioniq 6. I charge it off the VTL, then use it to get around after I've parked. It's great for when the closest charger is a few blocks away from where I want to eat or hang out.
Voting the Kona as the winner is laughable but also very concerning regarding your ability to review cars and provide advice. Whilst looking for a second EV for our house, we test drove a Kona, which prior to test drive we had intended to purchase, until the test drive uncovered that the car did the following: 1. Beeped at me as it determined, incorrectly, that I wasn't paying attention. (it monitors you via a camera mounted on the steering column) 2. Beeped at me when moving from one speed limit zone to another (e.g. 30 to a 40) 3. Beeped at me when I strayed even marginally over the speed limit (like that wouldn't get unbelievably annoying in the real world) 4. Beeped at me because it determined that we were going to have and accident, even though we were driving in traffic at approx 20mph and at a safe distance from the car in front, who was not braking 5. And then just to top it all off, it beeped at me to take a coffee break, 5 minutes into our 10 minute test drive Even the salesman was roaring laughing for a finish. He informed that some of the beeping could be switched off, but they would switch back on every time the car restarts, EU regs etc... He said they've had a lot of complaints from unhappy owners of the new hybrid Kona (they were released first). In exactly 30 years of accident free driving with no penalty points on my licence, I've never driven a more distracting and down right dangerous car. The level of beeping and bonging in the cabin is completely unacceptable. Other manufacturers have implemented the latest regs in a much less intrusive manner. I own a 2022 EV, so I'm very familiar with lane keeping assist, pre collision assist etc etc... I'm also aware of the regulation changes for the latest cars to market. We test drove a Niro EV for over 30 minutes and it did none of the ridiculous beeping listed above (it was released to market prior to the latest EU regs). Therefore it wasn't even a question as to which of the two cars would be nicer to live with. The Kona beeped and bonged ridiculously and then the Niro, which we bought, is a very very similar car underneath without all the beeping and bonging, it's an absolute no brainer.
The Black wheel well arches on the Niro are a great way to stop rusting and corrosion from destroying the body. they are easily replaced and do not necessitate body work!
Latest Hyundai Kona OTA software update allows one touch on steering wheel to turn off the speed warning chimes - though you have to it each time you restart the car. Still a major improvement.
Off-centre charging port is definitely better, although for practicality I’d rather it was at the back, opening sunroof is better than panoramic… all this stuff is subjective but me of the most important things about a car, whether the seats are comfortable, you touched on in one line… what’s it like after four hours?
If I can find a used 6 months old Kona ultimate for 32k I will get one. Apart from faster charging, I can live with that, it has everything I want from an EV.
Having recently driven both old and new Kona (or is that Konas or Koni) and the new niro, the new Kona is in a different league, the niro has the software and driving experience of the old Kona but in a larger car, whereas the new, now niro sized Kona has everything, from less road noise and iPedal to that 3-pin plug. The 11 kWh onboard inverter of both cars is of most use to UK drivers when driving abroad as many home chargers in the EU are 11 kWh vice the UK's 7.4 kWh. Oh, and the new Kona does have both wired and wireless Apple car play / Android Auto.
Have ordered my Kona and I don’t mind wired only Apple CarPlay. My current Octavia does wireless or wired and I’ve had to disable the wireless as when I’d want to charge my phone and use CarPlay it will crash…
I charge my car at night for 7.5p. In the day, at times when I’m not using the car, I dry the washing using V2L on my Niro. Our family does 1 load per day, occasionally 2, so I save a bit over £200/yr… just shy of my annual charging cost for the car. (Calculation: 2.72kW used by the dryer. 7.5p/30p day/night rate. 61.2p saved per load. Multiply by 365.) I use it for other stuff too. I agree the Niro is quite boring… that’s why I got it. I need it to move the family and dog around.
Just bought a 2024 Niro ev with rebates. Sold it to CarMax after three weeks and lost $1000 and good riddance. Reason? The radio, climate, electronics and others is all on the same system and I eventually hated drving the car plus just missed two accidents. Example; 1. I am driving on a country road in the winter and the car is cold. In a normal configuration you turn the heat on or up. The system was on radio config so I had to switch screens to get the right button to turn the heat on. Five seconds not looking at the road. Another car backs out and I would have hit it if the alarm hadn't gone off. 2. In the city and defrost comes in full blast for no reason except for programming. Pull into CVS and spend ten minutes going through computer screens. Next day, same thing because I missed something. 3. So many little reasons why this car was not fun to drive and that was after spending 1 hour at the dealer and 4 hours online trying to find out why Kia thinks they need to program all the systems for stupid invalids. 4. I had a Bolt and it was on regen all the time and was controlled by a button. Niro? everyday time you start the car you have to program the regen system. One day, I went to the store and took the 06 Sienna instead of the Niro, took Niro to Car Max and sold it. I went to Hyundai to test drive a Kona but didn't have any and only received one a quarter. Wait was six months for 2024 Kona per dealer. Eventually, went back to CarMax and bought a 2023 Bolt EUV premier. I like Kia and the dealer and the car except the electronics. Just because you can program something doesn't mean you should. This particular dealers sells a more expensive 2024 car but people are buying it because the electronics are not complicated.
It’s interesting how Hyundai packages the Kona between regions. My Canadian version, loses the power lift gate, has wireless Apple CarPlay. And according to my dealer (still have to confirm) does not offer V2L. Mine also doesn’t beep at you like your test model. Maybe it came with those notifications off.
One thing V2L is useful for is charging a foldable electric wheelchair. You can zip around during the day and then put it in the boot and have it charging while you go drive around.
I'm guessing the EV3 or whatever may take that back. Kia in the US has offered the heat pump, while the Kona still doesn't get it. But dang I love that green color in and out.
