The 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric gets 120 MPG combined, and that’s its main selling point. This vehicle isn’t bought for off-roading, towing, or rapid acceleration, but to minimize energy consumption. The electric powertrain does exactly that. For city residents, commuters, and drivers looking to spend less on fuel who prioritize saving money, the Kona Electric is a good, if unusual, choice.

City and highway performance

The EPA provides a more detailed look at the Kona Electric’s fuel economy in different conditions. The city MPG equivalent is 132, showcasing how well the regenerative braking system works in stop-and-go driving. When you release the accelerator, the electric motor becomes a generator, recovering energy and sending it back to the battery. City driving is where the Kona Electric excels. Highway efficiency decreases slightly to 108 MPG equivalent. This is normal because regenerative braking is less frequent at constant speeds, and wind resistance becomes a bigger factor. However, the Kona Electric uses very little energy even on the highway.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric will cost $650 per year to “fuel.” This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using average national electricity prices. Your actual energy costs will vary depending on local utility rates, charging habits (home versus public charging), and driving style, but $650 is much less than what you’d spend on gasoline. You could take a long weekend vacation with the savings.

Real-world expectations

EPA ratings are a useful benchmark, but real-world results can differ. Factors like outside temperature, driving style, terrain, and climate control can affect range and efficiency. Using the air conditioner or heater, especially in extreme temperatures, can significantly reduce the Kona Electric’s range. Quick acceleration and high speeds also use more battery power. Still, with careful driving, many Kona Electric owners report exceeding the EPA’s range estimates.

How it compares

The Kona Electric competes with many other electric vehicles. The Nissan LEAF S is a similar practical car, however, has a slightly lower rating of 123 combined MPG equivalent. The Chevrolet Bolt offers similar range and 120 combined MPG equivalent, the same as the Kona, but with fewer premium features. Within Hyundai’s lineup you can compare KONA MPG across all years, and its fuel economy to the IONIQ 5, which offers more space and faster charging, but the AWD version gets 101 combined MPG. Buyers of the Kona Electric often value affordability and efficiency which makes these comparisons important. You can view all Hyundai fuel economy data on this site as well.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Drive smoothly and consistently. Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking. Instead, anticipate traffic and gradually adjust your speed. This will maximize regenerative braking and extend your range.

Preheat or precool the cabin while the car is plugged in. Heating or cooling the interior while connected to a charger reduces battery drain while driving, especially in extreme weather. Use the Hyundai Bluelink app to schedule this remotely.

Use the Kona Electric’s Eco mode. This mode reduces power output and optimizes energy use to increase range. While it reduces performance, Eco mode is good for maximizing efficiency on long trips or commutes.

Check your tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing fuel efficiency. Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate them to the recommended levels shown on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Plan your routes carefully. Knowing where charging stations are can reduce anxiety about running out of charge and helps you optimize driving for maximum efficiency. Use navigation apps for real-time charging station information and energy consumption estimates.