Hyundai Kona Review: The Small SUV That Does Everything Well Enough

What Does the Kona Cost in Australia?

Hyundai offers the Kona in several flavours. We're focusing on the petrol range here, as it accounts for the majority of sales. Here's what you're looking at:

Driveaway, the Elite sweet-spot variant lands around $38,500-$40,500 depending on your state. The $3,500 step from Active to Elite gets you leather seats, a Bose sound system, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, and a digital instrument cluster upgrade. That's a lot of kit for the money and makes the Elite feel like a different car from the base model.

The N Line at $38,500 adds the more powerful 1.6-litre turbo engine (141kW/265Nm), a 7-speed dual-clutch auto, sportier suspension tuning, and N Line-specific styling. It's the one to have if you want a small SUV that's actually fun to drive. Whether a sporty small SUV makes sense is a separate discussion.

If you're weighing the Kona against its corporate cousin, our Kona vs Seltos comparison breaks down every difference in detail.

Running Costs

At 15,000km per year and a real-world average of 7.5L/100km on regular unleaded at $1.95/litre, annual fuel costs are roughly $2,194. That's noticeably more than the Yaris Cross hybrid ($1,316 per year) but on par with the CX-30 and Seltos. Over five years, you're looking at $10,970 in fuel. The N Line's turbo engine uses premium 95 RON fuel and drinks more, so budget $2,800-3,000 per year for that variant.

Hyundai's capped-price servicing runs every 12 months or 15,000km. Service costs range from $290 to $420, with five-year total servicing costs around $1,700-2,100. That's competitive but slightly higher than Toyota and Mazda. The dual-clutch transmission on the N Line requires specific fluid changes that add to its servicing bill.

Tyres on the base Active and Elite are 17-inch, costing $150-220 each for decent replacements. The N Line gets 18-inch wheels with sportier rubber at $200-280 each. Insurance is reasonable. the Kona sits in a moderate insurance group, with comprehensive cover typically $1,200-1,700 per year.

Resale value is solid but not class-leading. Expect the Kona to retain 55-60% of its purchase price after three years. The Toyota Yaris Cross holds slightly better at 60-65%. Our cheapest cars to run analysis has the complete annual ownership cost comparison.

Design: Bold Statement

The second-generation Kona looks nothing like the original. and that's entirely a good thing. The first-gen Kona had split headlights that confused people. The new one has a horizontal LED light bar across the full width of the front, pixel-style daytime running lights integrated into the bumper, and a confident, angular face that photographs well and stands out in car parks. It looks like a small SUV designed with intent, not cobbled together from a hatchback parts bin.

The side profile is clean with prominent wheel arches, a strong shoulder line, and a slightly raked roofline that gives it some visual motion even standing still. The rear gets a full-width LED light bar that mirrors the front. Overall, it's cohesive and distinctive. You won't mistake a new Kona for anything else on the road.

At 4,350mm long, 1,825mm wide, and 1,575mm tall, it's grown considerably over the first generation. It's 150mm longer and 25mm wider, which translates directly into more interior and cargo space. The 2,660mm wheelbase is competitive in the class. It's bigger than the Yaris Cross but still compact enough for tight parking.

The N Line adds sport bumpers, dark chrome trim, a twin-exit exhaust, and the 18-inch N Line-specific alloys. It looks properly sporty without being obnoxious. The available two-tone roof on certain colours adds visual interest and works well with the darker exterior shades like the Shooting Star grey metallic and the Curdle Red.

Interior: Genuinely Impressive for the Price

This is where the Kona punches above its weight. Hyundai has gone all-in on the cabin design, and it shows. The dashboard features a dual 12.3-inch screen layout: one for the digital instrument cluster and one for the infotainment system, connected in a single curved panel. It looks modern and premium in a way that the Yaris Cross and Seltos simply don't match.

The infotainment system is responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and over-the-air update capability. The menus are logically structured and the screen resolution is crisp. Hyundai's native navigation is better than most manufacturers' efforts, with real-time traffic and natural-language voice commands that actually work.

Material quality on the Elite and N Line is good. The leather seats are soft, the dashboard has a mix of soft-touch surfaces and textured panels that feel considered rather than cheap, and the ambient lighting adds a premium touch in the evening. The Active variant has harder plastics in some areas, but even the base model feels a step up from the competition.

The driving position is comfortable and offers plenty of adjustment. The steering wheel tilts and telescopes, the driver's seat has height adjustment on all grades, and the Elite gets full power adjustment with memory. Visibility is decent from the raised position, though the thick C-pillars create a noticeable blind spot when checking over your shoulder. the blind spot cameras help compensate.

