Hyundai Kona Electric vs Mitsubishi Outlander

The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Outlander opens at $39,990. That makes the Mitsubishi Outlander the more affordable entry point by $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 $43,989 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 Mitsubishi Outlander, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Mitsubishi Outlander hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 85% for the Mitsubishi Outlander.

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 1 in the Mitsubishi Outlander.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 7 in the Mitsubishi Outlander.

The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mitsubishi Outlander gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Outlander. The Mitsubishi Outlander counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Hyundai Kona Electric runs a pure electric powertrain 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 Mitsubishi Outlander lines up making 135kW and 244Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Outlander has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Outlander is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 360mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Outlander at 4,710mm (2,705mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Outlander generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 478L in the Mitsubishi Outlander, giving the Mitsubishi Outlander a 117L advantage.

For towing, the Mitsubishi Outlander leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Outlander). The Mitsubishi Outlander has longer coverage.