Hyundai Kona vs. Chevy Bolt: Battle of the Budget EVs

The electric vehicle (EV) market has expanded rapidly in recent years thanks to falling battery prices and growing consumer interest in cleaner transportation. Two compact EVs vying for mainstream buyers‘ attention are the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Offering SUV and hatchback styles respectively, these EVs promise affordable driving range along with the latest tech and safety features. But how exactly do they compare? This expert guide will analyze the Kona and Bolt across all major categories to crown the compact EV delivering the best combination of value, practicality and an enjoyable driving experience.

Overview and Pricing

First, a high-level overview of specs and pricing for context:

As we can see, both EVs promise just over 250 miles of range from similarly sized battery packs, meeting the needs of most drivers. However, the Kona commands a significantly higher starting price of $34,000 while offering comparable range and performance. The Bolt on the other hand starts under $28,000 making it the most affordable EV in America. Does the Kona justify its higher cost in other areas? Let‘s find out.

Driving Dynamics and Performance

The Kona Electric delivers a much punchier driving experience compared to the Bolt. Its 64 kWh battery pack and 201 horsepower electric motor allow a 0-60 mph time of just 6.4 seconds—very quick for a mainstream EV. The steering has decent weight to it while the low center of gravity gives the feeling of a well-planted ride. Cabin noise is also kept to comfortable levels thanks to extra sound-deadening materials. Overall the Kona provides a significantly more enjoyable driving experience compared to mundane internal combustion engine SUVs.

Meanwhile the Bolt EV also posts respectable performance figures including 0-60 mph acceleration in 6.5 seconds—almost identical to the Kona. The electric motor‘s instant torque allows confident merging and overtaking. Handling is predictable, though the suspension set up does feel optimised for efficiency rather than an especially engaging driving experience. Wind and tire noise is also more apparent inside the Bolt at highway speeds. Ultimately for buyers simply needing comfortable A-to-B transportation, the Bolt delivers. But those wanting a more exciting drive should look at the Hyundai.

Verdict: Kona

Interior Space and Comfort

Being a larger vehicle on the outside, you would expect the subcompact Kona SUV to also provide more passenger and cargo space inside. However rear legroom is in fact tight at just 33 inches with headroom also limited. And despite its chunky hatchback design, cargo capacity is a tiny 19.2 cubic feet—less than what some small sedans offer. Higher trim Konas do include leather seats, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, so there are some options for added comfort. However overall the Kona‘s interior is rather cramped.

In contrast, the Chevy Bolt takes better advantage of its dimensions to maximise interior space. There is ample room for five adults to sit comfortably with 36 inches of rear legroom and decent head clearance for taller passengers. Bolt Premier models also have leather-appointed seats along with heated front and rear seats for colder climates. As a hatchback, the Bolt‘s cargo hold is an efficiently square space, swallowing 16.6 cubic feet of luggage. Fold the 60/40-split back row down, and you open up an impressive 56.6 cubic feet of room for bulkier items.

Verdict: Bolt

Safety Technologies and Driver Assistance Features

As modern, high-tech EVs, both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Chevy Bolt come well equipped with the latest advanced safety gear. This includes forward collision warning with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking to help prevent accidents in the first place. Lane keep assist, lane departure warning, driver attention warning and high beam assist are also standard. Blind spot collision avoidance tech is included on higher trim Konas.

When it comes to more advanced driver assistance features though, Hyundai does go further than Chevy here. An available Highway Driving Assist feature maintains pace with traffic, centres the vehicle in the lane, and even makes lane changes automatically with the flick of the turn signal stalk once sensors detect it‘s safe to do so. However, GM‘s Super Cruise hands-free highway driving assistant is not offered on the Bolt.

Verdict: Kona

The Kona Electric features a slick touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration

Infotainment and Connectivity

EV buyers expect the latest technology when it comes to in-car entertainment and device connectivity. Here Hyundai also outdoes Chevrolet with its flashier, more modern infotainment system. A slick 8-inch touchscreen is easy to reach and responsive to inputs. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allows convenient smartphone mirroring, while a 6-speaker audio system comes fitted as standard (7 speakers on the Bolt). Upgrading to higher Kona trims adds a 10-inch touchscreen, 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio, wireless device charging and two USB ports for rear passengers—ultimately a more premium and modern user experience.

