Hyundai Kona Electric 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.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Tucson opens at $38,900. That makes the Hyundai Tucson 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 $44,550 and $42,790 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 Hyundai Tucson, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Hyundai Tucson hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 86% for the Hyundai Tucson.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Kona Electric packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in the Hyundai Tucson.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-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 Kona Electric stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the Hyundai Tucson. The Hyundai Tucson counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The Hyundai Tucson responds with a Petrol making 115kW and 192Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
The Hyundai Tucson has the clear power advantage at 115kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Tucson is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 290mm 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 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 539L in the Hyundai Tucson, giving the Hyundai Tucson a 178L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Tucson leads with a 1,650kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 350kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
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
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 Kona Electric) vs 5 years (Hyundai Tucson). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Tucson if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Tucson takes 5 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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 Kona Electric and Hyundai Tucson?
The Hyundai Tucson 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 Hyundai Tucson uses the least fuel at 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona Electric and Hyundai Tucson all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Tucson has the largest boot at 539L.
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. The Hyundai Tucson is quickest to 100km/h in 9.2s.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
