Hyundai Kona Electric vs Volkswagen ID.4
Two electric SUVs 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.
Track the Hyundai Kona Electric & Volkswagen ID.4
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $54,000 before on-road costs, while the Volkswagen ID.4 opens at $59,990. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $5,990.
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 $65,989 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
The Volkswagen ID.4 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Kona Electric. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 93% for the Volkswagen ID.4.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen ID.4 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 Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Kona Electric misses.
Charging Times
How long each takes to charge — from a household power point to ultra-rapid DC — estimated from battery size and max charge rates.
How long to charge
64.8kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 100kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 100kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
How long to charge
77kWh usablePublic DC
50kW charger · 0–80%
Ultra-rapid DC
up to 175kW · 0–80%
Estimates from usable battery size and the car's max charge rates (11kW AC, 175kW DC). Real times vary with temperature, starting charge, charger output and the charging curve.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Volkswagen ID.4 gets a 12.9-inch display and 5.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with V2L that you will not find on the Volkswagen ID.4. The Volkswagen ID.4 counters with panoramic roof and power tailgate. 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 Volkswagen ID.4 responds with a Electric making 210kW and 545Nm, paired to a auto driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen ID.4 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 48.6kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.4), giving WLTP ranges of 395km and 544km. DC fast charging peaks at 100kW (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 175kW (Volkswagen ID.4).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 235mm shorter than the Volkswagen ID.4 at 4,585mm (2,766mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen ID.4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 407L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 543L in the Volkswagen ID.4, giving the Volkswagen ID.4 a 136L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona Electric leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.3m 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 10.3m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
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 (Volkswagen ID.4). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Volkswagen ID.4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.4 takes 8 of 11 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID.4 has a clear edge. 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 Volkswagen ID.4?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $54,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen ID.4 by $5,990.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the most range at 544km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volkswagen ID.4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID.4 makes the most power at 210kW. The Volkswagen ID.4 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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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