Hyundai Kona Electric vs Skoda Karoq

The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Karoq opens at $40,990. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $490.

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 $45,089 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 Skoda Karoq, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Skoda Karoq hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Skoda Karoq 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 6 in the Skoda Karoq.

The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Skoda Karoq gets a 9.2-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 Skoda Karoq. The Skoda Karoq 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 Skoda Karoq lines up making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.6 seconds.

The Skoda Karoq has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Skoda Karoq is 1.3s 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, 32mm shorter than the Skoda Karoq at 4,382mm (2,638mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona Electric generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 521L in the Skoda Karoq, giving the Skoda Karoq a 160L advantage.

For towing, the Skoda Karoq leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg 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 5 years (Skoda Karoq). Both match on warranty length.