The Bolt EV‘s infotainment will get the job done for most but lacks some of the flair expected in the latest EVs. A 10.2 inch touchscreen is now standard featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and voice recognition. responsive. However, the graphics and menu system look rather plain versus the sleeker Hyundai interface. And sound quality from the base 6-speaker audio system is just average.

Verdict: Kona

Battery and Driving Range

Both EVs offer similar EPA-rated driving range of approximately 250 miles give or take a couple miles depending on trim. This is sufficient to cover the average US driver‘s daily commuting needs with range left over. When it comes to battery tech though, Hyundai uses a more advanced 64 kWh lithium-ion pack in the Kona versus the Bolt‘s older 60 kWh unit (up from 56 previously). As a result, charging times are a little quicker in the Kona. Replenishing a depleted battery to 80% capacity takes 54 minutes at a 100 kW DC fast charger, or a little over 9 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 home charger.

The Bolt EV‘s smaller battery translates to slightly longer charging times of 60 minutes to 80% at a 100 kW fast charger, or a full recharge in 7.5 hours on a 240-volt outlet. Overall though, both deliver adequate range for an affordable EV, just with the Kona using newer cell technology. And until recently, Chevy offered more generous range for the money.

Verdict: Kona

Cargo and Passenger Space

As analyzed earlier when discussing interior space, the Bolt makes better use of its compact hatchback dimensions to deliver decent passenger and cargo room. There is ample leg and shoulder space for four adults to ride comfortably, while the deep square cargo area can easily fit bulky items, especially with the rear seats folded flat.

In contrast, the Kona Electric falls short as a practical SUV. The sloped rear roofline encroaches on headroom, while cramped rear legroom forces taller passengers‘ knees upwards uncomfortably. And surprisingly for a vehicle marketed on adventure, luggage space is tiny as well. As a result, families needing to regularly haul passengers and gear should look at the Bolt or larger EVs. The Kona works best as a city runabout for smaller households.

Verdict: Bolt

Despite its SUV body style, the Hyundai Kona offers limited rear seat and cargo space

Value Proposition

When it comes to bottom line pricing, the Chevy Bolt EV clearly delivers exceptional value. With a starting MSRP of $27,495 including destination fees, it is by far the most affordable electric vehicle on sale stateside. Factor in still eligible federal tax credits of $3,750 for GM buyers, and you have an enticingly cheap route into EV ownership with decent features and range. Yes, the infotainment system looks bland and the driver experience unengaging, but value-focused buyers will forgive those shortcomings.

In the other corner, the sleek Hyundai Kona Electric fetches an MSRP of at least $34,000 before any credits. That‘s a full 20% or $6,500 premium over an entry level Bolt. However, you are paying for noticeable improvements in driving dynamics, interior luxury, infotainment and some extra driver assistance tech. Think of the Kona Electric as promising a more premium compact EV experience versus the no-frills Bolt. Yet its higher cost and limited availability across America detract from the value argument unless you highly prioritize performance and tech.

The Verdict

So which of these affordable electric vehicles reigns supreme? The final decision comes down to personal priorities and needs…

For the bargain hunter who simply wants cheap, reliable EV transportation from A to B, the Chevrolet Bolt still leads the pack. Despite advancing age, its spacious interior, ample range and low price point keep it exceptionally competitive.

Meanwhile for buyers wanting a more premium driving experience with quicker acceleration, attractive styling and the latest tech features, the sleek Hyundai Kona Electric makes a compelling case. You‘ll pay more upfront, but may reap higher enjoyment and resale values long-term.

Ultimately there‘s a reason both these mainstream EVs continue selling well as consumers gravitate towards cheaper battery-powered transportation. The Kona and Bolt manage to blend electric range and features with approachable pricing. But dig deeper into their strengths and weaknesses and you’ll discover two very different vehicles. Weigh your must-have priorities carefully to decide which sub-$40k EV best fits your needs.