Hyundai Kona Electric vs Isuzu MU-X
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 Isuzu MU-X opens at $43,900. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $3,400.
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 $48,290 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 Isuzu MU-X, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Isuzu MU-X hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 86% for the Isuzu MU-X.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Isuzu MU-X packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 8 in the Isuzu MU-X.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Isuzu MU-X gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with wireless charging and heated front seats that you will not find on the Isuzu MU-X. 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 Isuzu MU-X responds with a Diesel making 120kW and 400Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11 seconds.
The Isuzu MU-X has the clear power advantage at 120kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Kona Electric is 1.1s 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, 510mm shorter than the Isuzu MU-X at 4,860mm (2,855mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Isuzu MU-X generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 311L in the Isuzu MU-X, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 50L advantage. The Isuzu MU-X seats 7 vs 5.
For towing, the Isuzu MU-X leads with a 3,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 2,200kg 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 11.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.6m 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 6 years / 150,000km (Isuzu MU-X). The Isuzu MU-X has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Isuzu MU-X if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Isuzu's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Kona Electric and Isuzu MU-X trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Kona Electric has a clear edge. The Isuzu MU-X adds peace of mind with a longer 6-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 Kona Electric and Isuzu MU-X?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $40,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Isuzu MU-X by $3,400.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Isuzu MU-X uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona Electric and Isuzu MU-X all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the largest boot at 361L.
Which can tow the most?
The Isuzu MU-X has the highest braked towing capacity at 3,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Isuzu MU-X has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Isuzu MU-X makes the most power at 120kW. The Hyundai Kona Electric is quickest to 100km/h in 9.9s.
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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