Hyundai Kona vs Geely Starray EM-i
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.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Kona starts from $32,500 before on-road costs, while the Geely Starray EM-i opens at $37,490. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $4,990.
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 $35,750 and $41,239 respectively.
The Geely Starray EM-i 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.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Geely Starray EM-i by roughly $8,830 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona and Geely Starray EM-i hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 4 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona and 7 in the Geely Starray EM-i.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Geely Starray EM-i gets a 15.4-inch display and 10.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Geely Starray EM-i counters with heated front seats and V2L that the Hyundai Kona does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 Geely Starray EM-i responds with a Petrol making 160kW and 262Nm, paired to a auto driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.
The Geely Starray EM-i has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Geely Starray EM-i is 1.9s 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, 390mm shorter than the Geely Starray EM-i at 4,740mm (2,755mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Geely Starray EM-i generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 428L in the Geely Starray EM-i, giving the Geely Starray EM-i a 67L advantage.
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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona and $115/year for the Geely Starray EM-i. That is a $1,766 annual difference in favour of the Geely Starray EM-i.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $115 (Geely Starray EM-i). The Geely Starray EM-i saves you roughly $1,766 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Geely Starray EM-i). The Geely Starray EM-i has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Geely Starray EM-i if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Geely's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Geely Starray EM-i takes 6 of 7 key spec categories. The Geely Starray EM-i will save you roughly $1,766 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Geely Starray EM-i has a clear edge. The Geely Starray EM-i adds peace of mind with a longer 7-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 Geely Starray EM-i?
The Hyundai Kona is the cheapest at $32,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Geely Starray EM-i by $4,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Geely Starray EM-i uses the least fuel at 2.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona and Geely Starray EM-i all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the largest boot at 428L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Geely Starray EM-i has the longest warranty at 7 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Geely Starray EM-i makes the most power at 160kW. The Geely Starray EM-i is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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