I’ve been commenting this in a few places, but I think electric cars should change the way that they frame their charging range. What I would prefer is for that 10 to 80% space to be the quoted range. Here’s why. First of all, it would be a more average quote for the overall range performance of the vehicle. That is to say, when it gets cold, the overall range reduces, but if the 10 to 80% range is say 250 miles, but the battery can do 300 miles total, then if you say 250, when it gets cold You’re more likely to get that full 250. Next, it’s very typical that under 10% battery, the car is going to bug you to charge, and in some vehicles, it goes into turtle mode, and won’t allow you to go faster than a certain speed. to me, the cars that do that are in an emergency mode at that point. Either way, that bottom 10%, which you’re not really supposed to use, is your reserve battery. That means that it’s less than zero. You should consider your battery empty when it hits 10%. Most gas cars work this way. When the gauge reads empty, there is still a little bit of gas left over that you could probably get to a gas station. Not bad, but similar to electric vehicles, you’re really not encouraged to use that reserve gas. It often has particulates in it which make it less Efficient to run in your engine. So to me, it seems like an electric vehicle should have its 10 to 80% range for the battery 0 to 100% for the driver. The system should honestly avoid overcharging unless overridden. Since you’re not supposed to charge to 100% very often because it can hurt the battery, and the charging rates slows down, why give The owner the option? Instead, the way it should work is it should monitor exactly how much range the vehicle is getting. It should do a statistical analysis in its internal computer, and determine how best to achieve the promised range. So for example, when it’s cold, that’s when it should let the charging system charge past 80%. Also, when the battery starts getting older less efficient, it should also allow it to tap into that additional capacity. It should do all this in the background, although I’m a type of person who wouldn’t mind having either in an app that goes to the car, or deep in the menus, a true analysis of how the battery is charging and discharging so that you can see exactly what all that weight is doing. And if it had a nice little report that said you’ve had this car for five years, and now we’re dipping more into the less ideal portion of the battery to get you your range, that would be good in foot. To be clear, I have the same criticism of smart phones, where you’re told you’re not supposed to charge all the way to the top, but when you plug it in overnight, you don’t have control over when the phone stops charging. Why put it on the user, just so you can say that the battery is a certain size, and also put it on the user to make sure that the battery doesn’t go down into a bad spot or overcharge? Instead, it would be much better if all of these systems were smarter, and prevented users from doing dumb things when charging.
What annoys me the most on my Niro EV is the fact that it has too little acoustical attenuation in the rear of the car, that 85KW is the highest charging power I have ever seen and that it has no 360° camera, which the Kona is supposed to have. I knew all that before, so it was not a surprise and put into the calculation because I got it on a bulk internet deal for a very good price. Apart from that I like the Konas bigger displays but not so much the rest of the cockpits layout as well as its exteriour, though the Niro's piano finish sucks, totally agree. The Kona is definitely more refined and if I had to decide again, I'd probably choose the new Kona. I believe you mentioned the Kona has only 5 years of warranty, I thought Hyundai EVs had 8 years by design?! - at least here in Germany?! But I am complaining on a higher level, because I really like the Niro, gets me everywhere in the most relaxed way possible, but lower noise, the 360° cam, extra range, bigger screens and slightly more charging power would be nice to have, even if the space might be slightly less. The drivers attention (eye) monitor on my Niro doesn't work at all. I can get on the highway, turn the HDA on, put the driver seat into the sleeping position (that is possible while driving!), lean back, close my eyes and it will not complain! I tried it for $hits and giggles, it is funny in a way but a serious software bug because if I fell asleep on the wheel it would not notice ... not cool! And I have definitely turned that feature on in the system but it still doesn't work at all. I also can not locate the monitoring sensors - they don't seem to exist, not even undeneath the display cover?! What I love the most, apart from the HDA on the highway is the implementation of the one pedal driving (ipedal), the way it rolls out ultra smooth is just so well done the way they slow it down is done to real perfection - great feedback between the 3 phase motor control and the motion sensors👍. Kia & Hyundai - well done - makes driving in the city simply unbeatably smooth and comfortable, also the many regen levels are super nice to have. I'd love to see a comparison of the 2 and the new Volvo EX30, which will soon be manufatured in Belgium - finally a car with a great bang for the buck made in Europe - YES! And you can get it with I believe 430HP and AWD 😲ideal for us nutty Germans with still no speed limit on the highway. Looking forward to the aerodynamic Kia EV4 this year, no inefficient dumb crossover compact SUV design, like Niro and Kona ... that slick EV design and the new CATL battery generation might be a really great long range car. Wonder when it will be released and at which price point.
With the Niro EV the lower spec 2 (with the smaller central screen) had wireless CarPlay/Android Auto but the higher spec 3 and 4 had only wired Android auto???? At least, that was the deal last year.
@@stuartphippen46 IIRC the 2 also doesn’t have the built in sat nav/kia connect. My assumption was they realised you’d need a simple sat nav still, so are relying on you bringing that to the party with your phone, and should therefore make it easier by having wireless ACP/AA. As the 3 & 4 have their built in sat nav this wasn’t needed. Still seems a bit weird though.
Wonderful review Nikki and Nicola! I've been deep in the weeds for a couple of weeks now deciding between everything from an i3 REX, to an ID.4 Pro S, to a Niro EV, to a Kona Electric. While each of these vehicles has its own set of pros and cons, in total, I'm heavily leaning toward a pre-owned Kona Electric. This is down to a combination of aesthetics, range and peak charge rate. However, the thing that really makes the Kona Electric standout is the warranty. In the US, both Hyundai and Kia warranty the battery and powertrain for 10 years/100,000 miles. And the rest of their warranties (bumper-to-bumper, anti-perforation, etc.) are all 40% to 50% better than every other automaker in the States! In Ultimate trim, a 2021 Kona Electric goes for $18,000 to $20,000 after the $4,000 federal EV tax credit. Sweet! I can't wait to begin enjoying a great BEV while waiting for RAM to deliver their REV and Ramcharger pickup trucks. As for Hyundai/Kia's V2L, it's currently a bit of a gimmick due to its low wattage output. That said, it's smart for the company(ies) to be working on this as it will definitely aid in the evolution to V2H and V2G. With BEV's parked up overnight, smart charging, combined with cost-saving tariff's, will enable off-peak charging. Add in bidirectional charging and now 10's or 100's of gigawatts of battery capacity are at the ready for grid stabilization, island powering, etc. Imagine no more fossil gas peaker plants, as well as outage resilience. Having an average-sized BEV in every home results in outage resilience without the need for dedicated energy storage. With a bidirectional charger, an automated transfer switch and a few other bits and bobs, the mains can go down and power will be pulled from the vehicle's battery to power critical loads. Doing so, an average household could remained powered for two or more days without sacrificing too much on things like creature comforts.
