Polestar 4 vs. Hyundai Kona: Full Comparison, Which One Wins?

Key Points

• The Polestar 4 boasts a 102 kWh battery, 544 hp, and a 372-mile range, while the Hyundai Kona has a 65.4 kWh battery, 201 hp, and an estimated 304-mile range.
• The Polestar 4 features a 15.4-inch screen powered by Android Automotive OS, while Hyundai Kona has a 12.3-inch touchscreen display connected to the Hyundai Bluelink platform.
• Both vehicles have advanced safety features, including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and multiple cameras for monitoring surroundings.

For many people, Tesla is the first brand that comes to mind when discussing electric vehicles. However, new players have entered the market, threatening Tesla’s dominance. Polestar and Hyundai have aggressively attacked the market with some cool electric cars, confusing us more about which EV to buy.

Case in point, the new Polestar 4 and the 2023 Hyundai Kona models have everything you would want in an electric car. Besides their boundary-breaking designs, both vehicles have advanced technology and don’t shy away from top performance.

So, which one is better? This article compares the Polestar 4 vs. Hyundai Kona EVs, including their design, performance, technology, and safety features. Let’s find out more!

Polestar 4 vs. Hyundai Kona: Side-by-Side Comparison

Polestar 4 vs. Hyundai Kona: What’s the Difference?

The Polestar 4 instantly became one of the most anticipated electric cars after Polestar showcased its potential at the Shanghai Auto Show. However, the 2023 Hyundai Kona is also performing exceptionally well and has received mainly positive reviews. But what sets both cars apart? Let’s find out!

Design

The Polestar 4 will arrive with an eye-catching design evident from its seamless body and curves. The sporty SUV measures 4,839 mm long, 2,139 mm wide, and 1,544 mm high. Moreover, the car’s 20 to 22-inch wheels and the sporty-like rims add to the vehicle’s sporty allure.

Adding to the Polestar 4’s exterior design is a rear-facing HD camera located on the mirror, which provides a broad field of vision, especially when reversing. Also, this EV’s glass roof stretches beyond the backseat of passengers’ heads, which boosts the car’s interior ambiance, especially when driving in the summer.

The Hyundai Kona remains true to its SUV look, thanks to the raised wheels. But where it stands out the most is the pixelated seamless horizon lamp at the front and back.

Together with the vehicle’s stop lamp, it creates a futuristic design that makes the car appealing at first glance. Even though the Hyundai Kona’s design ticks all our boxes design-wise, we still believe the Polestar’s sporty-like curves have the edge.

Performance

Next in our discussion is car performance. The Polestar 4 hasn’t been released, so there isn’t a practical illustration of this machine’s performance. However, the automaker revealed that the car runs on a 102kWh battery that packs enough juice to give you a driving range of 372 miles.

Moreover, this EV will work for you, as it generates 544hp and accelerates in 3.8 seconds. Also, the car’s sporty aerodynamic design helps you reach its maximum speed of 124mph, as it punches the air with less resistance.

The Hyundai Kona also has an impressive top speed, with the car reaching an astonishing 107mph and accelerating to 60 mph in 7.9 seconds. Furthermore, thanks to this EV’s 65.4kWh battery, you can drive it for 304 miles on a single charge.

And with the car’s 201 hp, expect it to generate sufficient power, even when climbing inclines. That said, we have to concede that the Polestar 4 performs better than Hyundai Kona because it has an expansive battery pack that provides a better range.

Moreover, the Polestar 4 produces more horsepower than the Hyundai Kona.

Technology and Interior Design

Next in our comparison of the Polestar 4 vs. Hyundai Kona is the cars’ interior design. The Polestar 4 boasts a spacious inner space that dials up your enthusiasm every time you enter the car.

One standout feature are the sleek seats that resemble those in an electric power train. The car’s panoramic roof also adds to its interior ambiance, as they light up the space, especially during summer.

In addition, the Polestar’s cockpit is unique and resembles a typical sports car, evident from its sleek steering wheel. But where it stands out is its 15.4-inch screen that controls the car’s technology and entertainment. Powered by the Android Automotive OS, the screen has a built-in Google Assistant, Google Maps, Google Play, and Google Search.

Moreover, this EV boasts a quality audio system with 12 speakers and a 1,400-watt amplifier. And with two speakers on each front seat, you’ll be astonished by the car’s audio capabilities, especially if you push it to the limit.

Also, Polestar continues with its long-standing tradition of including over-the-air updates, so you can access the car’s latest software remotely without visiting a dealership.

In contrast, the Hyundai Kona has a driver-centric space that gives you enough legroom to drive long distances without fatigue. Moreover, the car’s slim seats create enough space for the passengers, adding to its interior comfort.

Considered a family car by some people, the Hyundai Kona has a panoramic display that allows light to penetrate and makes family trips more exciting during the summer.

In addition, the car has a 12.3-inch touchscreen display through which you can navigate the car’s infotainment system. The car also connects to the Hyundai Bluelink platform which lets you monitor the car’s performance and safety features.

Moreover, Hyundai packed this car with Vehicle-to-Load technology that allows you to use this EV to charge other electronic devices, even when the vehicle is off. All in all, the Polestar 4 wins this battle because it has better technology, and the interior is miles above that of the Hyundai Kona. 

