Hyundai i30 Sedan vs Hyundai Sonata
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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 Hyundai i30 Sedan starts from $29,250 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Sonata opens at $29,990. That makes the Hyundai i30 Sedan the more affordable entry point by $740.
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 $32,175 and $32,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai i30 Sedan by roughly $3,135 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
The Hyundai Sonata holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 3 stars for the Hyundai i30 Sedan.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai i30 Sedan packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Hyundai Sonata.
Both include the essentials: a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Hyundai i30 Sedan and 6 in the Hyundai Sonata.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Hyundai Sonata. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a cvt to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai Sonata lines up making 138kW and 241Nm, paired to a 6-speed automatic driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 138kW vs 110kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai i30 Sedan measures 4,710mm long on a 2,720mm wheelbase, 145mm shorter than the Hyundai Sonata at 4,855mm (2,805mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.
For towing, the Hyundai Sonata leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 10.9m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m 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 $1,739/year for the Hyundai i30 Sedan and $2,366/year for the Hyundai Sonata. That is a $627 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai i30 Sedan.
Estimated annual total: $1,739 (Hyundai i30 Sedan) vs $2,366 (Hyundai Sonata). The Hyundai i30 Sedan saves you roughly $627 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai i30 Sedan) vs 5 years (Hyundai Sonata). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai i30 Sedan if: You want the lower entry price, want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Sonata if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Sonata takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. The Hyundai i30 Sedan will save you roughly $627 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai i30 Sedan and Hyundai Sonata?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan is the cheapest at $29,250 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Sonata by $740.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Hyundai Sonata has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Sonata has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Sonata makes the most power at 138kW.
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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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