V2L in my I5 gets used all the time. When I'm on the road I plug my laptop in to work. When camping we use it to pump up the air beds, hair straighteners and kettle.
I would have either car in my Garage, but I have the Niro. I am Very big on uniformity and Had never noticed that the screens are at different heights, I had to go and Check, But tit works for me. V2L I have my Home wired so that I can run lights and power points incase of a power outage, I live in a rural area so if the power does go out i don't even have water available at the taps. I can run my Caravan from the Niro. I have often thought of taking a small microwave with me on some longer day trips. When I bought my Niro the New Kona was Unavailable, but would have been definitely on my list. Cheers
V2L is an ok idea, while V2G should be mandatory and used everywhere! Oh yeah and grids everywhere should be updated to take advantage of electric car V2G.
Good work on the review, actually prefer the look of the Kona being more rounded but agree about the charging port position, wish they would just use a bigger badge as a charger port like the zoe . The volvo ex30 is definitely a better deal.
I definitely use the V2L on my IONIQ 5. When I go camping I pack my toaster, travel kettle and induction stove, and also the plug for my laptop. Additionally, on the hotter summer days I work in the car to make use of the air conditioning (permanent home based, in an apartment with no air-con that gets unbearably hot), and my laptop is plugged in to the three-pin all day.
Why even bother having a house in your user case 😂
@@TheNad84 I live in my Kona. I am sat on a free charger right now whilst cooking my tea at the same time :)
Was able to go camping while there was a fire ban and cook food. Game changer!
V2L is great for vacuum cleaning the car. You don't have to park it within range of a 13amp socket or find an extension lead.
Or an air fryer!, Cooling, small microwave, Nespresso or what else? So much goodies, use you imagination girls!
I think that’s probably the best use of V2L.
Going from meeting to meeting, having the odd Teams call in between, being able to plug in my laptop would be REALLY useful - then I don't turn up to a client (or potential client) and go "My laptop's dead, can you give me some of your electricity...?"
important to note that the Kona 2024 had an update that enables wireless carplay and android auto in november, so if the Kona was fully updated then that feature would be on.
We had floods in northern Victoria, Australia, and a friend of mine drove around in his EV and offered to power people's freezers for an hour or so, while the power was off, to stop their frozen food thawing out. He ended up at the local hospital, where he powered a dialysis machine for a few hours, whilst their backup generator was being repaired. So, less of your scathe, thankyou.
This is the best use of a Ev I've ever heard of. Much better than as a mode of transport
shame for a channel that focused on EV cars didnt know the actual use cases for that feature.
Sounds like 'your friend' is just angling for a pat on the back. Those power outage lasted less than half a day. Most freezers are insulated to keep from spoilage far longer than that even unpowered. So 'an hour or so' isn't going to make a lick of difference, even if 'your friend' is counter intuitively wasting energy driving around topping people's freezers.
Dialysis also isn't a medical emergency. In fact, most actually critical medical devices (eg. Fluid pumps, syringe drivers, ventilators, anaesthetic and monitoring) are equipped with inbuilt batteries. So 'your friend's' contribution was even less meaningful than you think. But sure, gold star! ⭐️⭐️
@@bm4751 it's called a battery bro
thing is that in the UK, or most of Europe in general, power cuts are very rare, and hospitals will have reliable back up options so it's not really something anyone here would think about ...
I wonder about these reviews sometimes. I extensively test drove the 2023 Niro and Kona back to back. The Niro was so much better in almost every way. Better performance, better quality, more modern look and feel, excellent handling and really comfortable. The only extra thing the Kona had which I wanted was a 360 cam, but the Niro was so much better in every other respect. So my money went on the Niro and I've been delighted with it. Try both before you choose.
Kona and the Niro shouldn't really be head-to-head. Ioniq 5 vs Niro seems to be a better comparison. They're closer in price and dimension. Regardless, everyone has a different set of priorities. I'm in the market but won't be buying any vehicle that requires a subscription after a year or three. For right now, Hyundai is the only manufacturer I know of which isn't piling onto the subscription nonsense. If that changes before I buy early next year, I'll consider other autos, including the Niro. (I don't love being without physical buttons, though, so it'd still be an unlikely choice for me.)
@@mistybenefield5796 Shopping for an EV and considering these two, but this is the first time I've heard about a subscription. If you have time can you explain?
@@woodysranch2690.
@@mistybenefield5796how should they not be head to head they’re effectively the same car. The ioniq 5 is another level up
The VTL is a big miss on my model y. We have had 2 power outages and powering the furnace or fire place would have been handy like the people in the Ioniq 5 did. So having a huge battery sitting there just been used to warm up the car for a few hours is a sad alternative.
Having a power source for the refrigerator, fan, or even a TV during a power outage is wonderful feature.
I park my car on the street. How in a power cut am I going to plug in my refrigerator?
@@Aoocci791 A long extension lead?😂
@@Aoocci791 Put it in your trunk.
@Aoocci791 Park it in your living room then, doh!!
There are cheaper ways to get backup power. Battery and invertor or just buy a small generator
Having recently lost power for 8 days after bad storms, I can tell you that the V2L on my MG4 was a life saver! I don't even have running water at my place without power. I'd never consider buying a car without V2L. 😊
I've always wondered about V2L, but during the Queensland fires and floods, people were keeping the fridge running. In one case, a family made the news by keeping a child's dialysis machine going overnight.
That's amazing. I don't know why all EVs don't have it
a 4KW portable generator
Are there any references or news articles for that actually happening?
@@akf2000 The Renault Megane e-tech latest 2025 revision just released and still no V2L even though the new Scenic has it. Bit bizarre.