Storage is well thought out. A generous centre console bin, deep door pockets, a useful shelf ahead of the gear lever (ideal for phones), two cup holders, wireless charging on Elite and above, and USB-C ports front and rear. The glovebox is a good size. Rear passengers get their own USB-C ports and air vents, which is a nice touch at this price.

Practicality: Bigger Than Before

The 361-litre boot is adequate but not class-leading. It's behind the CX-30 (430L) and the Seltos (498L), though it's larger than the previous-generation Kona. The boot floor has a two-level setup, so you can choose between a flat floor or extra under-floor storage. The opening is reasonably wide and the lip height is manageable. A pram, a week's groceries, and a sports bag fit without drama.

The rear seats fold 60/40 to extend the cargo area to 1,205 litres. The fold is nearly flat, which is useful for longer items. For the weekend Bunnings run or transporting flat-pack furniture, the Kona copes well enough. Just don't expect wagon-level versatility.

Rear seat space has improved significantly over the first generation. There's now enough legroom for adults up to about 180cm to sit comfortably behind a tall driver. Headroom is fine. Three across is possible for shorter trips but the middle seat is raised and narrow. It's a step up from the Yaris Cross but still a step behind the Seltos, which is the clear space winner in this class.

ISOFIX anchor points are fitted to both outer rear seats with top-tether anchors across the back row. The rear doors open to a good angle, making child seat installation relatively painless. Two child seats fit with a small gap between them. The raised ride height means less bending when loading small children in and out.

Towing is a genuine strength. The Kona petrol tows up to 1,300kg braked. That's the second-highest in this class behind the Seltos (1,500kg) and considerably more than the Yaris Cross (400kg). It opens up the possibility of towing a jet ski, a small camper trailer, or a decent-sized box trailer. For a small SUV, that kind of towing capability is a real practical advantage.

Driving: Capable and Composed

The base 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder produces 110kW at 6,200rpm and 180Nm at 4,500rpm. It's paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission (essentially a CVT with stepped shift points) that sends power to the front wheels. In everyday driving, it's perfectly adequate. The engine is responsive enough at low speeds, the CVT doesn't drone excessively, and around town the Kona feels light and easy to drive.

The N Line's 1.6-litre turbo is a different beast. 141kW and 265Nm through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission gives the Kona genuine pep. It's not fast by hot hatch standards, but the turbo power and the responsive DCT make overtaking and merging feel confident rather than optimistic. If driving enjoyment matters to you and you're set on a small SUV, the N Line is the one to have.

Steering is well-weighted across the range. It's accurate enough that you don't feel disconnected from the front axle, and the weighting feels natural. The Kona isn't as sharp through corners as the CX-30 (Mazda's chassis tuning is still best-in-class), but it's more engaging than the Yaris Cross and Seltos. Body roll is controlled well for a vehicle this tall, and the platform feels solid rather than floppy.

Ride quality is good. Hyundai has tuned the suspension for Australian roads, and it shows. The Kona absorbs speed bumps, potholes, and road imperfections without transmitting harshness into the cabin. It's not pillowy soft like a Camry, but it's comfortable enough that you won't dread your daily commute. The N Line has firmer damping that's noticeable on rough surfaces but not punishing.

Highway cruising is relaxed. Engine noise is subdued at 100-110km/h, wind noise is well-managed, and the Kona tracks straight without constant steering corrections. It's a confident long-distance cruiser for its size. The drive from Sydney to Canberra or Melbourne to Ballarat wouldn't be uncomfortable.

NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is a step ahead of the first-generation Kona, which was criticised for tyre noise. The new model has improved sound insulation, and while it's still not as quiet as the CX-30, the improvement is noticeable. Coarse-chip Australian bitumen at highway speeds produces some tyre roar, but it's within acceptable limits for the class.

Efficiency: Average for the Segment

The base 2.0-litre petrol claims 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle. Real-world figures:

• Urban driving (stop-start): 7.5-9.0L/100km
• Suburban mixed: 7.0-8.0L/100km
• Highway cruising (100-110km/h): 6.5-7.5L/100km
• Combined real-world: 7.0-8.0L/100km for most drivers

These numbers are middle-of-the-pack for a naturally aspirated petrol small SUV. The Yaris Cross hybrid at 3.8L/100km is in a different league entirely. The CX-30 (6.3L/100km) and Seltos (7.0L/100km) are comparable. The N Line's 1.6 turbo drinks 7.1L/100km claimed, with real-world figures around 8.0-9.5L/100km, and it requires premium 95 RON fuel.

The 47-litre fuel tank gives a real-world range of roughly 580-670km between fills. That's adequate but you'll be filling up more often than a Camry or HiLux owner. At current regular unleaded prices, a full tank costs around $92. Budget $2,000-2,400 per year in fuel at 15,000km annual driving.

