Honda HR-V vs Hyundai Kona

The Honda HR-V starts from $30,300 (our estimated RRP; the brand lists drive-away prices only) before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona opens at $33,950. Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.

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 $37,345 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona hold a 4-star ANCAP safety rating. 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. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Hyundai Kona, against 5 on the Honda HR-V.

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.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

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 — features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai Kona. The Hyundai Kona counters with wireless charging. 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.

The Honda HR-V uses a Petrol producing 89kW and 145Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.

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. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

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 407L in the Hyundai Kona, giving the Hyundai Kona a 103L 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.

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.

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)—.