I’ve had to order my company in September car without a test drive and it was out of these two and for me the Kona was the better option and the heat pump as standard is a must. But I think I’ll be setting the favourite buttons to short cut switching off the driver assist bings and bongs. Mine’s due in this month.
I find it quite useful to have the headlights reviewed in the dark too. Wonder if you'd consider doing this as standard.
Not just led vs halogen vs filament type but how useful are they on an unlit road etc.
Quality headlights add a lot of QOL to a car IMO
I think a plug is useful if your house has a power cut to save the frozen food in your house
Everyone complains about the chimes. I do not find them annoying at all. I find them very helpful. The speed limit beep only chimes 4 times and then shuts up. I interpret it as a call to "check your speed," which I have to do much less thanks to them. On my old car I would have to look at the speedometer every couple of seconds. On my Kona I only take my eyes off the road when I hear a chime.
I don’t have a house battery. I charge my car at 7.5p off peak, and almost daily we plug the tumble dryer into the Niro to dry the clothes we washed during the off peak period overnight. So, for me V2L is not a gimmick, it saves me money
I've had my Kona SEL electric for a week. It replaced my 2004 Hyundai Elantra GT.
I'm not tech savvy and I'm learning new things every day. One of the things that I've yet to figure out is what was perfectly described in this video. I feel like I am being parented by all of the alerts. I get the point, that these features are all about safety...but as a senior citizen, I don't feel like I need parental controls. (Well, not yet, anyway.)
I own the 2023 S model Niro ev in Australia, it is a good all rounder and pretty happy with it driving in Normal mode with full regen. I think the new Kona looks bordering on ridiculous in side view and the offset charge flap is annoying. That said the extra range and heat pump are a bonus. I’m waiting to test drive the ex 30 when it shows up locally and might forgive it for being 100mm too short for rear leg room as I am a solo person. The beeping issue is unfortunate and sadly one we all might have to live moving forward……
In Australia after storms many houses were without power for 2 weeks and some used EVs to power their equipment. In some remote areas there is no water without electricity. I would say V2L is a must.
I have a Kona and absolutely love it. Very easy to drive, fast when needed In emergency situations, very comfy, easy to park. I prefer it to my Mercedes! So I am getting rid of the Merc.
When was this review filmed? In the UK the 2023 Niro EV has only ever come with the 64kW battery pack, unlike the e-Niro.
Although the Niro looks nicer, I choose to go with the Kona for taller ground clearance for snowy Canadian winter. :)
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to use your electric cars as a big battery, and I’m willing to bet that I won’t be the first person to suggest most of these.
First of all, while it’s not the same thing as Save the Ford F150 lightning where it integrates into your house for when power goes out, Having the battery available for a power outage to drive electrical items in an emergency is certainly a benefit.
The next option is what if you’re going on a picnic, and you wanna have a refrigerator, or an electric grill, or a speaker system?
I could also see it being useful if you wanted to have a portable projection system, but it’s not going to last long enough. And, you could use it to plug-in for people to charge their phones and computers and things if you’re in a situation where you were outsidedoing that.
It’s not a crucial piece of tech, but when you need it, I think it’s nice to have.
To get the beeps quieter on my 2021 Kona I go to the map screen and press the audio symbol which allows you to change notification settings and voice over for sat nav. Hopefully that works for later models.
thats good to know. I have a 2021 and never figured this out. About to end my lease and upgrade to the '24, so i'm makin' sure i can deactivate most of the beeping before I commit to another lease.
Safety features that continuously distract you... something has gone wrong here.
Great video with my fav presenters 😁
Kona looks great but the charge port location also bugs me, really would annoy me every time I look at it - why couldn't it be centre?
I was choosing between new Niro and an used ID4. I liked a style of Niro, modern instrument cluster, e-pedal, range and the V2L. But at the end a stoped at ID4, becouse of the ride comfort (quiet and soft) and hu-uge panorama roof. I liked it so much. If Niro or Kona would have a panorama - maybe I would choose them. New Kona impressed me with the ride comfort as well, ir become a little bit softier and much quieter than previous one. But exterior, those round lines.. Egh.. 2020 Kona is what I still would chose, in terms of style. IMHO
Nooooooo, never buy a Volkswagen ID product! You'll will get disappointed! Get the Niro, way better warranty and non so problem in software. And those seats of the Niro, everyone said they are sooooo gooood!
@@yingmustang67we have an id.4 for more than 1 year now and the software problems are very overrated.
The car rides like a dream, best car we ever had
@RonnyR123
Hello Ronny,
Than you and your family are the lucky ones, some ID have lesser problems. The Ultra rare species!
Of course, the driving is perfect, only software issues and that's is NOT good!
I think you will find that KIA changed the name from e-niro to Niro EV because it gave better results in internet search engines!
And they couldn’t afford Robert in the ads any more?😂
Niro EV, is a better name. You don't have to think about it. I heard many car reviewers that named the old e Niro, Niro EV.....
If you’re on a cheap night rate for electricity, charge the car at night, then plug the drier Ito the car during the day.
Niro's design is better 🙂🙂
Exterior styling, yes, but it has way too much gloss black in the interior.
But was there a beepiness difference? And might that swing a decision if every single day you were beeped at more?
Nicola talks about the noisier Niro EV. We found our Niro EV to be noisier than our old e-Niro ( on UK roads which are generally much rougher surfaced than other European roads, and therefore generate more tyre noise). Switching to e-Primacy tyres has quietened much of the tyre noise. Perhaps you should talk tyres more?
I don't understand why people keep saying Android Auto and Apple Carplay need a wire. My 2022 Kona Electric works flawlessly with both (I'm the AA user; my son has an iPhone). Did we just luck out with the particular model we have? Is it because we are in the US?
I think the model that has the smaller screen has wireless Android Auto and Carplay due to it not having the navigation system while the bigger screen ones dont… I could be wrong tho
Can always buy a USB dongle and they work seamlessly. Did for me anyway.
agreed, my 2024 my Kona EV has wireless AndroidAuto / carplay. works really well. Came with early october update last year.
