Hyundai Kona Electric vs Toyota C-HR
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 Toyota C-HR opens at $38,990. That makes the Toyota C-HR the more affordable entry point by $1,510.
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 $42,889 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 Toyota C-HR, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Toyota C-HR hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 85% for the Toyota C-HR.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota C-HR 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 7 in the Toyota C-HR.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota C-HR gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-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 Toyota C-HR. 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 Toyota C-HR responds with a Petrol making 103kW and 188Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.2 seconds.
The Toyota C-HR has the clear power advantage at 103kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota C-HR is 1.7s 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, 10mm shorter than the Toyota C-HR at 4,360mm (2,640mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona Electric generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 388L in the Toyota C-HR, giving the Toyota C-HR a 27L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona Electric leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 725kg. That 575kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota C-HR). Both match on warranty length.
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 Toyota C-HR if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota C-HR takes 4 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. 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 Toyota C-HR?
The Toyota C-HR is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona Electric by $1,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota C-HR uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona Electric and Toyota C-HR all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota C-HR has the largest boot at 388L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota C-HR makes the most power at 103kW. The Toyota C-HR is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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