Used car check: Hyundai Kona Electric has good TÜV record - with a small restriction

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a compact SUV with a shorter body style that "won't have any trouble" with its general vehicle inspection (HU). That's at least how the "Auto Bild TÜV Report 2025" puts it, but it nevertheless lists a few points that used car buyers should be aware of. One of these is a typical problem with electric cars.

Model history

The Kona Electric has been in production since 2017 and was launched the following year. In 2021, the South Korean manufacturer carried out a facelift that gave the small, off-road-looking vehicle an important technical innovation: an 11-kilowatt onboard charger (previously 7.2 kW), enabling faster AC charging.

DC fast charging at charging stations on the go is possible with 44 to 77 kW, depending on the model. The second Kona series, not considered here, was launched in 2023—larger, with a longer range, and a significantly more futuristic design.

Body and variants

In addition to the differences in charging technology, prospective buyers should also pay attention to the energy content of the drive battery. Two sizes were installed: 39.2 kWh and 64 kWh. At market launch, Hyundai stated standard ranges of 300 and 470 kilometers, respectively.

In a practical test by "Auto Bild," the more powerful version managed 336 kilometers at 130 km/h. There are no body variants for the five-door model. Unlike the combustion-engine version of the Kona, the electric car was not delivered with all-wheel drive.

Dimensions (according to ADAC)

• 4.18 to 4.21 meters x 1.80 meters x 1.57 meters (L x W x H)
• Trunk volume: 332 to 1114 liters

Strengthen

Its compact dimensions alone make the Kona Electric more suitable for city use—at least compared to other, often sizable SUVs. The TÜV report describes the vehicle's chassis components' general inspection performance as "generally unremarkable"—to be expected for such a young car.

Only rarely are the complaint rates for springs and dampers slightly elevated during the second MOT at five years of age. The brake lines and hoses, as well as the functionality of the parking brake, give no cause for complaint; oil leaks are nonexistent.

Weaken

During the second scheduled check, there were complaints about the brake discs, which were showing signs of rust because they were less frequently used due to the recuperation function. This is a typical phenomenon for electric cars. The low beams and turn signals are also critical points that should therefore be checked. The report also points out the less than comfortable rear seat.

Breakdown behavior

Looking at its breakdown statistics, the ADAC certifies the model as having "high reliability." The only breakdown focus is on the starter battery in cars first registered between 2018 and 2021. In electric cars, starter batteries are often too small to operate the electrical system and control units smoothly – and the Kona is also experiencing this.

Motors and battery capacity

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (front-wheel drive): 100 kW/136 hp (39.2 kWh) and 150 kW/204 hp (64 kWh).

Dealer sales value according to the German Automobile Trust (DAT) with statistically expected kilometers - three price examples

• Hyundai Kona Basic Electric 2WD (6/2020); 100 kW/136 HP; 60,000 kilometers; 13,480 euros
• Hyundai Kona Prime Electric 2WD (6/2021); 150 kW/204 HP; 49,000 kilometers; 22,968 euros
• Hyundai Kona Style Electric 2WD (6/2018); 100 kW/136 HP; 81,000 kilometers; 13,684 euros