26:58 In the Netherlands the Hyundai has 5 years unlimited miles and 7 years 100 or 125 miles as an option (795 euro extra). So that's also great!
If I had to choose one of them, definitely the Hyundai Kona!
My current car is a e Niro 2019 Executive line and I really love it. Maybe I am going for the EV 6 GT Line. ❤
In Sweden heat pump, 64 kWh battery and 11 kW charging is standard. Niro EV is way cheaper than Kona over here, like 9.000 € depending on campaign price.
However, Kia EV3 soon will take over Niro EV.
I think you've got the 0-60 wrong on the Hyundai. According to EV database the version you tested has 0-60 of 7.8 and the less powerful version is the one with 8.8. Sorry to be pedantic!
I use the 240V socket regularly to power a camping fridge. I take meals to my parents on the Isle of Wight, 200 mile round journey (and hardly impacts on range), whenever I go shopping at more than one store for frozen goods. The Niro is a 64kWh battery store in the event of a power cut, can power all our fridges and freezers. I vacuum the car from the V2L. We have a camping kettle so I can make tea and coffee on long journeys. Quickest way round charge lap tops . Loads of uses. I wish the Niro would be compatible with V2G/V2H and that they could sort out the problems with Octopus so I could move onto IO.
@@mikeclifford7740 Kia in lively discussions with Octopus re IO, waking up car every 30 minutes and flattening batteries plus issue of reverse engineering of the Kia Connect app without company consent.
4:34 - "2.4 children-esque" is a beautiful dig
I love hearing your opinions, had never considered the cartoon hippo like look, Charlie, lol, and the asymmetricalness ( another new word?) of the charging port. I'm so used to hearing typical reviews about features and benefits, but you guys really had the most creative "shoot from the hip" comments about style & design and it was entertaining😅😉😜 I'll definitely watch again!
Two genuinely lovely ladies! And I respect their judgement immensely. Well done!
How do the pre facelift versions compare ? Looking for second hand was the Kia better or the Hyundai ?
The face lift Niro is a vast improvement-2023 MY. I own the 2019 Niro
I enjoyed watching the Video Comparison
Oooooh, I've used V2L!! Camping! Out in a field, travel kettle! Everyone else peeing around with burners and stuff: not me.
Also, charged my father in law's EV from mine once when he ran out of charge. Gave him enough to get home.
USEFUL
I think kona inside looks older in fact. The buttons like in scenic 2001.
Lovely vid! I've enjoyed it! ordered niro myself
Peter Schreyer was the first person to bring a strong and characteristic design direction to the brand. Becoming President and Chief Design Officer of Hyundai Motor Group in 2013, Schreyer's unique approach to design helped to turn Hyundai and Kia into desirable brands.
I love the V2L. Great for making dinner on road trips and you bought a giant battery on wheels, might as well be able to use it for more than one thing, like plugging in your fridge if the power goes out
Respect to every men who watched this Video until the end
V2L could allow your car to act as a battery for solar storage. You can power a fridge during a power cut, charging another car in a emergency (trapped in snow, that sort of thing). EV equivalent to a Jerry can
I rather enjoy the instant torque of our original Kona, even if it does spin up occasionally. I can't get my head around trading it in for a car that's markedly slower tbh.... I think MG will probably be getting my next car cash.
Both have the same pet hate - Charge socket placement
I always reverse onto my drive (ref highway code) and normally reverse park
My first concern is, will my folding trike fit in the back. Is there power on the front wheels as I live where there is snow, real snow, and ice. The range thing is big because I live in Canada but in most cases it only comes into play when I am driving across the country (think 4000 km) which makes range and reasonably quick charging important.
What UK trim levels do you get the pixel led lights on the Kona steering wheel?
Could you put the figures in km also?
have they solved the issue of the windows in the kona, i have a 22m.y and if you lower any windows a couple of inches you can grab the glass and wobble it side to side, i have liked mine ok enough last 2 years, but doubt if i will have another when due to change dec24, especially not with the huge haul of new EV stuff due this year
The range for each of the cars as tested in your video are the same I believe? To get the increased range (30+ miles extra) in the Kona you have to specify the (no cost option) 17 inch wheels, rather than the 19 inch ones in your test car.
Ironic that, despite leaving the EU, we are nevertheless impacted by their numerous beep regulations. Any car with a touch screen requires it's driver to take their eyes off the road and get beeped!! For me the buttons on the Kona are a huge positive.
I use my V2L with my EV6 for my air compressor to fill my tires. Even helped a neighbor who had a flat to fill their tire, instead of use of 100' extension cord. Oh yeah also use it for non battery vacuum cleaner. also used power tools using V2L. In short it has come in handy. And while driving I using the cabin outlet to make hot water for tea during winter. These are just a few examples.
If you don't drive a car like Jeremy Clarkson then you should be very happy with either of these two. They're not meant to do Top Gear Challenges but to get you safely from point A to point B. Both are great quality cars. It looks like Kia transferred the nose from the Carnival and I don't think the 'swoopy' dash is really an issue.
The Kona now has wireless carplay/auto following the last software update....
Mrs D regularly trims her bushes using the V2L on our Ioniq 5!!
One thing that isn't mentioned is the different Euro NCAP safety ratings between the cars. The Kia Niro got 4 star in 2022 (5 star with safety assist pack) whereas the new Kona got 4 star but "was lucky to avoid three stars" with testers saying it was a "real disappointment." The safety assist systems weren't good enough - particularly the emergency braking - and the adult occupant protection only just got 4 stars with 80%. Now, the Niro was tested a year previously, and the tests get stricter every year, so perhaps it wouldn't do so well if it had been tested this year along with the Kona, but overall its scores are much higher. This influences people's buying choices - if I was choosing between the two I would have gone for the Kona, but knowing the safety scores I would now favour the Niro. Electrifying needs to discuss safety more on cars because it's important and matters to people, particularly (I would guess) families with children. Not just if it has lots of annoying beeps or a good-looking "bum".
