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Hyundai INSTER vs Hyundai KONA Electric (2018-2023)
Selected trim01Change trim203 mi · 42 kWh · £23,755
Selected trim39kWh · 2018-20Change trim190 mi · 39.2 kWh · £29,495
At a glance
In this comparison, Hyundai INSTER leads on motorway range, family practicality and charging speed, while the Hyundai KONA Electric leads on running costs.
Which should you choose?
Choose the Hyundai INSTER if...
- you do long motorway journeys - it has the best estimated real-world range at speed
- you need the most family-friendly option with good safety and space
- you need the fastest charging of these options
- you need the best car for city driving and tight parking
Choose the Hyundai KONA Electric (2018-2023) if...
- you want the lowest running costs - from just 1.8p per mile on off-peak electricity
How we reached the recommendation
Verdict
Our take
The Hyundai INSTER leads in the most categories, but each car here has its strengths.
Value
INSTER
6
KONA Electric
5.6
Too close to call
Motorway RangeINSTER
INSTER
3.8
KONA Electric
3.2
FamilyINSTER
INSTER
6
KONA Electric
5.3
ChargingINSTER
INSTER
3.6
KONA Electric
0.2
Cost Per MileKONA Electric
INSTER
6.9
KONA Electric
9
City DrivingINSTER
INSTER
8.8
KONA Electric
8.1
What each car does better
See the specification differences behind the verdict, with supporting figures for each advantage.
Key specifications
Compare the key specifications for your selected trims.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | Hyundai KONA Electric39kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £23,755 (better) | £29,495 |
| Official range | 203 miles (better) | 190 miles |
| Boot space | 280 L | 332 L (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge | 30 min (better) | 48 min |
| 0-62 mph | 11.7 sec | 9.9 sec (better) |
Size Comparison
View:
Align by:
Hyundai INSTER
Hyundai KONA Electric
Length
Hyundai INSTER3,825mm-380mm
Hyundai KONA Electric4,205mm
Width
Hyundai INSTER1,610mm-190mm
Hyundai KONA Electric1,800mm
Height
Hyundai INSTER1,575mm
Hyundai KONA Electric1,570mm-5mm
Space, size & parking
Parking & manoeuvring
Compare exterior dimensions to assess how each car fits UK parking spaces.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | Hyundai KONA Electric39kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 3,825 mm | 4,205 mm |
| Width (mirrors folded) | 1,610 mm (better) | 1,800 mm |
| Width with mirrors out | 1,875 mm (better) | 2,070 mm |
| Height | 1,575 mm | 1,570 mm |
| Turning circle | 10.6 m | 10.4 m (better) |
| Clearance in a standard bayA standard UK parking bay is 2,400 mm wide. | 790 mm spare (better) | 600 mm spare |
People & luggage
Compare seating, child-seat mounting points, boot space and towing capacity.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | Hyundai KONA Electric39kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 4 | 5 (better) |
| ISOFIX child-seat points | 4 (better) | 2 |
| Boot space (seats up) | 280 L | 332 L (better) |
| Boot space (seats down) | 1059 L | 1114 L (better) |
| Towing capacity (braked) | 0 kg | 0 kg |
How each stacks up
Percentile ranks against UK EVs of the same body style.
Hyundai INSTER
- Uses 143 Wh/km on the WLTP cycle, more efficient than 85% of hatchback EVs we track.
- 1,610 mm wide, below our 1,750 mm narrow-car threshold.
Hyundai KONA Electric
- At 4,205 mm, shorter than 90% of SUVs in our UK catalogue.
- 10.4 m turning circle, tighter than 85% of SUVs in our database.
Full specifications
| Specification |  Hyundai INSTER 01 |  Hyundai KONA Electric 39kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3.83m | 4.21m+380mm |
| Width | 1.61m | 1.80m+190mm |
| Width (mirrors) | 1.88m | 2.07m+195mm |
| Height | 1.57m | 1.57m-5mm |
| Wheelbase | 2.58m | 2.60m+20mm |
| Ground Clearance | Not available | 170mm |
| Capacity | ||
| Boot (seats up) | 280L | 332L (better) |
| Boot (seats down) | 1059L | 1114L (better) |
| Seats | 4 | 5 (better) |
| Practicality | ||
| Turning Circle | 10.6m | 10.4m (better) |
| Kerb Weight | 1,349kg (better) | 1,535kg |
| Electric | ||
| Battery | 42kWh (better) | 39.2kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 203 mi (better) | 190 mi |
| Max DC Charge | 73kW (better) | 44kW |
| Pricing | ||
| UK MSRP | £23,755 (better) | £29,495 |
| Details | ||
| Body Style | Hatchback | SUV |
| Available | 2025+ | 2018–2020 |
* Hyundai KONA Electric: Heat pump: an option on every trim, not standard.
