The all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona compact SUV was unveiled at the New York Auto Show in both an all-electric EV and a collection of ICE powered models similar to that of the current Kona. The Kona has been one of the more affordable EVs on the market because of the fact it’s offered in both powertrain formats. Development costs are shared.

This time however its flexible platform was designed first as an EV that can also be ICE powered as opposed to the current model which was first designed as an ICE model then converted to be an EV. The result is an EV that’s isn’t as compromised in its design and layout, allowing it to be a better EV from the start.

In such, it’s bigger. The wheelbase is stretched 2.3-inches and its length 5.7-inches longer at 171-inches. It’s also wider than before – all allowing for more space inside.

With a drag coefficient of just 0.27 the 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric gets a crisper and more artfully conceived design that falls in line with many of its contemporary models from the brand. A wide LED signature line across its face gives a modern take while pixel details create visual context with other EV models in the IONIC family.

The interior for instance gains most of that extra space added to its length and its width, gaining a the same futuristic mid-century style we’ve been seeing in Hyundai’s latest ground-breaking designs. New is a dual 12.3-inch panoramic display screen layout for the cockpit and an artful steering wheel with oval center pad. Featured is a shift-by-wire paddle on its right, replacing a conventional shift lever at the console.

There, is a minimalist floating pod design that takes advantage of the extra space and allows more versatility to the cabin for storage and gear. The wide horizontal dash is accented by a continuous color line that cuts across and through the vents. Infotech options abound including the top-end 8-speaker Bose Premium Sound System plus subwoofer.

This is an SUV though so there’s a good deal of cargo space starting with 25.5 cubic feet behind the second row. Folding down the rear seat gets you up to 63.7 cubic feet of cargo space and available is a power rear hatch to help you get into it easier.

Powering the 2024 Hyundai Kona EV are two distinct options. First, a new entry-level powertrain is composed of a 133 horsepower electric motor with front-wheel drive (FWD) and a 48.6 kWh battery. The top-tier is a 201 horsepower motor with FWD and a larger 64.8 kWh battery. Range for the top motor and battery combination is 260 miles, range for the standard powertrain is 197 miles.

New for 2024 will is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability – allowing you to plug into the Kona to power a picnic, campsite or pop-up office. There’s also i-PEDAL driving mode which features strong regenerative braking to a stop lifting off the power pedal. There’s even a Smart Regenerative System that adjusts regeneration according to real-time traffic conditions.

The all-new 2024 Hyundai Kona EV models will begin showing up at dealerships this fall with pricing and more detailed specifications to be announced closer to that time.