Regadring the high power AC outlet, there are some geeks who really enjoy that ... I am a radio amateur with lots of transceivers and amplifiers that run on 230V as well as special chargers for battery packs that I need for model aircraft / drone flying that is just super convenient to have built into the car by design with so much extra power compared to any traditional car, where you need separate extra huge and heavy batteries and stuff to do the same.
Wonder if from basic model of both cars can export electrons, not only from the top model.
I had been waiting for the new Kona with much anticipation, as I was hoping it would be my 'perfect EV'. Having owned a 2018 Leaf 2.zero for a couple years and now driving the Zoe Ionic (with CCS) I was hoping that the bigger, longer range, high seating, V2L Kona would be the one - nope!
I drove the new Kona earlier this year and found the seats were disappointingly not as comfortable as either the Leaf or the Zoe, but the main thing (besides THOSE BEEPS), and the feature that was a dealbreaker for me, is the eye-sensor doesn't recognise sunglasses!!! I couldn't believe it, and the salesman in the showroom just said "yeah, that annoys me too!".
I'm off to look at a BYD...
I think the Hyundai rear is ugly! That light cluster and the shape of the rear arches are hideous.
The Niro rear looks like a Focus MK2 but it's still better than the Kona
The new Kona is definitely generally more ugly than the original and I preferred the pre facelift more SUV like styling of that one, even then it’s not a thing of beauty!
I think the Niro looks like a CR-V from a generation ago and that isn't a bad think. It's isn't too busy and the slit lights will hopefully be dated in a few years when designers realize they take away the soul of a vehicle.
Hmmm...the off-set charging port on the Kona has never bothered me at all, but I don't spend much time looking at the front of the car. You know.....either parked or driving....I don't care much. Regardless, I did enjoy the real, unfiltered honesty of video. I'm about to choose between these two cars and this vid has helped.
Hi all, do you know if it is true, that MG are bringing out a bigger battery out, on the MG5. Thanks.
Regarding the asymmetric placement of the charge port door, the beauty of owning a Kina EV means you rarely see the asymmetry … well, at least while (or whilst, if you prefer) you're inside the car.
I like the the Kona myself an while the EX30 is also nice, I HATE the center console for everything that Tesla introduced. Not even a competition, Kona wins that one.
👑 king kona all day long, shape, style, tech all at a lower price what’s not too like.
But then maybe bit biased as mine is on order, tell you in 3 weeks as to wether I made the right choice for 1st EV
You're going to love it!
Happy with mine also, great car
At the risk of hurting my own self interest, here are some facts and advantages of the NERO over the KONA:
1) more rear leg room by 3.5 inches (that's significant)
2) more cargo room (just slightly however)
3) Has Rear AC /Heat (very big advantage if you have children or have passengers in the back seats often) the KONA does not
4) And of course the longer warranty
Note: You can also make the NERO quieter by adding third party dampener's I believe
(try looking on RUclips for examples of this being done)
Also, seems the version sold in the US doesn't have that camera watching your eye movement through the steering wheel.
I keep a Ninebot scooter in the trunk of my Ioniq 6. I charge it off the VTL, then use it to get around after I've parked. It's great for when the closest charger is a few blocks away from where I want to eat or hang out.
We use the internal plug point for a laptop. Working from home on the way to the airport sort of thing.
Voting the Kona as the winner is laughable but also very concerning regarding your ability to review cars and provide advice. Whilst looking for a second EV for our house, we test drove a Kona, which prior to test drive we had intended to purchase, until the test drive uncovered that the car did the following:
1. Beeped at me as it determined, incorrectly, that I wasn't paying attention. (it monitors you via a camera mounted on the steering column)
2. Beeped at me when moving from one speed limit zone to another (e.g. 30 to a 40)
3. Beeped at me when I strayed even marginally over the speed limit (like that wouldn't get unbelievably annoying in the real world)
4. Beeped at me because it determined that we were going to have and accident, even though we were driving in traffic at approx 20mph and at a safe distance from the car in front, who was not braking
5. And then just to top it all off, it beeped at me to take a coffee break, 5 minutes into our 10 minute test drive
Even the salesman was roaring laughing for a finish. He informed that some of the beeping could be switched off, but they would switch back on every time the car restarts, EU regs etc... He said they've had a lot of complaints from unhappy owners of the new hybrid Kona (they were released first).
In exactly 30 years of accident free driving with no penalty points on my licence, I've never driven a more distracting and down right dangerous car. The level of beeping and bonging in the cabin is completely unacceptable. Other manufacturers have implemented the latest regs in a much less intrusive manner.
I own a 2022 EV, so I'm very familiar with lane keeping assist, pre collision assist etc etc... I'm also aware of the regulation changes for the latest cars to market.
We test drove a Niro EV for over 30 minutes and it did none of the ridiculous beeping listed above (it was released to market prior to the latest EU regs). Therefore it wasn't even a question as to which of the two cars would be nicer to live with. The Kona beeped and bonged ridiculously and then the Niro, which we bought, is a very very similar car underneath without all the beeping and bonging, it's an absolute no brainer.
In USA, the Kona starts at $33K while the Niro starts at $41. That's pretty large price gap for similar models.
The Black wheel well arches on the Niro are a great way to stop rusting and corrosion from destroying the body. they are easily replaced and do not necessitate body work!
Latest Hyundai Kona OTA software update allows one touch on steering wheel to turn off the speed warning chimes - though you have to it each time you restart the car. Still a major improvement.
Would choose the kia niro over the Hyundai, both nice but for me id choose the niro self charging hybrid 👌👍
Off-centre charging port is definitely better, although for practicality I’d rather it was at the back, opening sunroof is better than panoramic… all this stuff is subjective but me of the most important things about a car, whether the seats are comfortable, you touched on in one line… what’s it like after four hours?
In Austrália when was a storm some people had to use the car for getting energy for opening gates...
If I can find a used 6 months old Kona ultimate for 32k I will get one. Apart from faster charging, I can live with that, it has everything I want from an EV.
