Hyundai Kona Electric vs Competitors: How Does It Compare on Price and Performance?

Hyundai Kona Electric Against Rivals: How Does Performance and Price Compare?

India’s electric vehicle (EV) market is getting hot, and since its release, the Hyundai Kona Electric has been a leader in the premium electric SUV range. How does the Kona Electric measure in terms of cost and performance, though, given new rivals like the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra XUV400 EV joining the field?

We’ll delve deeply into a thorough comparison in this article to assist you in choosing which electric SUV best suits your needs.


Hyundai Kona Electric: Synopsis

One of the first totally electric SUVs available on the Indian market, the Hyundai Kona Electric has established a high standard for others to meet. The Kona Electric distinguishes itself for the following brief overview:

  • Designed sleek, sophisticated, and aerodynamic, the Kona Electric has futuristic features tailored for electric vehicles such as closed-off grilles and aerodynamic alloy wheels.
  • Inside the cabin, which boasts a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, and leather upholstery, is luxury and packed.
  • Driven by a 39.2 kWh battery, the Kona Electric boasts a top speed of 167 km/h and an ARAI-certified range of 452 km.
  • Charging supports both slow (0–100% in 6 hours) and quick (0–80% in 57 minutes).

Hyundai Kona Electric’s Main Rivals

Let us first briefly review the main rivals of the Hyundai Kona Electric before delving into the comparison:

  • Tata Nexon EV: Starting at ₹14.74 lakh, it is a reasonably priced electric SUV with a range of 437 km.
  • MG ZS EV: Starting at ₹18.98 lakh, the luxury electric SUV boasts a range of 461 km.
  • Mahindra XUV400 EV: Starting at ₹15.99 lakh, the mid-range electric SUV boasts a 456 km range.

Financial Comparison

The price is among the most important determinants of each buyer’s choice. Let us dissect the Hyundai Kona Electric’s and rivals’ pricing:

ModelEx-Showroom PriceOn-Road Price (Approx.)
Hyundai Kona Electric₹23.84 lakh₹25.5 – ₹26 lakh
Tata Nexon EV₹16 – ₹17 lakh₹14.74 lakh
MG ZS EV₹18.98 lakh₹20 – ₹21 lakh
Mahindra XUV400 EV₹15.99 lakh₹17 – ₹18 lakh

Key Takeaways:

  • As a luxury electric SUV, the Hyundai Kona Electric is the most costly choice.
  • Budget-conscious consumers would find the Tata Nexon EV to be the most reasonably priced vehicle.
  • Offering a mix of features and price, the MG ZS EV and Mahindra XUV400 EV fall in the middle range.

Performance Comparisons

1. Battery Range and Capacity

ModelBattery CapacityARAI-Certified Range
Hyundai Kona Electric39.2 kWh452 km
Tata Nexon EV40.5 kWh437 km
MG ZS EV50.3 kWh461 km
Mahindra XUV400 EV39.4 kWh456 km
  • The MG ZS EV boasts the longest range, followed closely by the Hyundai Kona Electric and Mahindra XUV400 EV.
  • Though with a somewhat smaller range, the Tata Nexon EV is still competitive.

2. Torque and Power

ModelPower (PS)Torque (Nm)0–100 km/h (Seconds)
Hyundai Kona Electric136 PS395 Nm7.7 sec
Tata Nexon EV143 PS250 Nm9.9 sec
MG ZS EV176 PS280 Nm8.5 sec
Mahindra XUV400 EV150 PS310 Nm8.3 sec
  • The MG ZS EV and Mahindra XUV400 EV have the best acceleration, making them more fun to drive.
  • The Hyundai Kona Electric and Tata Nexon EV, though slightly slower, still provide smooth and fast driving.

3. Driving Dynamics and Top Speed

  • Hyundai Kona Electric: 167 km/h, excellent handling and stability.
  • Tata Nexon EV: 140 km/h, prioritizes comfort and ease of driving.
  • MG ZS EV: 140 km/h, offers a sporty, dynamic driving experience.
  • Mahindra XUV400 EV: 150 km/h, balances comfort and performance.

Charging Infrastructure and Charging Times

ModelFast Charging (0-80%)Slow Charging (0-100%)Charging Compatibility
Hyundai Kona Electric57 minutes6 hoursMost public charging
Tata Nexon EV56 minutes8.5 hoursCCS2
MG ZS EV50 minutes6–8 hoursCCS2
Mahindra XUV400 EV50 minutes6.5 hoursCCS2
  • MG ZS EV and Mahindra XUV400 EV have the fastest charging times.
  • Hyundai Kona Electric and Tata Nexon EV are slightly slower but still competitive.

Technology and Features Comparison

1. Interior and Comfort

  • Hyundai Kona Electric: Premium cabin, 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, leather seats.
  • Tata Nexon EV: 7-inch touchscreen, semi-digital instrument cluster, fabric seats.
  • MG ZS EV: Spacious cabin, panoramic sunroof, 10.1-inch touchscreen, leatherette seats.
  • Mahindra XUV400 EV: Leatherette seats, sunroof, 7-inch touchscreen.

2. Safety Features

  • All models come with six airbags, ABS with EBD, and rear parking cameras.
  • MG ZS EV additionally offers a 360-degree camera and electronic stability control.

Pros and Cons

ModelProsCons
Hyundai Kona ElectricAdvanced features, premium feel, long rangeExpensive, limited service network
Tata Nexon EVAffordable, decent range, reputable brandSlower charging, less premium feel
MG ZS EVPremium features, spacious, long rangeHigher price, fewer service centers
Mahindra XUV400 EVGood range, competitive price, reliable brandFewer variants, weaker charging network

Which One Should You Buy?

  • Budget buyers: Tata Nexon EV or Mahindra XUV400 EV.
  • Premium buyers: Hyundai Kona Electric or MG ZS EV.
  • Long-distance travelers: Hyundai Kona Electric (best range).
  • City commuters: Tata Nexon EV or Mahindra XUV400 EV.

Final Verdict

The Hyundai Kona Electric is a strong competitor in the luxury electric SUV market, but its higher price makes it less appealing to budget-conscious buyers. Rivals like the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra XUV400 EV offer great alternatives with their own strengths.

Your final choice depends on your budget, driving needs, and priorities! 🚗⚡