Hyundai Kona Electric vs Jaecoo J5
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 Jaecoo J5 opens at $25,990. That makes the Jaecoo J5 the more affordable entry point by $14,510.
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 $28,589 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 Jaecoo J5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
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 Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Jaecoo J5 gets a 13.2-inch display and 8.9-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with wireless charging, heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the Jaecoo J5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Kona Electric gets cloth upholstery while the Jaecoo J5 offers synthetic leather. Climate control is 2-zone in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 1-zone in the Jaecoo J5.
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 Jaecoo J5 responds with a 1.5L Turbo Petrol making 108kW and 210Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.
The Jaecoo J5 has the clear power advantage at 108kW vs 99kW. 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, 30mm shorter than the Jaecoo J5 at 4,380mm (2,620mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona Electric generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 384L in the Jaecoo J5, giving the Jaecoo J5 a 23L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona Electric leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,250kg. That 50kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m 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 8 years (Jaecoo J5). The Jaecoo J5 has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —8yr (Jaecoo J5).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Jaecoo J5 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Jaecoo's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Jaecoo J5 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Jaecoo J5 adds peace of mind with a longer 8-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 Jaecoo J5?
The Jaecoo J5 is the cheapest at $25,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona Electric by $14,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Jaecoo J5 uses the least fuel at 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona Electric all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Jaecoo J5 has the largest boot at 384L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Jaecoo J5 has the longest warranty at 8 years.
Which is the most powerful?
The Jaecoo J5 makes the most power at 108kW.
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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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