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.
Hyundai i30 Sedan
From $29,250
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
117kW
7 L/100km
3★ ANCAP
474L
Hyundai Sonata
From $55,500
Sedan
Petrol
Petrol
213kW
8.1 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
480L
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai i30 Sedan starts from $29,250 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Sonata opens at $55,500. That makes the Hyundai i30 Sedan the more affordable entry point by $26,250.
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 $61,050 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai i30 Sedan by roughly $1,570 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai i30 Sedan features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Sonata gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Sonata counters with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bose audio and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai i30 Sedan gets leather upholstery while the Hyundai Sonata offers suede & nappa leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai i30 Sedan and 2-zone in the Hyundai Sonata.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses a Petrol producing 117kW and 191Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai Sonata responds with a Petrol making 213kW and 422Nm, paired to a 8-speed wet dual-clutch (dct) driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 213kW vs 117kW. 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, 200mm shorter than the Hyundai Sonata at 4,910mm (2,840mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 474L in the Hyundai i30 Sedan and 480L in the Hyundai Sonata, giving the Hyundai Sonata a 6L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 11.0m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,995/year for the Hyundai i30 Sedan and $2,309/year for the Hyundai Sonata. That is a $314 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai i30 Sedan.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai i30 Sedan) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Sonata). The Hyundai Sonata has longer coverage.
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 more boot space, value a longer warranty, 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 $314 a year in fuel. The Hyundai Sonata adds peace of mind with a longer 7-year warranty. 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 $26,250.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan uses the least fuel at 7L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai i30 Sedan holds a 3-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Hyundai Sonata, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Sonata has the largest boot at 480L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai i30 Sedan has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,200kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Hyundai Sonata has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Sonata makes the most power at 213kW.
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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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