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The electric vehicle (EV) market in India is heating up, and the Hyundai Kona Electric has been a frontrunner in the premium electric SUV segment since its launch. But with new competitors like the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra XUV400 EV entering the fray, how does the Kona Electric stack up in terms of price and performance? In this blog, we’ll dive deep into a detailed comparison to help you decide which electric SUV is the best fit for your needs.
The Hyundai Kona Electric is one of the first fully electric SUVs to hit the Indian market, and it has set a high benchmark for others to follow. Here’s a quick look at what makes the Kona Electric stand out:
Design: Sleek, modern, and aerodynamic, the Kona Electric boasts a futuristic design with unique EV-specific elements like a closed-off grille and aerodynamic alloy wheels.
Interior: The cabin is premium and feature-packed, with a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, and leather upholstery.
Performance: Powered by a 39.2 kWh battery, the Kona Electric delivers an ARAI-certified range of 452 km and a top speed of 167 km/h.
Charging: It supports both fast charging (0-80% in 57 minutes) and slow charging (0-100% in 6 hours).
Before we dive into the comparison, let’s take a quick look at the Hyundai Kona Electric’s main competitors:
Tata Nexon EV: A budget-friendly electric SUV with a range of 437 km and a price tag starting at ₹14.74 lakh.
MG ZS EV: A premium electric SUV with a range of 461 km and a price starting at ₹18.98 lakh.
Mahindra XUV400 EV: A mid-range electric SUV with a range of 456 km and a price starting at ₹15.99 lakh.
One of the most critical factors for any buyer is the price. Let’s break down the pricing of the Hyundai Kona Electric and its competitors:
| Model | Ex-Showroom Price (Starting) | On-Road Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona Electric | ₹23.84 lakh | ₹25.5 – ₹26 lakh |
| Tata Nexon EV | ₹14.74 lakh | ₹16 – ₹17 lakh |
| MG ZS EV | ₹18.98 lakh | ₹20 – ₹21 lakh |
| Mahindra XUV400 EV | ₹15.99 lakh | ₹17 – ₹18 lakh |
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the most expensive option, positioned as a premium electric SUV.
The Tata Nexon EV is the most affordable, making it a great choice for budget-conscious buyers.
The MG ZS EV and Mahindra XUV400 EV sit in the mid-range, offering a balance of features and affordability.
Now, let’s compare the performance metrics of the Hyundai Kona Electric and its competitors:
| Model | Battery Capacity | ARAI-Certified Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 39.2 kWh | 452 km |
| Tata Nexon EV | 40.5 kWh | 437 km |
| MG ZS EV | 50.3 kWh | 461 km |
| Mahindra XUV400 EV | 39.4 kWh | 456 km |
The MG ZS EV offers the longest range, followed closely by the Mahindra XUV400 EV and Hyundai Kona Electric.
The Tata Nexon EV has a slightly lower range but is still competitive.
| Model | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h (Seconds) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 136 PS | 395 Nm | 9.7 |
| Tata Nexon EV | 143 PS | 250 Nm | 9.9 |
| MG ZS EV | 176 PS | 280 Nm | 8.5 |
| Mahindra XUV400 EV | 150 PS | 310 Nm | 8.3 |
The MG ZS EV and Mahindra XUV400 EV offer the best acceleration, making them more fun to drive.
The Hyundai Kona Electric and Tata Nexon EV are slightly slower but still deliver smooth and responsive performance.
Hyundai Kona Electric: Top speed of 167 km/h, with excellent handling and stability.
Tata Nexon EV: Top speed of 140 km/h, with a focus on comfort and ease of driving.
MG ZS EV: Top speed of 140 km/h, with a sporty and dynamic driving experience.
Mahindra XUV400 EV: Top speed of 150 km/h, with a balanced mix of comfort and performance.
Charging is a crucial aspect of EV ownership. Here’s how the Hyundai Kona Electric and its competitors compare:
| Model | Fast Charging (0-80%) | Slow Charging (0-100%) | Charging Infrastructure Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 57 minutes | 6 hours | Compatible with most public chargers |
| Tata Nexon EV | 56 minutes | 8.5 hours | Compatible with CCS2 chargers |
| MG ZS EV | 50 minutes | 6-8 hours | Compatible with CCS2 chargers |
| Mahindra XUV400 EV | 50 minutes | 6.5 hours | Compatible with CCS2 chargers |
The MG ZS EV and Mahindra XUV400 EV offer the fastest charging times.
The Hyundai Kona Electric and Tata Nexon EV are slightly slower but still competitive.
Let’s compare the features and technology offered by these electric SUVs:
Hyundai Kona Electric: Premium cabin with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and leather seats.
Tata Nexon EV: Practical interior with a 7-inch touchscreen, semi-digital instrument cluster, and fabric seats.
MG ZS EV: Spacious cabin with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, and leatherette seats.
Mahindra XUV400 EV: Feature-packed interior with a 7-inch touchscreen, sunroof, and leatherette seats.
Hyundai Kona Electric: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, hill assist, and rear parking camera.
Tata Nexon EV: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
MG ZS EV: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, 360-degree camera, and electronic stability control.
Mahindra XUV400 EV: 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, rear parking camera, and ISOFIX child seat anchors.
Hyundai Kona Electric: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and connected car tech.
Tata Nexon EV: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and ZConnect app.
MG ZS EV: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and i-Smart EV 2.0.
Mahindra XUV400 EV: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, and AdrenoX connected car tech.
Pros: Premium feel, long range, advanced features.
Cons: Higher price, limited service network in some areas.
Pros: Affordable, good range, trusted brand.
Cons: Less premium feel, slower charging.
Pros: Spacious, good range, premium features.
Cons: Higher price, fewer service centers.
Pros: Competitive pricing, long range, trusted brand.
Cons: Limited charging infrastructure, fewer variants.
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
For Budget-Conscious Buyers: Tata Nexon EV or Mahindra XUV400 EV.
For Premium Buyers: Hyundai Kona Electric or MG ZS EV.
For Long-Distance Travelers: Hyundai Kona Electric (best range).
For City Commuters: Tata Nexon EV or Mahindra XUV400 EV.
The Hyundai Kona Electric remains a strong contender in the premium electric SUV segment, offering a blend of style, performance, and advanced features. However, its higher price tag makes it less accessible for budget-conscious buyers. Competitors like the Tata Nexon EV, MG ZS EV, and Mahindra XUV400 EV offer compelling alternatives with their own unique strengths.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your budget, driving needs, and preferences. If you’re looking for a premium electric SUV with a long range, the Hyundai Kona Electric is worth the investment. But if affordability and practicality are your priorities, the Tata Nexon EV or Mahindra XUV400 EV might be a better fit.
What is the price of the Hyundai Kona Electric in India?
The ex-showroom price starts at ₹23.84 lakh, with an on-road price of approximately ₹25.5 – ₹26 lakh.
How does the Hyundai Kona Electric compare to the MG ZS EV?
The Kona Electric offers a more premium feel and better range, but the MG ZS EV is more spacious and affordable.
Which electric SUV offers the best range in India?
The MG ZS EV offers the longest range at 461 km, followed by the Hyundai Kona Electric at 452 km.
Is the Hyundai Kona Electric worth the premium price?
Yes, if you’re looking for a premium electric SUV with advanced features and a long range.
What are the charging options for the Hyundai Kona Electric?
It supports both fast charging (0-80% in 57 minutes) and slow charging (0-100% in 6 hours).