2023 Volkswagen ID.8 vs 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric Comparison.

Although we haven't seen any images of it yet, Volkswagen has confirmed a three-row SUV will soon launch on its electric-vehicle architecture. The family-friendly SUV will be called ID.8 and we expect it to share styling with the slightly smaller ID.6 (shown above) that was unveiled for the Chinese market. The ID.8 will be much larger than the ID.4, putting it into contention with mid-size SUVs. It will have three rows of seats and seating for up to seven riders. Rear-wheel drive will likely be standard, but a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive arrangement will probably be optional. It's currently unclear how big of a battery Volkswagen will offer here, but in China buyers of the smaller ID.6 can choose either a 58.0- or 77.0-kWh pack, with a driving range of up to 365 miles with the larger of the two. Given the popularity of three-row crossovers, VW would be wise to bring the ID.8 to market soon, and we expect to see it as a 2023 model.

What's New for 2023?

The ID.8 is all-new and will be the largest of Volkswagen's ID models when it goes on sale. More information should be available closer to the SUV's on-sale date.

Turns out that the subcompact Hyundai Kona SUV is a fine basis for an electric vehicle, as the 2022 Kona Electric retains everything we like about its gas-powered counterpart. Instead of a four-cylinder engine, the Kona Electric is powered by a 201-hp electric motor, and its large battery pack is good for up to 258 miles per charge. That's key because an EV's range number is the most important factor in the revved-up electric vehicle marketplace. Chevrolet's new Bolt EUV carries a claimed 250-mile range while the Tesla Model Y is good for up to 326 miles per charge. On top of its competitive estimated driving range, the Kona Electric delivers perky acceleration, spry handling, and an unbeatable standard warranty and complimentary maintenance package, making it worthy of an Editors' Choice award.

What's New for 2022?

The Kona Electric receives a styling update for 2022 that includes new front and rear bumpers, new wheel designs, and a tweaked interior that now comes standard with a 10.3-inch digital gauge display. The top Ultimate trim has been eliminated in favor of simplifying the lineup to the base SEL and the luxury Limited models.