Hyundai Kona Electric vs Kia EV4
Two electric cars go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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 $54,000 before on-road costs, while the Kia EV4 opens at $59,190. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $5,190.
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 $59,400 and $65,109 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV4 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 84% for the Kia EV4.
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 Kia EV4.
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 Kia EV4 gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Kia EV4 counters with power tailgate that the Hyundai Kona Electric does not offer. 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 Kia EV4 responds with a Electric Motor making 150kW and 283Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 7.7 seconds.
The Kia EV4 has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Kia EV4 is 2.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 81.4kWh (Kia EV4), giving WLTP ranges of 395km and 630km. DC fast charging peaks at 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 140kW (Kia EV4).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 380mm shorter than the Kia EV4 at 4,730mm (2,820mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Kia EV4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 435L in the Kia EV4, giving the Kia EV4 a 74L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.9m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.9m 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 7 years / 999,999km (Kia EV4). The Kia EV4 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Kia EV4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Kia's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Kia EV4 takes 8 of 9 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Kia EV4 has a clear edge. The Kia EV4 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 Kona Electric and Kia EV4?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $54,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Kia EV4 by $5,190.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Kia EV4 has the most range at 630km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Kia EV4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 140kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV4 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Kia EV4 has the largest boot at 435L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Kia EV4 has the longest warranty at 7 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Kia EV4 makes the most power at 150kW. The Kia EV4 is quickest to 100km/h in 7.7s.
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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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