Hyundai Kona Electric vs Hyundai Ioniq 5

If you’re shopping for an electric vehicle, you might think all battery-powered options are priced out of reach. Heck, it’s tough to find a gas-powered vehicle that won’t break the bank, let alone one that is powered by the latest and greatest technology.

That is where the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV comes in. This second-generation subcompact crossover got a redesign for the previous model year and now comes with more features and value than before, all wrapped up in a sleek little package. Sure, there are others that might perform better, but if you’re cost-conscious and are willing to settle for slightly slower acceleration, you’ll be rewarded with a competent and comfortable electric car.

Verdict: The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric goes big on value with fresh styling, myriad features, and an excellent starting price.

It would appear to be the calendar, not the competition, that has the Ioniq 5 due for a mid-cycle refresh. We liked it when it burst onto the scene as an angular oddball in a sea of soft-lined sameness, and it has only improved over the last few years.

Verdict: Hyundai makes minor but welcome changes and avoids tweaking the many things that were working well, successfully making a good thing better.