Crowds were already forming outside a few Hyundai showrooms earlier this week — the kind of murmuring, phone-camera-waving crowd you usually see when a brand drops something big. And Hyundai absolutely knew what it was doing. The company has finally taken the wraps off the Hyundai Kona EV 4S Electric 2026, and the message is loud enough to echo through India’s fast-evolving EV market: this isn’t a facelift; it’s Hyundai’s next major swing in the electric SUV fight.
A Sharper, Cleaner, “Grown-Up” Design
The first thing that hits you about the new Kona is how mature it looks. Hyundai has leaned deeper into that futuristic design language — the kind that feels clean, aerodynamic, and very intentional. There’s no traditional grille up front anymore, just a smooth, sculpted surface that lets the LED headlamps and razor-sharp DRLs take command.
Stand near it for a minute and the stance becomes clearer: wider, more planted, more confident. It’s like Hyundai knew the Indian EV buyer wants something premium-looking but not shouty. The lines are subtle, crisp, almost European in their restraint.
Inside, the cabin switches gears into a more modern-lounge vibe. The dashboard stretches out with a wide digital cockpit, soft-touch panels, and that minimalistic layout Hyundai’s been polishing across its EV lineup. If you didn’t know the price tag, you’d honestly assume you’d stepped into something in the Rs 60–70 lakh bracket.
And yes, there’s space — more than the earlier Kona — thanks to better packaging, slimmer components, and clever interior shaping.
Powertrain, Range, and Charging: The Big Step-Up
Let’s talk numbers. Hyundai has slotted a 64.8 kWh lithium-ion battery pack beneath the floor, and the upgrade is immediately obvious. The official WLTP-certified range now climbs to 550 km, up from the previous 490 km. At a time when range anxiety still drives (and derails) buying decisions, this is Hyundai playing its ace.
Power output touches 215 hp and 255 Nm, enough to push the Kona EV 4S from 0 to 100 km/h quicker than a typical ICE SUV in this price band. There’s no drama, just instant torque — classic EV behavior.
Charging has also been refined. With DC fast charging, the Kona moves from 10% to 80% in roughly 30–41 minutes, depending on charger capacity. In real life, that means a chai break or a late-night coffee run is basically enough to get you moving again.
Key Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Battery Capacity | 64.8 kWh |
| Range | Up to 550 km (WLTP) |
| Power Output | 215 hp |
| Torque | 255 Nm |
| Charging (DC Fast) | 10–80% in 30–41 minutes |
| Safety | SmartSense ADAS, 6 airbags |
| Expected Price | ₹45–50 lakh (ex-showroom) |
| Segment | Premium Electric SUV |
Safety and Tech: Hyundai Flexes Its Biggest Strength
If there’s one area where Hyundai has quietly set benchmarks, it’s safety tech — especially after bringing global-level ADAS features to cars like the Tucson and Ioniq 5. The SmartSense ADAS suite now lands in the Kona 4S, and it’s noticeably more polished than earlier iterations.
Adaptive cruise control feels more natural, the lane-keep system doesn’t tug awkwardly, and the forward collision warning picks up objects earlier than expected. Blind-spot detection and rear collision avoidance round out the package.
Structurally, Hyundai’s signature high-strength steel architecture continues to shine. Add 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control systems, and reinforced battery protection, and the Kona checks almost every box Indian buyers look for — especially in a market where safety consciousness is finally rising.
Cabin Experience: Luxury Without the Noise
The Kona EV 4S isn’t just smarter; it’s more comfortable. A pair of 12.3-inch digital displays dominates the cockpit, running Hyundai’s newest connected-car OS — quicker animations, cleaner UI, and smoother touch responses.
Navigation is smarter, too, with live charging-station recommendations and route optimization to preserve battery life. Wireless charging is built-in, dual-zone climate control is present, and ventilated seats add that soft luxury touch — something buyers in Indian heat conditions genuinely appreciate.
Hyundai’s also stepped up with sustainability. Expect eco-materials, recycled trims, and greener upholstery options — subtle changes, but they align with the EV story the brand wants to tell.
Pricing, Availability, and What Buyers Can Expect
Hyundai is positioning the new Kona on the premium end of India’s EV spectrum. The expected ₹45–50 lakh (ex-showroom) pricing puts it against premium SUVs but still keeps it within reach of early adopters and urban EV enthusiasts.
Deliveries are set to begin late 2025, with bookings already open across selected dealerships and Hyundai’s online platform. Color options? Plenty. From Phantom Black and Polar White to Aurora Silver and sporty dual-tone trims, Hyundai clearly wants this SUV parked in Instagram reels across the country.
The Competitive Landscape: Where Kona Stands
India’s EV race isn’t quiet anymore. The Kona now squares up against the Tata Nexon EV Max, MG ZS EV, and the highly anticipated Mahindra XUV.e8. While Tata dominates the affordability zone and MG knows how to play the long-range game, Hyundai’s strategy seems to hinge on refinement and brand trust.
Rival Comparison
| Model | Range | Price (Approx.) | Fast Charging | Segment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tata Nexon EV Max | 453 km | ₹18–22 lakh | 10–80% in 56 min | Compact SUV |
| MG ZS EV | 461 km | ₹25–28 lakh | 10–80% in 40 min | Mid-size SUV |
| Mahindra XUV.e8 | 500+ km (est.) | ₹40–45 lakh | 30–35 min | Premium SUV |
| Hyundai Kona EV 4S | 550 km | ₹45–50 lakh | 30–41 min | Premium Electric SUV |
Based on early impressions, Hyundai’s edge seems to be its combination of long range + cabin quality + reliability. It’s not trying to be the flashiest EV — it’s trying to be the most dependable, polished, and premium-feeling one in this bracket.
The Road Ahead
The 2026 Kona EV 4S feels less like a facelift and more like Hyundai’s renewed pledge to India’s EV transition. With policy support improving, charging networks expanding in metros, and buyers warming up to electric mobility, Hyundai’s timing is… almost perfect.
The only question now is whether Hyundai can ramp up localized manufacturing fast enough to keep the pricing stable. Because if they manage that, the Kona EV 4S could very well become the electric SUV that shifts mainstream Indian perception: EVs aren’t toys or status symbols anymore — they’re genuinely practical daily drivers.
FAQs
What is the range of the Hyundai Kona EV 4S Electric 2026?
It offers up to 550 km on a single charge under the WLTP cycle.
How fast does it charge?
With a DC fast charger, it charges from 10% to 80% in roughly 30–41 minutes.
What is the expected price in India?
The Kona EV 4S is expected to be priced between ₹45 lakh and ₹50 lakh (ex-showroom).
Does the 2026 Kona come with ADAS?
Yes. It includes Hyundai’s full SmartSense ADAS suite.
When will deliveries begin?
Deliveries are expected to start in late 2025.
