Hyundai Kona vs Nissan Qashqai

The Hyundai Kona starts from $32,500 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Qashqai opens at $34,665. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $2,165.

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 $38,132 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Qashqai hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 91% for the Nissan Qashqai.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 2 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona and 7 in the Nissan Qashqai.

The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Nissan Qashqai gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Kona stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Nissan Qashqai. The Nissan Qashqai counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

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 Qashqai responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.8 seconds.

Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Qashqai is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Hyundai Kona measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 75mm shorter than the Nissan Qashqai at 4,425mm (2,665mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Qashqai generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 430L in the Nissan Qashqai, giving the Nissan Qashqai a 69L advantage.

For towing, the Nissan Qashqai leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona and $1,853/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.

Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $28 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 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan Qashqai). Both match on warranty length.