Hyundai-Kia update US electric car line-up

Hyundai and Kia are updating their electrified car line-up in the United States. Hyundai, for example, lowered the price for the Kona Electric while Kia is bringing in some new hybrid cars in the model year 2022.

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Said MY2022 also carries upgrades. First to Hyundai and the Kona Electric. The company’s longer-serving electric car will carry a $34,000-price tag next year, $3,390 less (or almost 10%) than in the outgoing model year.

The pricing is competitively close to the MSRP of the Chevrolet Bolt EV/Chevrolet Bolt EUV duo, but the Kona Electric is still eligible for the $7,500 federal tax credit. Moreover, GM is experiencing a massive battery recall issue as reported.

The Kona EV battery pack and powertrain remain the same, meaning the EPA range is still 258 miles (415 km).

Changes mostly affect the exterior with new bumpers and front grille. Also inside, there are new materials for seats, a bigger touch screen and a better audio system, but most important advances in assisted driving.

For Kia America, the company announces incoming 2022 Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid and Hybrid car. The new
Kia Sorento PHEV is also joining the US range.

The Niro PHEV continues to deliver an EPA range of 26 miles and remains eligible for the $4,543 Federal tax credit. Prices for the basic trim LXS start at $29,590, with the EX Premium costing $36,490.

The simple hybrid in the Niro range comes in five, not three trims, with the basic LX having a tag of $24,690 and the most expensive version coming in at $31,990, so about 5,000 dollars cheaper than the slightly more environmentally friendly PHEV.

Those craving an SUV, the Sorento PHEV, for which Kia claims “the most passenger room and second-row legroom of any PHEV SUV,” as well as eligibility for funding. Pricing has yet to be announced.

Update 31 August 2021

Kia America announced the 2022 model year Kia Niro EV, which was slightly refreshed and better equipped as standard. The entry-level trim version is now $900 more expensive ($39,990 compared to $39,090 in 2021 MY).

insideevs.com (Hyundai Kona Electric), kianewscenter.com (Niro PHEV), kianewscenter.com (Niro HEV), kianewscenter.com (Sorento PHEV), insideevs.com, kianewscenter.com (both update)