Exploring the Northeast: NYC to DC

We've all been there: a simple test drive turns into a full-blown pilgrimage. For us, it was a quest for the perfect taco. This journey led us on a proper Northeast road trip, from NYC to Philly to Washington, DC, all in the name of tacos, torque, and testing America's EV infrastructure. For this flavor-filled adventure, our chariot was the 2025 Hyundai Kona EV N-Line, in its brilliant Atlas White paint, a steal at $49,216.00 USD as tested.

The driving experience kicked off in the chaos of NYC. We quickly learned that the Kona EV wasn't just a car; it was a silent, confident partner in urban exploration. With a single electric motor drawing power from a 65.8 kWh battery, this sleek crossover didn't just navigate the concrete jungle; it conquered it. Its 201 hp and 188 lb-ft of torque made for decidedly punchy performance, zipping through traffic like it had diplomatic immunity. The zero-to-100 km/h sprint in 7.8 seconds isn't record-breaking for an EV, but it feels faster due to the instant torque.

The Open Road Awaits

The journey south on I-95 proved just how capable the Kona is on the open road. The single-speed reduction gear provides instant torque at any speed, making merging and passing a breeze. Cruising to Philly, we had plenty of time to appreciate the driving enjoyment. It's agile, responsive, and far more fun than you'd expect from a family-friendly crossover.

Our primary destination in Philly was South Philly Barbacoa, an extraordinary establishment with an even more extraordinary backstory. Its co-owner, Cristina Martinez, is a living testament to the grit and richness immigrant voices bring to American culture. Her food is a political act wrapped in flavor, a delicious narrative about perseverance.

The Sound of the Journey

But a long road trip is more than just driving; it's also about practicality and a moment to decompress. When it came time to adjust the mood, the available Bose Premium Sound System with eight speakers certainly delivered. For most listeners, it's a significant step up from the base system, with crisp audio and a punchy, engaging sound that makes any podcast or playlist sound fantastic.

However, while it's more than adequate for melting away the miles, it doesn't quite live up to the "premium" moniker for true audiophiles. The sound can feel closed, lacking the deep, rich sub-bass and intricate layering found in top-tier systems from other brands. It's a solid, well-rounded system that gets the job done and will satisfy most drivers, but it may leave those with a more discerning ear wanting more depth.

Efficiency on the Road

The Kona's efficiency was a crucial part of our journey. Our total average energy consumption was a very respectable 14.8 kWh/100km (4.2 miles/kWh). In the stop-and-go of NYC, we saw even better efficiency, at 13.2 kWh/100km (4.7 miles/kWh). These numbers speak volumes about the Kona's efficiency and its 420 km announced range, which proved to be legitimate.

Our trip also provided a crucial test of the charging infrastructure, particularly in the dense Northeast corridor. We found the charging network to be surprisingly robust and reliable, with a strong presence from providers like Electrify America, AppleGreen Electric, and EVgo. Charging was smooth and hassle-free, with the Kona accepting an average speed of 80 kW, translating to minimal downtime. The rates, from 50 to 58 cents per kWh, were reasonable for on-the-go charging.

However, a major point of frustration and, ultimately, surprise was the lack of signage. While gas stations are clearly indicated all over highway service signs, EV chargers are mostly overlooked. We would often find them by coincidence; we would stop for a bathroom break and be surprised to find available EV charging stations. This highlights the continued need for EV drivers to rely on specialist apps to find chargers, as the physical infrastructure is far ahead of the highway signage.

Family-Friendly Features

For families with little ones, the Kona is well-equipped for car seats. The car, assembled in Ulsan, South Korea, offers LATCH/ISOFIX points on the two outboard rear seats, making installation of infant or child seats a breeze. Additionally, top tether anchors are conveniently located on the back of all three rear seats.

The only real consideration is for taller parents. If you're installing a bulky, rear-facing car seat behind a front passenger, you may find that it impacts legroom, requiring you to move the front seat forward. However, for most car seat configurations, the Kona's interior is more than up to the task, proving itself to be a true family-friendly crossover.

Arrival in DC

As we rolled into DC, the car greeted us with an almost silent presence but not a full battery. We made the entire trip without a charging stop, arriving with 14% and about 35 miles of range to spare. This proved that the Kona's announced range is more than capable of handling the long haul, even while keeping up with the flow of traffic, as you would with a gas car.

Visiting the National Museum of the American Indian in DC was a grounding experience. It reminded us of the complex history behind many aspects of daily life. As we reflected on this history, the Kona was doing its own work, quietly recharging so we could have a full battery for our journey back to NYC.

The N-Line Experience

The N-Line trim is a brand-new addition for the 2025 EV version. It brings a more aggressive, sporty look to the all-electric model, which is a fantastic move. Unfortunately, Hyundai won't offer the gorgeous rear wing seen on the U.S. version here in Canada, a subtle design detail that still changes the car's character. However, we in Canada do get the advantage of cooled seats, which are only available on higher trims in the U.S., a nice trade-off.

Conclusion: A Versatile Companion

The Hyundai Kona EV N-Line is more than just a means of transportation; it's a vehicle that embodies the modern family's multifaceted life. It's stylish, fun to drive, and adds a more dynamic flair to Hyundai's evolving EV lineup. It's an ideal partner for a spontaneous road trip, a dependable car for the daily commute, and a surprisingly spacious refuge for a taco-induced nap. With the right vehicle, any journey can be a fun adventure, full of flavor and discovery.

Disclaimer: Hyundai has lent us the vehicle as a press loan. We have no affiliation with Hyundai USA. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.