Safety

Next in our discussion is safety. It has always been in Polestar’s DNA to equip their cars with advanced safety features, evident from our interaction with Polestar 2 and 3. Volvo packed the Polestar 4 with nine airbags.

But where it shines the most is its SuperVision Advanced Driver Assistance System, which has multiple features like blind spot detection, autonomous lane changing, evasive maneuver assist, and multiple parking visualizations.

Adding to the Polestar 4’s safety features are a whopping twelve cameras and ultrasonic sensors that scan the area and alert you if there are any obstacles within the vicinity.

Moreover, the cameras don’t record any data; they only monitor your movements because they work with the car’s hands-on detection system on the steering wheel to ensure you’re actively engaged in driving. Lastly, the Polestar 4 has a 10.2-inch screen on the steering column that displays the car’s speed, battery, and range.

Besides the standard airbags, the Hyundai Kona utilizes the Surround View Monitoring System, which shows the car’s surrounding objects thanks to the cameras installed around the vehicle. Moreover, Hyundai has included a head-up display that projects the car’s vitals in the driver’s line of sight, reducing distractions when driving.

In addition, the Hyundai Kona also has the Advanced Driver Assistance System that features highway driving assistant technology, which helps drivers maintain a safe distance from other vehicles when driving.

Also, this electric car’s forward collision assistant technology is impressive, as the car automatically brakes if there is an obstacle ahead. Overall, it seems we have a tie in this match-up because both cars have amazing safety features.

Comfort

Unfortunately, Polestar has released very little information on the Polestar 4’s expected comfort features; however, the speculated information shows Polestar has designed the car for maximum comfort.

For example, the rear train-like seats have been pushed back to make the cabin spacious. This adjustment also provides adequate space for front-seat passengers and complements the vehicle’s minimalist interior.

The Hyundai Kona’s interior isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s still comfortable due to its leather seats and spacious cabin.

You can fit approximately fifteen suitcases at the back with the rear seats folded, so you can park without worrying about the car’s luggage space. Moreover, you can push the front seats backward and recline them, allowing you to rest in your car comfortably.

Price

EV prices remain a huge deal breaker for most people. Currently, Polestar hasn’t officially announced how much the Polestar 4 will cost. However, the car is expected to cost at least $60,000. Remember, you will have to pay extra should you want a customized Polestar 4 with additional performance and safety features.

So, if the rumors are true, the Polestar 4 will be more expensive than the Hyundai Kona, which costs around $34,845. Moreover, like the Polestar 4, you’ll have to pay more if you prefer a customized Hyundai Kona.

History of Polestar 4

Polestar’s history dates back to 18^th April 2023, when Polestar officially presented it. Dubbed the most comfortable car due to Polestar’s resolve to focus on the vehicle’s comfort and experience, the Polestar 4 is an upgrade of its predecessors and combines the overall design of the Polestar 3 and 2.

Moreover, Polestar takes a fundamental step in making this SUV better than its predecessors by designing the car from the ground up, ensuring it has a different roofline and a sporty rear. Overall, the Polestar 4 is speculated to cost $60,000, but multiple things can change between now and the official launch date, including the price, so stay updated.

History of Hyundai Kona

Hyundai is the brains behind the 2023 Hyundai Kona, an upgrade of its predecessor. This 2023 car, like its predecessors, upholds Hyundai’s long-standing tradition of releasing electric cars that mirror their gas-powered counterparts design-wise.

However, despite their similarities, the 2023 model has exciting features that aren’t present in the 2022 model. For one, the 2023 model boasts adjustable heated seats that enhance the car’s comfort.

Also, it has a 12.3-inch display with navigation, front and rear bumpers, and new wheels, depicting the changes Hyundai made to make this 2023 model stand out.

This car’s starting price is $34,845, but it will be higher if you customize it. Hyundai is currently working on the 2024 Kona, which is expected to outshine the 2023 model.

Polestar 4 vs. Hyundai Kona: 5 Must-Know Facts

1. Despite our review of the Polestar 4, Polestar hasn’t officially released this car to the market. But based on Polestar’s vehicle presentation, it’s a fantastic machine to drive.
2. The Polestar 4 has a sporty look, evident from its body, curves, and rims, even though it’s an SUV.
3. Surprisingly, the 2023 Hyundai Kona matches the Polestar 4 safety-wise, considering It’s packed with the Surround View Monitoring System and the Advanced Driver Assistance System.
4. The Polestar 4 is expected to be more expensive than the 2023 Hyundai Kona.
5. The 2023 Hyundai Kona resembles its gas-powered version, except for a few tweaks.

Polestar 4 vs. Hyundai Kona: Which One Is Better? Which One Should You Get?  

Even though the Polestar 4 seems perfect, its biggest shortcoming is that it is not readily available. Nevertheless, this car promises innovative technologies, an eye-catching design, a smooth driving experience, and multiple safety features.

Moreover, the car’s technology is mind-boggling, especially considering it is semi-autonomous. So, if you’re willing to wait, the Polestar 4 is worth it.

However, we cannot wholly discredit the Hyundai Kona, especially considering its spacious interior and advanced safety features. Furthermore, though its technology doesn’t match that of the Polestar 4, its current technology is better than some EVs in the market. So, don’t hesitate to buy it if you’re buying a car right now.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Maxhdtenda, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons.