Honda ZR-V vs Hyundai Kona Electric
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.
Price Breakdown
The Honda ZR-V starts from $38,900 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona Electric opens at $40,500. That makes the Honda ZR-V the more affordable entry point by $1,600.
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 $42,790 and $44,550 respectively.
The Hyundai Kona Electric qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Honda ZR-V, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Honda ZR-V and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 79% for the Honda ZR-V and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Honda ZR-V packs more ADAS features with 8 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Honda ZR-V and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Feature Showdown
The Honda ZR-V features a 9-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.2-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Honda ZR-V stands out with power tailgate and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Hyundai Kona Electric counters with heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 140kW and 243Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona Electric responds with a Electric making 99kW and 255Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Honda ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Honda ZR-V is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Honda ZR-V measures 4,568mm long on a 2,655mm wheelbase, 218mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona Electric generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 339L in the Honda ZR-V and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 22L advantage.
For towing, the Honda ZR-V leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.4m 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
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Honda ZR-V) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: 5yr (Honda ZR-V)—.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Honda ZR-V if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Honda's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Honda ZR-V takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Honda ZR-V and Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Honda ZR-V is the cheapest at $38,900 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona Electric by $1,600.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Honda ZR-V uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Honda ZR-V and Hyundai Kona Electric all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the largest boot at 361L.
Which can tow the most?
The Honda ZR-V has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Honda ZR-V makes the most power at 140kW. The Honda ZR-V is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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