Hyundai Inster vs Hyundai Tucson
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.
Data checked: specs 28 Aug 2026, price 21 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$37,500RRP
- no option data for this car
$39,350RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
Track the Hyundai Inster & Hyundai Tucson
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Inster starts from $37,500 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Tucson opens at $39,350. That makes the Hyundai Inster the more affordable entry point by $1,850.
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 $41,250 and $43,285 respectively.
The Hyundai Inster currently qualifies for the electric-vehicle FBT exemption, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Hyundai Tucson does not: only battery-electric vehicles qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Hyundai Tucson holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Inster. Adult occupant protection scored 70% for the Hyundai Inster and 86% for the Hyundai Tucson.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 4 of 10 key ADAS systems on both.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai Inster
- REC-006635 · published 18 Jun 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the shaft in the three-way valve may break and lead to a coolant leak.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2026
- REC-006394 · published 30 Jul 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the retaining studs under the driver’s seat may not have a safety sealing cap installed during assembly.Year range on the notice: 2024 - 2025
Hyundai Tucson
- REC-006717 · published 3 Sep 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and Head-up Display (HUD) information may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2026
- REC-006678 · published 17 Jul 2026Due to a manufacturing issue, the side airbag sensors may not meet manufacturing specifications.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-006615 · published 29 May 2026Due to a software issue, the Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA) system may continue to apply sudden/unexpected braking even though it is no longer necessary to avoid a collision or reduce impact.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2026
- 3 more on the model page.
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 ultra-rapid DC, estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
42kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 120kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 120kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Inster features a 10.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Tucson gets a 12.3-inch display and 4-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Inster stands out with V2L — features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai Tucson. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Inster uses a Electric producing 71.1kW and 147Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed to a FWD layout.
The Hyundai Tucson responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels.
The Hyundai Tucson has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 71.1kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Inster measures 3,825mm long on a 2,580mm wheelbase, 815mm shorter than the Hyundai Tucson at 4,640mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Tucson generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 280L in the Hyundai Inster and 539L in the Hyundai Tucson, giving the Hyundai Tucson a 259L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.8m 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
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Inster) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Tucson). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Inster if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (73 vs 65). The Hyundai Inster and Hyundai Tucson trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Tucson has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Inster and Hyundai Tucson?
The Hyundai Inster is the cheapest at $37,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Tucson by $1,850.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Tucson uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Hyundai Tucson has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Tucson has the largest boot at 539L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Tucson has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,650kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Tucson makes the most power at 115kW.
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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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