* Hyundai KONA Electric: Manufacturer lists no towing capacity for the 39 kWh car.
Range & charging
Range, charging & battery
Check official and estimated driving range alongside charging speeds, efficiency and battery technology.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | Hyundai KONA Electric39kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Official range (WLTP) | 203 miles (better) | 190 miles |
| Estimated motorway rangeEVcarsguide estimate at sustained motorway speed. | 145 miles | 158 miles (better) |
| 10-80% rapid charge time | 30 min (better) | 48 min |
| Max rapid charge rate | 73 kW (better) | 44 kW |
| Home AC charging | 10.5 kW (better) | 7.2 kW |
| Energy consumption | 143 Wh/km | Not available |
| Usable battery capacity | 42 kWh (better) | 36 kWh |
| Battery chemistry | NMC | NMC |
| Battery architecture | Not available | 400V |
| Heat pump | Standard (better) | Not standard |
Driving & everyday use
Performance & drivetrain
Compare acceleration, power and drivetrain specifications for the selected trims.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | Hyundai KONA Electric39kWh |
|---|---|---|
| 0-62 mph | 11.7 sec | 9.9 sec (better) |
| Power | 71 kW | 100 kW (better) |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 395 Nm (better) |
| Drivetrain | FWD | FWD |
What the critics say
See how UK motoring publications rate each car in their road tests. One car has more review coverage than the other - we show that rather than guessing.
Hyundai INSTER
01
Hyundai KONA Electric
39kWh
No critic reviews gathered yet for this car.
Watch the reviews
Watch selected video reviews here, or visit each model page for the full collection.
Hyundai INSTER
All 3 videos
Reviews and videos discuss each model overall; the specifications above apply to your selected trims.
Prices & deals
New and used prices
Current pricing and recent used-market behaviour.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | Hyundai KONA Electric39kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Recent used-price trend | Up 10.5% over ~6 months | Up 12.8% over ~6 months |
Used prices are indicative figures gathered from independent UK dealer listings and change frequently.
Calculate your real costs
For a useful running-cost comparison, factor in your mileage, charging access and current petrol or diesel car alongside the EV estimate.
Compare with petrol or diesel
Compare purchase price, energy, road tax and maintenance with a petrol or diesel alternative.
Calculate company-car tax
Work out monthly Benefit-in-Kind using current and future HMRC rates.
Cost per mile
Compare EV charging costs per mile with petrol and diesel using your charging options.
Check a lease quote
Assess the effective monthly cost alongside the list price and expected depreciation.
Safety & ownership confidence
Euro NCAP - Hyundai INSTER 01
Tested 2025
Adult Occupant70%
Child Occupant81%
Vulnerable Road Users70%
Safety Assist67%
Full result on euroncap.com (opens in new tab)
Euro NCAP - Hyundai KONA Electric 39kWh
Tested 2017
Adult Occupant87%
Child Occupant85%
Vulnerable Road Users62%
Safety Assist60%
Warranty
Check the published battery warranty cover for each selected trim.
| Measure | Hyundai INSTER01 | Hyundai KONA Electric39kWh |
|---|---|---|
| Battery warranty | 8 years | 8 years |
| Battery warranty distance | 160,934 km | 160,934 km |
What owners say
Aggregated from UK owner forums and communities - the things you only learn after living with the car.
Shared watch-outs for both cars
Owners of every car here flag dealer & service support. Worth checking on a test drive whichever you choose.
Hyundai INSTER
01
Owners love
- Owners rate the rear space highly for a car under four metres long, especially the sliding rear bench on the 02.
- It is easy and relaxing to drive in town, and rides poor road surfaces better than its size suggests.
- Owners report efficient running, around 4.3 miles per kWh in everyday use.
Watch out for
- Acceleration is modest, and some owners find it slow at motorway speeds.
- The cabin is narrow: taller drivers report their knee touching the door.
- There is no wireless Apple CarPlay; owners use a plug-in adapter.
Owner tips
- Check whether a car has the Tech Pack if you want to power appliances from it.
- Look at the inner edge of the front tyres and ask when the alignment was last checked.
Hyundai KONA Electric
39kWh
Owners love
- Outstanding efficiency, with owners commonly seeing 4-5 miles per kWh
- Long real-world range from the 64 kWh battery: around 250 miles in winter and 300 or more in summer
- Quick, smooth and easy to drive, with good adaptive cruise and lane assistance
Watch out for
- Early cars were caught up in battery recalls, and some owners describe slow communication from Hyundai and dealers
- Small boot and tight rear space for a family
- Some used cars have been advertised with the wrong battery size
Owner tips
- Confirm the battery size (39 or 64 kWh) with Hyundai from the VIN rather than trusting the advert
- Check every battery recall has been done, and whether the battery has been replaced
Buying options
Get a quote
Hyundai INSTER
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Hyundai KONA Electric
Used on AutoTraderLease deals
Live used listings
Active inventory from independent UK dealers.
Hyundai INSTER
- £18,9902026Cars2View
- £18,9902026Cars2View
- £22,9902026Cars2View
Hyundai KONA Electric
No active listings.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai KONA Electric worth the extra £5,740 over the Hyundai INSTER?
The Hyundai KONA Electric costs £5,740 more than the Hyundai INSTER. For that premium it adds 52 litres more boot space, a 1.8s quicker 0-62mph time and 1 more seat (5 versus 4). The Hyundai INSTER is not just cheaper - it also offers 29 kW faster peak rapid charging. On EVcarsguide's combined category scores, the Hyundai INSTER comes out ahead overall.
Which is cheaper to own over 5 years, the Hyundai INSTER or the Hyundai KONA Electric?
The Hyundai INSTER is £5,740 cheaper to buy. Running costs are almost identical - about £144 a year either way, at 8,000 miles on an off-peak home tariff. Add 5 years of charging and the Hyundai INSTER comes out roughly £5,660 cheaper overall. These figures cover list price and home charging only - insurance, servicing, tyres and depreciation will move the real total.
What are the Hyundai INSTER and Hyundai KONA Electric like on a long motorway trip?
EVcarsguide estimates a real-world motorway range of about 145 miles for the Hyundai INSTER and 158 miles for the Hyundai KONA Electric - effectively matched, and both well below their WLTP figures because sustained high speed is the hardest case for an EV. A rapid charge to 80% takes around 30 minutes in the Hyundai INSTER and 48 in the Hyundai KONA Electric, so the Hyundai INSTER loses less time at each stop.
Which is easier to park and drive in town, the Hyundai INSTER or the Hyundai KONA Electric?
The Hyundai INSTER is the easier car for tight UK car parks: it is 190 mm narrower than the Hyundai KONA Electric. In a standard 2,400 mm bay that leaves about 790 mm of total clearance for the Hyundai INSTER and about 600 mm of total clearance for the Hyundai KONA Electric.
Which battery will hold up better as a used buy, the Hyundai INSTER or the Hyundai KONA Electric?
Over a 8-year ownership window EVcarsguide's degradation model projects roughly 84% battery health for the Hyundai INSTER and 86% for the Hyundai KONA Electric. That gives the Hyundai KONA Electric a modest edge in retained real-world range. Both use NMC-type cells, so for daily use keep the charge limit near 80% to slow degradation. Both batteries carry a 8-year manufacturer warranty.
Go deeper on each car
Visit the full model pages for owner feedback, expert reviews, used prices and battery-health information.
Compare against other rivals
Compare similarly sized and priced electric cars before finalising your shortlist.
More Hyundai INSTER comparisons
More Hyundai KONA Electric comparisons
See both cars in our rankings
EVcarsguide scores every verified EV on price, range, family use and running costs. Here is where this pair appears.
Where the Hyundai INSTER and Hyundai KONA Electric rank among EVs under £30,000Where the Hyundai INSTER and Hyundai KONA Electric rank among EVs under £40,000Where the Hyundai INSTER and Hyundai KONA Electric rank among the best motorway EVsWhere the Hyundai INSTER and Hyundai KONA Electric rank among the best city EVsWhere the Hyundai INSTER and Hyundai KONA Electric rank among the cheapest EVs to runWhere the Hyundai INSTER and Hyundai KONA Electric rank among EVs with the biggest boots
If neither is quite right
Explore other verified electric cars that may better suit the priorities this pair does not meet.
Further reading
Explore buying and ownership guides to help you choose between these electric cars.
GuideBuying a Used Hyundai INSTER (2025-on): 42 vs 49 kWh, Recalls & What to Pay
A used Hyundai INSTER buyer’s guide: the 01, 02 and Cross compared, real-world range, the coolant valve recall, the Tech Pack, warranty left, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Guide
Buying a Used Hyundai KONA Electric (2018-2023): 39 or 64 kWh, Battery Recalls, Range & What to Check
A used Hyundai KONA Electric buyer’s guide: 39 vs 64 kWh, the 2021 facelift, the battery recalls, warranty, towing, real-world range, the new KONA, what to pay and a printable checklist.
Data accuracy
Specs are sourced from manufacturer websites and manually reviewed. These figures were last verified .