Honda HR-V vs Hyundai Kona
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
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Price Breakdown
The Honda HR-V starts from $30,300 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona opens at $32,500. That makes the Honda HR-V the more affordable entry point by $2,200.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $33,330 and $35,750 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Honda HR-V holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Kona. Adult occupant protection scored 82% for the Honda HR-V and 80% for the Hyundai Kona.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda HR-V packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Hyundai Kona.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Honda HR-V and 7 in the Hyundai Kona.
Feature Showdown
The Honda HR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Kona gets a 12.3-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda HR-V stands out with ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai Kona. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Honda HR-V gets cloth upholstery while the Hyundai Kona offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Honda HR-V uses a Petrol producing 89kW and 145Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.2 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 89kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda HR-V is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda HR-V measures 4,345mm long on a 2,610mm wheelbase, 5mm shorter than the Hyundai Kona at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 304L in the Honda HR-V and 361L in the Hyundai Kona, giving the Hyundai Kona a 57L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,767/year for the Honda HR-V and $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.
Estimated annual total: $1,767 (Honda HR-V) vs $1,881 (Hyundai Kona). The Honda HR-V saves you roughly $114 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda HR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda HR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda HR-V if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda HR-V takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Honda HR-V will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Kona has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona?
The Honda HR-V is the cheapest at $30,300 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona by $2,200.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda HR-V uses the least fuel at 6.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Honda HR-V has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona has the largest boot at 361L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Kona makes the most power at 110kW. The Honda HR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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