Great review with a great comparisons between the cars. Having ordered a Kona recently I think my wife and I have made the right choice
Having recently driven both old and new Kona (or is that Konas or Koni) and the new niro, the new Kona is in a different league, the niro has the software and driving experience of the old Kona but in a larger car, whereas the new, now niro sized Kona has everything, from less road noise and iPedal to that 3-pin plug. The 11 kWh onboard inverter of both cars is of most use to UK drivers when driving abroad as many home chargers in the EU are 11 kWh vice the UK's 7.4 kWh. Oh, and the new Kona does have both wired and wireless Apple car play / Android Auto.
On the KIA website today in the UK a heat pump is only an option on the 4 trim making it £43.225.
Have ordered my Kona and I don’t mind wired only Apple CarPlay. My current Octavia does wireless or wired and I’ve had to disable the wireless as when I’d want to charge my phone and use CarPlay it will crash…
I charge my car at night for 7.5p. In the day, at times when I’m not using the car, I dry the washing using V2L on my Niro. Our family does 1 load per day, occasionally 2, so I save a bit over £200/yr… just shy of my annual charging cost for the car. (Calculation: 2.72kW used by the dryer. 7.5p/30p day/night rate. 61.2p saved per load. Multiply by 365.) I use it for other stuff too.
I agree the Niro is quite boring… that’s why I got it. I need it to move the family and dog around.
We time our drier / washer to come on at night, but the V2L would be useful to use the cheap rate during the day.
Just bought a 2024 Niro ev with rebates. Sold it to CarMax after three weeks and lost $1000 and good riddance. Reason? The radio, climate, electronics and others is all on the same system and I eventually hated drving the car plus just missed two accidents. Example; 1. I am driving on a country road in the winter and the car is cold. In a normal configuration you turn the heat on or up. The system was on radio config so I had to switch screens to get the right button to turn the heat on. Five seconds not looking at the road. Another car backs out and I would have hit it if the alarm hadn't gone off. 2. In the city and defrost comes in full blast for no reason except for programming. Pull into CVS and spend ten minutes going through computer screens. Next day, same thing because I missed something. 3. So many little reasons why this car was not fun to drive and that was after spending 1 hour at the dealer and 4 hours online trying to find out why Kia thinks they need to program all the systems for stupid invalids. 4. I had a Bolt and it was on regen all the time and was controlled by a button. Niro? everyday time you start the car you have to program the regen system. One day, I went to the store and took the 06 Sienna instead of the Niro, took Niro to Car Max and sold it.
I went to Hyundai to test drive a Kona but didn't have any and only received one a quarter. Wait was six months for 2024 Kona per dealer.
Eventually, went back to CarMax and bought a 2023 Bolt EUV premier.
I like Kia and the dealer and the car except the electronics. Just because you can program something doesn't mean you should. This particular dealers sells a more expensive 2024 car but people are buying it because the electronics are not complicated.
It’s interesting how Hyundai packages the Kona between regions. My Canadian version, loses the power lift gate, has wireless Apple CarPlay. And according to my dealer (still have to confirm) does not offer V2L.
Mine also doesn’t beep at you like your test model. Maybe it came with those notifications off.
Nicki always has the best jackets and coats, great style.
One thing V2L is useful for is charging a foldable electric wheelchair. You can zip around during the day and then put it in the boot and have it charging while you go drive around.
The kona ticks more of my boxes thanks ladies for a brilliant review
I'm guessing the EV3 or whatever may take that back. Kia in the US has offered the heat pump, while the Kona still doesn't get it. But dang I love that green color in and out.
I’ve been commenting this in a few places, but I think electric cars should change the way that they frame their charging range. What I would prefer is for that 10 to 80% space to be the quoted range. Here’s why.
First of all, it would be a more average quote for the overall range performance of the vehicle. That is to say, when it gets cold, the overall range reduces, but if the 10 to 80% range is say 250 miles, but the battery can do 300 miles total, then if you say 250, when it gets cold You’re more likely to get that full 250.
Next, it’s very typical that under 10% battery, the car is going to bug you to charge, and in some vehicles, it goes into turtle mode, and won’t allow you to go faster than a certain speed. to me, the cars that do that are in an emergency mode at that point. Either way, that bottom 10%, which you’re not really supposed to use, is your reserve battery. That means that it’s less than zero. You should consider your battery empty when it hits 10%.
Most gas cars work this way. When the gauge reads empty, there is still a little bit of gas left over that you could probably get to a gas station. Not bad, but similar to electric vehicles, you’re really not encouraged to use that reserve gas. It often has particulates in it which make it less Efficient to run in your engine.
So to me, it seems like an electric vehicle should have its 10 to 80% range for the battery 0 to 100% for the driver. The system should honestly avoid overcharging unless overridden. Since you’re not supposed to charge to 100% very often because it can hurt the battery, and the charging rates slows down, why give The owner the option?
Instead, the way it should work is it should monitor exactly how much range the vehicle is getting. It should do a statistical analysis in its internal computer, and determine how best to achieve the promised range. So for example, when it’s cold, that’s when it should let the charging system charge past 80%. Also, when the battery starts getting older less efficient, it should also allow it to tap into that additional capacity. It should do all this in the background, although I’m a type of person who wouldn’t mind having either in an app that goes to the car, or deep in the menus, a true analysis of how the battery is charging and discharging so that you can see exactly what all that weight is doing. And if it had a nice little report that said you’ve had this car for five years, and now we’re dipping more into the less ideal portion of the battery to get you your range, that would be good in foot.
To be clear, I have the same criticism of smart phones, where you’re told you’re not supposed to charge all the way to the top, but when you plug it in overnight, you don’t have control over when the phone stops charging. Why put it on the user, just so you can say that the battery is a certain size, and also put it on the user to make sure that the battery doesn’t go down into a bad spot or overcharge? Instead, it would be much better if all of these systems were smarter, and prevented users from doing dumb things when charging.
Some Mobil phones do have a setting in the Battery section to allow it only to charge to a percentage mine is 85% ( Galaxy R ) .
