Hyundai Kona vs BYD Atto 1
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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 starts from $32,500 before on-road costs, while the BYD Atto 1 opens at $23,990. That makes the BYD Atto 1 the more affordable entry point by $8,510.
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 $35,750 and $26,389 respectively.
The BYD Atto 1 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Hyundai Kona, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona and BYD Atto 1 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 82% for the BYD Atto 1.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Kona packs more ADAS features with 2 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 1 in the BYD Atto 1.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona and 6 in the BYD Atto 1.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the BYD Atto 1 gets a 10.1-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The BYD Atto 1 responds with a Electric making 65kW and 175Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 65kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Atto 1 is 0.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 360mm longer than the BYD Atto 1 at 3,990mm (2,500mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 440L in the BYD Atto 1, giving the BYD Atto 1 a 79L advantage. The Hyundai Kona seats 5 vs 4.
0Turning 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) vs 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Atto 1). The BYD Atto 1 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the BYD Atto 1 if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Atto 1 takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the BYD Atto 1 has a clear edge. The BYD Atto 1 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-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 and BYD Atto 1?
The BYD Atto 1 is the cheapest at $23,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona by $8,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Hyundai Kona uses the least fuel at 6.6L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona and BYD Atto 1 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The BYD Atto 1 has the largest boot at 440L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Atto 1 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Kona makes the most power at 110kW. The BYD Atto 1 is quickest to 100km/h in 9.5s.
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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