Hyundai Kona vs Nissan ARIYA

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

ANCAP lists the Hyundai Kona at 4 stars (2023) and the Nissan ARIYA at 5 stars (2022). ANCAP tested these in different years (2023 vs 2022). Its criteria get stricter about every three years, so the stars are not like for like. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 86% for the Nissan ARIYA, under different test years.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan ARIYA, against 6 on the Hyundai Kona.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona and 7 in the Nissan ARIYA. The Nissan ARIYA adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Kona misses.

Recalls on our record

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Charging times

How long each takes to charge, from a household power point to a DC fast charger, estimated from battery size and the car's own maximum charge rates.

Feature Showdown

The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Nissan ARIYA gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Kona stands out with Apple CarPlay — features our data doesn't list for the Nissan ARIYA. The Nissan ARIYA counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, head-up display, heated front seats and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Kona gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Nissan ARIYA offers nappa leather. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Kona and 2-zone in the Nissan ARIYA.

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 Nissan ARIYA responds with a Electric making 160kW and 300Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8 seconds.

The Nissan ARIYA has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Nissan ARIYA 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, 245mm shorter than the Nissan ARIYA at 4,595mm (2,775mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan ARIYA generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 407L in the Hyundai Kona and 466L in the Nissan ARIYA, giving the Nissan ARIYA a 59L advantage.

For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 550kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Hyundai Kona's turning circle is 0.9 m tighter, 10.6 m against 11.5 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Hyundai Kona costs about $1,881 a year (6.6 L/100km) and electricity for the Nissan ARIYA about $888 a year (18.5 kWh/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh.

Warranty: 5 years / unlimited km* (Hyundai Kona) and 5 years / unlimited km* (Nissan ARIYA). Capped-price servicing: no data (Hyundai Kona), 5 years (Nissan ARIYA).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Kona: the lower starting price ($33,950 against $55,840) and the higher braked towing limit (1,300kg against 750kg).

The Nissan ARIYA: more power (160kW against 110kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (466L against 407L).

The Verdict

Nissan ARIYA scores higher, 73 vs 71

The Nissan ARIYA scores 73 to the Hyundai Kona's 71 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 3 of the 5 spec rows that separate them. The biggest gaps: technology (Nissan ARIYA ahead by 31 points), performance (Nissan ARIYA ahead by 13 points). Boot space with the seats up: 407L in the Hyundai Kona, 466L in the Nissan ARIYA.

Common questions