South Korean automobile manufacturer Hyundai has just unveiled the 2024 Kona Electric, providing a sneak peek into the eagerly anticipated subcompact crossover SUV’s preliminary range estimates, tantalizing specs, and US market availability. With a starting price under $35,000, the existing generation of the Kona Electric already stands out as one of the rare affordable EVs in the U.S. market. Now it appears to be a substantial upgrading of the lineup as the next generation is on the horizon.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric boasts a sleeker, more aerodynamic front-end, and more refined surfacing than its predecessor. It continues to have its distinctive split headlamp design but not it gives a modern tough by adopting a full-width LED Daytime Running Light (DRL). Elements of the Ioniq 5's parametric design seem to have been infused in the new model, which is evident in the side profile's contours as well as sculpted wheel arches of the vehicle.

Aerodynamics have also been enhanced. According to the manufacturer’s claims, the new model is more aerodynamic than the existing model. It boasts a drag coefficient of 0.27, which represents a subtle improvement from its predecessor's drag coefficient of 0.29. Active grill shutters of the new model play a crucial role in optimizing airflow, which intelligently closes to streamline the car and open to cool the battery whenever required.

Dimensions have also been expanded. The new model stands longer as well as wider, with measurements of 171.5 inches (+5.9 inches) and 71.9 inches (+1 inch), respectively. It offers a capacious 25.5 cubic feet of trunk space and a more modest nine-tenths of a cubic foot frunk cargo space.

As a rival to the likes of the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the new electric model comes equipped with a slightly bigger battery pack. While the existing Kona Electric relies on a 64-kWh battery, the 2024 iteration gets a 64.8-kWh battery pack. Preliminary testing by Hyundai suggests that the new model has a commendable 260-mile range on a single charge, slightly better than the existing model’s range of 258 miles. Achieving a 10% to 80% state of charge (SoC) will take just 43 minutes with 400V Level 3 DC fast charging. Power output remains consistent, with the long-range variant’s front axle-mounted e-motor generating 201 hp and 188 pound-feet of torque.

Pricing details for the 2024 Kona Electric will be announced closer to the new EV’s release in the final quarter of this year. Considering the outgoing model’s starting price tag of $33,500, it is reasonable to expect the new iteration to land in a similar price range, possibly with a slight increase.