If fuel efficiency is a priority, the Kona Hybrid (not widely available in all trims) returns 4.3L/100km, or you could step up to the Kona Electric for zero tailpipe emissions. For a pure petrol comparison, the Kona is competitive but unremarkable. The Kona vs CX-30 comparison has the full efficiency breakdown.

Safety: Five Stars, Strong Suite

The Kona holds a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Hyundai's SmartSense safety suite is standard across all variants and includes:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, cyclist, and junction detection
• Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist (highway centring)
• Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist with rear monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist
• Smart Cruise Control with stop-and-go
• Driver Attention Warning with facial recognition (Elite and above)
• Safe Exit Warning when opening doors near traffic
• Intelligent Speed Limit Assist

Seven airbags are standard, including a centre-side airbag between the front seats. The body structure uses a high percentage of advanced high-strength steel, and the Kona scored 86% for adult occupant protection and 90% for child occupant protection in Euro NCAP testing.

One standout feature is the Blind-Spot View Monitor on Elite and above. When you activate the indicator, a live camera feed from the corresponding side of the car appears in the digital instrument cluster, showing you exactly what's in your blind spot. It's more useful than a simple warning light and genuinely reduces the risk of lane-change accidents.

Rivals: What Else Should You Cross-Shop?

Toyota Yaris Cross (from $31,790)

The Yaris Cross is smaller, less powerful, and can barely tow. But it's a fuel-sipping machine at 3.8L/100km, which means annual fuel bills roughly $700-900 less than the Kona. It's also lighter, cheaper to buy, and has Toyota's legendary reliability behind it. If you're a city dweller who never tows and wants the lowest possible running costs, the Yaris Cross is the logical choice. If you need more space, more power, or any towing ability, the Kona wins. Full comparison at Yaris Cross vs Kona.

Mazda CX-30 (from $33,890)

The CX-30 is the premium alternative. Mazda's interior quality, driving dynamics, and build quality are a clear step above the Kona in areas that matter to enthusiasts. It has more boot space (430L), better chassis tuning, and one of the most refined cabins in the small SUV class. The Kona counters with a more tech-forward interior, better standard safety features, and the Bose audio system on the Elite. For a deeper look, see our Kona vs CX-30 comparison.

Kia Seltos (from $33,590)

The Seltos shares its platform with the Kona but is bigger in every way: 498L boot, more rear legroom, 1,500kg towing. It also gets Kia's 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is the best coverage in the segment. The Kona has a more modern design, better driving dynamics, and the wider powertrain choice (including the EV option). The Seltos is the practical choice. The Kona is the one that feels more like a car you chose rather than settled for. Our Kona vs Seltos comparison has the full detail.

The Kona wins on interior tech and powertrain variety. The Yaris Cross wins on fuel economy and purchase price. The CX-30 wins on driving quality and interior materials. The Seltos wins on space and warranty. For the complete small SUV rundown, see our best SUVs under $50k guide.

Should You Buy the Hyundai Kona?

Yes, if:

• You want a well-rounded small SUV that doesn't have any glaring weaknesses
• The powertrain variety appeals. petrol now, with the option to go hybrid or EV in the range if your needs change
• Interior tech and screen quality are important to you. the dual 12.3-inch setup is best-in-class
• You need decent towing from a small SUV. 1,300kg is competitive and genuinely useful
• You want the N Line's turbo engine for a sportier experience in a small SUV package
• Blind-spot camera technology matters to you. it's a genuine safety advantage

Maybe not, if:

• Fuel efficiency is your top priority. the Yaris Cross hybrid saves roughly $800-900 per year on fuel
• You want the best interior materials and build quality. the CX-30 is a step up in tactile quality
• Maximum space is your primary concern. the Seltos is bigger in every dimension and has 137 more litres of boot space
• Warranty length matters. Kia offers 7 years vs Hyundai's 5
• You want the lowest possible purchase price in the segment (the Yaris Cross GX starts $1,290 less)
• You mostly do city driving and rarely tow. the Yaris Cross's hybrid system makes more financial sense for urban use

The Kona at $32,500-$38,500 for the petrol range is the small SUV that refuses to be bad at anything. It's not the most efficient, the most spacious, the most premium, or the cheapest. But it's competitive in every single category, and that broad competence means most buyers won't find a deal-breaker. The Elite at $36,000 is the sweet spot. the leather, Bose audio, sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and blind-spot cameras make it feel far more expensive than it is. If you test drive one, you'll understand why it sells so well.

Start your comparison with our Kona vs Seltos and Yaris Cross vs Kona head-to-heads. Or browse the full best small cars in Australia list to see where the Kona ranks across the segment.

→ Compare all Hyundai Kona variants on CarSorted (200+ specs)