Hyundai Kona vs Nissan Qashqai
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.
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Price Breakdown
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.
Safety Rundown
The Nissan Qashqai holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Kona. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 91% for the Nissan Qashqai.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan Qashqai packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 4 in 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 Qashqai.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Nissan Qashqai gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. 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.
Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Kona gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Nissan Qashqai offers cloth. Climate control is 1-zone in the Hyundai Kona and 2-zone in the Nissan Qashqai.
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 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.
Space & Comfort
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.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m 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 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona and $1,739/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $1,739 (Nissan Qashqai). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $142 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 / 999,999km (Nissan Qashqai). Both match on warranty length.
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 Nissan Qashqai if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan Qashqai takes 5 of 6 key spec categories. The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Nissan Qashqai has a clear edge. 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 Nissan Qashqai?
The Hyundai Kona is the cheapest at $32,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Qashqai by $2,165.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan Qashqai uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Nissan Qashqai has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan Qashqai has the largest boot at 430L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan Qashqai has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
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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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