Hyundai Kona vs Renault Arkana
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 Renault Arkana opens at $39,990. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $7,490.
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 $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Renault Arkana by roughly $1,995 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona and Renault Arkana hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 96% for the Renault Arkana.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Renault Arkana 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 6 in the Renault Arkana.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Renault Arkana gets a 9.3-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 Renault Arkana. The Renault Arkana counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and power tailgate. 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 Renault Arkana responds with a Petrol making 105kW and 205Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 105kW. In the real-world sprint, the Renault Arkana is 0.5s 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, 218mm shorter than the Renault Arkana at 4,568mm (2,720mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Renault Arkana generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 430L in the Renault Arkana, giving the Renault Arkana a 69L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 100kg 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 10.8m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m 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 $1,482/year for the Renault Arkana. That is a $399 annual difference in favour of the Renault Arkana.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $1,482 (Renault Arkana). The Renault Arkana saves you roughly $399 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 (Renault Arkana). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Renault Arkana if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Renault's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Kona and Renault Arkana trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Renault Arkana will save you roughly $399 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Renault Arkana 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 Renault Arkana?
The Hyundai Kona is the cheapest at $32,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Renault Arkana by $7,490.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Renault Arkana uses the least fuel at 5.2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona and Renault Arkana all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Renault Arkana has the largest boot at 430L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Kona makes the most power at 110kW. The Renault Arkana is quickest to 100km/h in 9.4s.
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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