Hyundai Kona vs MG MG ZS
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 starts from $32,500 before on-road costs, while the MG MG ZS opens at $22,990. That makes the MG MG ZS the more affordable entry point by $9,510.
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 $25,289 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona and MG MG ZS hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 90% for the MG MG ZS.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The MG MG ZS packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Hyundai Kona.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona and 7 in the MG MG ZS.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the MG MG ZS gets a 10.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The MG MG ZS counters with power tailgate 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 MG MG ZS responds with a Petrol making 81kW and 140Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 81kW. 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, 80mm shorter than the MG MG ZS at 4,430mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 359L in the MG MG ZS, giving the Hyundai Kona a 2L advantage.
For towing, the MG MG ZS leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 11.0m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.0m 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 $1,910/year for the MG MG ZS. That is a $29 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Kona.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $1,910 (MG MG ZS). The Hyundai Kona saves you roughly $29 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 10 years / 250,000km (MG MG ZS). The MG MG ZS has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the MG MG ZS if: You want the lower entry price, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer MG's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Kona and MG MG ZS trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Hyundai Kona will save you roughly $29 a year in fuel. The MG MG ZS adds peace of mind with a longer 10-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 MG MG ZS?
The MG MG ZS is the cheapest at $22,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona by $9,510.
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 MG MG ZS all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona has the largest boot at 361L.
Which can tow the most?
The MG MG ZS has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The MG MG ZS has the longest warranty at 10 years / 250k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Kona makes the most power at 110kW.
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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