BMW iX1 vs Hyundai Kona Electric
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
Level at 70: here's what splits them
Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Data checked: specs 10 Nov 2026, price 15 Oct 2026
BMW iX1
21 of 27 standard · 2 optional · 4 no dataFrom
$77,900
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 230kW
- Energy use
- 20.2 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★5 · 2022
- Boot (seats up)
- 490L
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Hyundai Kona Electric
16 of 27 standard · no option data · 7 not offered · 4 no dataFrom
$46,000
RRP, before on-road costs
- Body
- SUV
- Fuel type
- Electric
- Engine
- Electric
- Power
- 99kW
- Energy use
- 14.8 kWh/100km
- Safety
- ANCAP ★4 · 2023
- Boot (seats up)
- 407L
Hyundai Australia offer: $43,990 drive-away (state not stated), ends 31 Dec 2026. Terms
Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Manufacturer offer
Drive-away
Ends 31 Dec 2026
Offer from Hyundai Australia, checked 8 Nov 2026
T&Cs apply, as the maker prints them. Eligibility, stock and build limits vary, so confirm the offer with the dealer.
Hyundai Kona Electric: we're still completing kerb weight, seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
$77,900RRP
- with the Hyundai Kona Electric's standard kit: $77,900 (nothing to add)
$46,000RRP
- cannot be matched: 360-Degree Camera, Heated Front Seats, Electric Driver Seat and 1 more not offered
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Price and cost per week
BMW iX1 xDrive30
$77,900
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 6 Sept 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $337 a week in repayments ($77,900 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
Hyundai Kona Electric Standard Range 99kW
$46,000
RRP, before on-road costs. Checked 15 Oct 2026
No published drive-away price on our record.
About $190 a week in repayments ($46,000 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a.). An estimate, not a loan offer.
The Hyundai Kona Electric starts $31,900 lower on RRP.
Both models currently qualify for the electric-vehicle Fringe Benefits Tax exemption (battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold; battery-electric and under the $91,661 threshold), which applies to salary-sacrificed novated leases.
On-road costs (stamp duty, registration, CTP and dealer delivery) depend on your state and the dealer; ask for a written drive-away price before you sign.
CarSorted
Looking for your next car?
We help you research it, compare it and ask for a price.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$190/wk(≈$822/mo)
Estimate on the Hyundai Kona Electric at $46,000 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the BMW iX1Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP lists the BMW iX1 at 5 stars (2022) and the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4 stars (2023). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2023). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the BMW iX1 and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric, under different test years.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 9 of 10 key ADAS systems on the BMW iX1, against 7 on the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. The BMW iX1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Kona Electric misses.
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Driver assistance, system by system. We can confirm 9 of 10 key systems on the BMW iX1 and 7 on the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Recalls on our record
BMW iX1
- REC-006090 · published 2 Oct 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, a component of the brake booster system may have been incorrectly welded and could break.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-005906 · published 5 Mar 2024Due to a manufacturing defect, signal interference may occur within the electronics of the brake system.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- REC-005746 · published 8 Aug 2023Due to a manufacturing defect, the front right drive shaft may become loose and detach from the eDrive.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2023
- 1 more on the model page.
Hyundai Kona Electric
- REC-006586 · published 9 Apr 2026A software issue in the Battery Management System (BMS) may cause an electrical short circuit while charging or parked leading to a vehicle fire.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2023
- REC-001592 · published 23 Aug 2021Due to a manufacturing defect, the battery does not meet specifications and may lead to an electrical short which could start a fire.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- REC-000605 · published 28 Jan 2021A software fault in the Integrated Electronic Brake (IEB) may significantly reduce braking performance.Year range on the notice: 2018 - 2020
- 1 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Charging times
How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.
How long to charge
64.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 130kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 130kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
48.6kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (10.4kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The BMW iX1 features a 10.7-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BMW iX1 stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, power tailgate and Harman Kardon audio — features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Hyundai Kona Electric counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BMW iX1 gets sensatec synthetic leather upholstery while the Hyundai Kona Electric offers premium cloth.
Equipment few rivals have, on either carShowHide
Drivetrain
The BMW iX1 uses a Electric producing 230kW and 494Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.1 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona Electric responds with a Electric making 99kW and 255Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The BMW iX1 has the clear power advantage at 230kW vs 99kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 64.7kWh (BMW iX1) vs 48.6kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 578km and 370km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (BMW iX1) vs 100kW (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Space & Comfort
The BMW iX1 measures 4,500mm long on a 2,692mm wheelbase, 145mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,355mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BMW iX1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 490L in the BMW iX1 and 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the BMW iX1 a 83L advantage.
Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Hyundai Kona Electric's turning circle is 1.3 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.9 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.
Cost to own
At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the BMW iX1 costs about $970 a year (20.2 kWh/100km) and electricity for the Hyundai Kona Electric about $710 a year (14.8 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $260 a year less for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (BMW iX1) and 5 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Where each one leads
The BMW iX1: more power (230kW against 99kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (490L against 407L).
The Hyundai Kona Electric: the lower starting price ($46,000 against $77,900) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($710 a year against $970).
The Verdict
Level at 70: here's what splits them
The BMW iX1 and Hyundai Kona Electric are level on the CarSorted Score at 70 each, so neither takes the overall call. What splits them: energy efficiency (Hyundai Kona Electric ahead by 36 points), performance (BMW iX1 ahead by 34 points), technology (BMW iX1 ahead by 20 points). At 15,000 km a year, electricity for the Hyundai Kona Electric costs about $260 less (14.8 kWh/100km against 20.2 kWh/100km, at 32c a kWh). Boot space with the seats up: 490L in the BMW iX1, 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Ways to buy
For the 2 cars on this page.
Finance
From ≈$190/wk(≈$822/mo)
Estimate on the Hyundai Kona Electric at $46,000 RRP, before on-road costs; assumes $5,000 deposit, 5 yrs at 7.5% p.a. Not a quote or an offer of credit.
Compare real car-loan ratesDriva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link.
Novated lease
Electric, with an RRP under the $91,661 fuel-efficient LCT threshold (2026-27): under the ATO's electric cars exemption a novated lease of an eligible electric car attracts no FBT if luxury car tax was never payable on it. The benefit is still reportable.
Novated lease quoteWork out a lease on the BMW iX1Driva is an independent finance provider, not part of CarSorted. We aren't paid for this link. Opens apply.driva.com.au in a new tab.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BMW iX1 and Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $46,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BMW iX1 by $31,900.
Which has the longest driving range?
The BMW iX1 has the most range at 417km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The BMW iX1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 130kW.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
BMW iX1 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating (tested 2022) and Hyundai Kona Electric holds a 4-star ANCAP rating (tested 2023). ANCAP tested these in different years (2022 vs 2023). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like.
Which has the most boot space?
The BMW iX1 has the largest boot at 490L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The BMW iX1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The BMW iX1 makes the most power at 230kW.
Track the BMW iX1 & Hyundai Kona Electric
Get price-drop alerts on these models plus our free weekly new-car rundown. Unsubscribe anytime.
How to read this page. Prices, specifications, ANCAP ratings, warranty, the CarSorted Score and the verdict come from our records for the grades shown, sourced from the manufacturers' Australian documents, and change when those records change; the date each was last checked is printed under the headline. Prices are recommended retail prices before on-road costs unless marked drive-away. A plug-in hybrid's fuel figure is labelled with its basis: with a full battery (the certified combined figure) or as a hybrid (battery depleted). Charging and running costs are estimates on the stated assumptions. Always confirm price and specification with the manufacturer or dealer before you buy. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
