Hyundai unveils special edition Kona EV ‘Mauna Loa’, but you can’t have it

Hyundai gave its electric SUV an exclusive new look. The new Hyundai Kona EV Mauna Loa is “a powerful companion” with special features and accessories, but getting your hands on one will be hard.

Check out the exclusive Hyundai Kona EV Mauna Loa

“More freedom, more adventure,” Hyundai said after unveiling the special edition Kona Mauna Loa electric SUV on Friday.

Hyundai upgraded the Kona EV, adding rugged new design elements for that off-road feel. The exclusive model features scratch-resistant black paint covering the entire front bumper, side stills, and rear.

It also has front and rear mudguards, black molding along the windows, and new leather seats on the interior.

Hyundai’s new Kona model can “handle everything from everyday life to the outdoors while being environmentally friendly.”

At 4,355 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, and 1,590 mm tall, the Mauna Loa edition is the same length and width as the Kona EV but slightly taller (1,585 mm height) with the roof rack.

Unfortunately, you may have a hard time finding one. The new Kona EV model is limited to just 30 units, and it’s only available in Japan.

The limited-edition model starts at around $32,500 (4,950,000 yen). With 64.8 kWh battery capacity, the Kona EV Mauna Loa has a WLTP driving range of up to 388 miles (625 km). It’s slotted between the N-Line (5,060,000 yen) and Lounge (4,895,000 yen) in Hyundai Japan’s lineup.

Although you won’t be able to buy one in the US, Hyundai is launching a new IONIQ 5 XRT variant for the upgraded 2025 model year.

According to Brad Arnold, Hyundai Design North America’s senior design manager of exteriors, the rugged new XRT trim is built “to offer more protection, connection, and functionality. “

It will also gain rugged XRT-exclusive front and rear bumpers, black side stills, black window trim, and added (7″) ground clearance.

The new 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT was spotted testing in the US earlier this week, ahead of its official launch.

With an (AWD) dual-motor powertrain and 84 kWh battery, Hyundai said the XRT is expected to have a range of 250 to over 280 miles. Although prices have yet to be revealed, the XRT model is expected to be priced below the IONIQ 5 N, which starts at $67,495.

Is the Kona EV next in line for the XRT treatment? It could be with Hyundai launching new variants globally, like the Inster EV Cross, unveiled for Europe last week.

Would you buy a rugged Hyundai Kona EV model? If so, what features would you look for? Let us know in the comments below.