The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is hard to find in some U.S. markets, but it's one of the best affordable long-range electric vehicles.
PROS Fun to drive Strong active safety tech Range rating of 258 miles Possibly around $30k after incentives Excellent feature set
CONS All-wheel drive isn’t an option Busy styling Difficult availability
Hyundai has made exactly zero changes to the Kona Electric for the 2021 model year.We'd recommend the mid-range Limited. It adds a host of desirable features, including a sunroof, leather upholstery, LED exterior lighting, automatic high-beam headlamps, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
PROS Playful handling, long driving range, fantastic standard warranty.
CONS Small back seat, front-wheel drive only, cold temperatures sap battery capacity.
The Kona Electric carries over unchanged.
PROS Driving range of 258 miles Quick acceleration and sharp handling make it fun to drive Comfortable and quiet cabin Plenty of standard tech features
CONS Tight rear legroom Availability limited to a handful of states
For its second year on the market, the Encore GX receives only a few small updates. Both SiriusXM satellite radio and wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have become standard features across the lineup, and adaptive cruise control is now available on the Preferred model as part of the optional Safety package.
Pros Attractive exterior design, SUV practicality, good value compared to luxury-branded rivals.
Cons Too many plasticky interior parts, inadequate three-cylinder powertrains, unexciting to drive.
Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Satellite radio now standard. Part of the first Encore GX generation introduced for 2020.
Pros Appealing design both inside and out Comfortable ride quality Desirable infotainment and driving assistance tech is standard Lots of space for passengers and cargo
Cons Front seats are narrow and don't fit a variety of body types Thick roof pillars reduce rear visibility Ho-hum handling
The 2021 Buick Encore GX steals the parking spot left between the smallest mainstream and luxury crossovers.
Pros Better-looking, with better details Right-sized urban runabout Upgraded interior More safety gear Better infotainment
Cons Steering lacks feel Narrow front seats Expensive, in Essence trim Average warranty