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.
Data checked: specs 27 Oct 2026, price 27 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the manufacturer lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
$33,950RRP
- no option data for this car
$45,640RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Kona starts from $33,950 before on-road costs, while the Nissan Qashqai opens at $45,640. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $11,690.
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 $37,345 and $50,204 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Nissan Qashqai by roughly $3,560 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona and Nissan Qashqai hold a 4-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 78% for the Nissan Qashqai.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 7 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Nissan Qashqai, against 6 on the Hyundai Kona.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control.
Recalls on our record
Hyundai Kona
- REC-006734 · published 28 Sep 2026Rear centre seat belt buckle anchor below specificationYear range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006589 · published 20 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-005978 · published 6 Jun 2024The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve sensor may have been exposed to soldering flux contamination during manufacture.Year range on the notice: 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
Nissan Qashqai
- REC-006662 · published 13 Jul 2026Due to a software issue with the Lithium-ion Battery Controller (LBC) the vehicle may enter a fail-safe mode whilst driving.Year range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006618 · published 5 Jun 2026Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pipe may chafe against the support bracket and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- REC-006450 · published 16 Oct 2025Due to a manufacturing defect, the fuel pipe may chafe against the support bracket and become damaged.Year range on the notice: 2022 - 2024
- 4 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
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 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona stands out with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging — features our data doesn't list for 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 lines up making 140kW and 311Nm, paired to a reduction drive (automatic) driving the front wheels.
The Nissan Qashqai has the clear power advantage at 140kW vs 110kW. 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 407L in the Hyundai Kona and 404L in the Nissan Qashqai, giving the Hyundai Kona a 3L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 750kg. That 550kg 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 11.1m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.1m 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 $1,169/year for the Nissan Qashqai. That is a $712 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Nissan Qashqai). Both match on warranty length. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Nissan Qashqai).
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Nissan Qashqai if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Nissan Qashqai: Top CarSorted Score, 76 vs 75, but the Hyundai Kona is $11,690 cheaper
The Nissan Qashqai comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (76 vs 75), taking 2 of 5 key spec rows below. The deciding gaps: fuel economy (Nissan Qashqai ahead by 23), safety (Hyundai Kona ahead by 6), practicality (Hyundai Kona ahead by 5). The Nissan Qashqai will save you roughly $712 a year in fuel. 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 $33,950 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan Qashqai by $11,690.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan Qashqai uses the least fuel at 4.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched on crash rating: Hyundai Kona and Nissan Qashqai all hold a 4-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 407L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan Qashqai makes the most power at 140kW.
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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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