Honda ZR-V vs Hyundai Kona Electric

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

Both the Honda ZR-V and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 4-star ANCAP safety rating, tested 2023. 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. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Honda ZR-V, against 7 on the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.

Recalls on our record

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.

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 and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Honda ZR-V stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, power tailgate and ambient lighting — 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 Honda ZR-V gets cloth upholstery while the Hyundai Kona Electric offers premium cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Honda ZR-V and 2-zone in the Hyundai Kona Electric.

Drivetrain

The Honda ZR-V uses a Petrol producing 131kW and 240Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.

The Hyundai Kona Electric responds with a Electric making 99kW and 255Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.

The Honda ZR-V has the clear power advantage at 131kW vs 99kW. 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, 213mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,355mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona Electric generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 380L in the Honda ZR-V and 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 27L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Honda ZR-V's turning circle is 0.2 m tighter, 10.4 m against 10.6 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Honda ZR-V costs about $1,995 a year (7 L/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.

Warranty: 5 years / Unlimited (Honda ZR-V) and 5 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Kona Electric). Capped-price servicing: 5 years (Honda ZR-V), no data (Hyundai Kona Electric).

Where each one leads

The Honda ZR-V: more power (131kW against 99kW).

The Hyundai Kona Electric: the bigger boot with the seats up (407L against 380L).

The Verdict

Honda ZR-V scores higher, 74 vs 70

The Honda ZR-V scores 74 to the Hyundai Kona Electric's 70 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 1 of the 2 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Honda ZR-V ahead by 26 points), safety (Honda ZR-V ahead by 10 points).

Common questions