What annoys me the most on my Niro EV is the fact that it has too little acoustical attenuation in the rear of the car, that 85KW is the highest charging power I have ever seen and that it has no 360° camera, which the Kona is supposed to have. I knew all that before, so it was not a surprise and put into the calculation because I got it on a bulk internet deal for a very good price. Apart from that I like the Konas bigger displays but not so much the rest of the cockpits layout as well as its exteriour, though the Niro's piano finish sucks, totally agree. The Kona is definitely more refined and if I had to decide again, I'd probably choose the new Kona. I believe you mentioned the Kona has only 5 years of warranty, I thought Hyundai EVs had 8 years by design?! - at least here in Germany?! But I am complaining on a higher level, because I really like the Niro, gets me everywhere in the most relaxed way possible, but lower noise, the 360° cam, extra range, bigger screens and slightly more charging power would be nice to have, even if the space might be slightly less.
The drivers attention (eye) monitor on my Niro doesn't work at all. I can get on the highway, turn the HDA on, put the driver seat into the sleeping position (that is possible while driving!), lean back, close my eyes and it will not complain! I tried it for $hits and giggles, it is funny in a way but a serious software bug because if I fell asleep on the wheel it would not notice ... not cool! And I have definitely turned that feature on in the system but it still doesn't work at all. I also can not locate the monitoring sensors - they don't seem to exist, not even undeneath the display cover?!
What I love the most, apart from the HDA on the highway is the implementation of the one pedal driving (ipedal), the way it rolls out ultra smooth is just so well done the way they slow it down is done to real perfection - great feedback between the 3 phase motor control and the motion sensors👍. Kia & Hyundai - well done - makes driving in the city simply unbeatably smooth and comfortable, also the many regen levels are super nice to have.
I'd love to see a comparison of the 2 and the new Volvo EX30, which will soon be manufatured in Belgium - finally a car with a great bang for the buck made in Europe - YES! And you can get it with I believe 430HP and AWD 😲ideal for us nutty Germans with still no speed limit on the highway.
Looking forward to the aerodynamic Kia EV4 this year, no inefficient dumb crossover compact SUV design, like Niro and Kona ... that slick EV design and the new CATL battery generation might be a really great long range car. Wonder when it will be released and at which price point.
Jezzzz, keep it short man or sell it!
@wdf76
Not really...... Was really to much. 😅
Love the Kona! Great video
I think the prices quoted might be wrong... I think the long-range Kona starts at over £38,000... The smaller 48kWh Kona is £35,000
Have a Niro 2022 and Apple play is wireless, has this changed?
With the Niro EV the lower spec 2 (with the smaller central screen) had wireless CarPlay/Android Auto but the higher spec 3 and 4 had only wired Android auto????
At least, that was the deal last year.
@@aloonatronrex3472 I do have the lower spec 2, strange that the higher spec doesn’t!
@@stuartphippen46 IIRC the 2 also doesn’t have the built in sat nav/kia connect.
My assumption was they realised you’d need a simple sat nav still, so are relying on you bringing that to the party with your phone, and should therefore make it easier by having wireless ACP/AA.
As the 3 & 4 have their built in sat nav this wasn’t needed. Still seems a bit weird though.
Thanks for the info, a plus for the lower spec……still bizarre that they didn’t opt for wireless in the higher specs.
Carplay is wireless in the US in the Kona, so are the updates
Wonderful review Nikki and Nicola! I've been deep in the weeds for a couple of weeks now deciding between everything from an i3 REX, to an ID.4 Pro S, to a Niro EV, to a Kona Electric.
While each of these vehicles has its own set of pros and cons, in total, I'm heavily leaning toward a pre-owned Kona Electric. This is down to a combination of aesthetics, range and peak charge rate. However, the thing that really makes the Kona Electric standout is the warranty. In the US, both Hyundai and Kia warranty the battery and powertrain for 10 years/100,000 miles. And the rest of their warranties (bumper-to-bumper, anti-perforation, etc.) are all 40% to 50% better than every other automaker in the States!
In Ultimate trim, a 2021 Kona Electric goes for $18,000 to $20,000 after the $4,000 federal EV tax credit. Sweet!
I can't wait to begin enjoying a great BEV while waiting for RAM to deliver their REV and Ramcharger pickup trucks.
As for Hyundai/Kia's V2L, it's currently a bit of a gimmick due to its low wattage output. That said, it's smart for the company(ies) to be working on this as it will definitely aid in the evolution to V2H and V2G.
With BEV's parked up overnight, smart charging, combined with cost-saving tariff's, will enable off-peak charging. Add in bidirectional charging and now 10's or 100's of gigawatts of battery capacity are at the ready for grid stabilization, island powering, etc. Imagine no more fossil gas peaker plants, as well as outage resilience.
Having an average-sized BEV in every home results in outage resilience without the need for dedicated energy storage. With a bidirectional charger, an automated transfer switch and a few other bits and bobs, the mains can go down and power will be pulled from the vehicle's battery to power critical loads. Doing so, an average household could remained powered for two or more days without sacrificing too much on things like creature comforts.
EV to home battery backup, we lose power a lot here in CA(USA) - I will be using my EV to power the home lights & fridge when power is off.
V2L in my I5 gets used all the time. When I'm on the road I plug my laptop in to work. When camping we use it to pump up the air beds, hair straighteners and kettle.
I would have either car in my Garage, but I have the Niro. I am Very big on uniformity and Had never noticed that the screens are at different heights, I had to go and Check, But tit works for me. V2L I have my Home wired so that I can run lights and power points incase of a power outage, I live in a rural area so if the power does go out i don't even have water available at the taps. I can run my Caravan from the Niro. I have often thought of taking a small microwave with me on some longer day trips. When I bought my Niro the New Kona was Unavailable, but would have been definitely on my list. Cheers
V2L is an ok idea, while V2G should be mandatory and used everywhere! Oh yeah and grids everywhere should be updated to take advantage of electric car V2G.
Good work on the review, actually prefer the look of the Kona being more rounded but agree about the charging port position, wish they would just use a bigger badge as a charger port like the zoe . The volvo ex30 is definitely a better deal.
The EX30 has very little leg room in the back. I really liked the look of it too!