Hyundai Kona vs Suzuki Vitara
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 Suzuki Vitara opens at $38,490. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $5,990.
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 $42,339 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Suzuki Vitara by roughly $1,140 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona and Suzuki Vitara hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 77% for the Suzuki Vitara.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Suzuki Vitara 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 Suzuki Vitara.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Suzuki Vitara gets a 9-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 Suzuki Vitara. The Suzuki Vitara counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and wireless charging. 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 Suzuki Vitara responds with a Petrol making 95kW and 220Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 95kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Kona is 0.3s 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, 175mm longer than the Suzuki Vitara at 4,175mm (2,500mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 375L in the Suzuki Vitara, giving the Suzuki Vitara a 14L 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.
10.2m 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 10.2m 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 $1,653/year for the Suzuki Vitara. That is a $228 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki Vitara.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $1,653 (Suzuki Vitara). The Suzuki Vitara saves you roughly $228 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 3 years / 100,000km (Suzuki Vitara). The Hyundai Kona has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Suzuki Vitara if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai Kona takes 5 of 7 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Suzuki Vitara will save you roughly $228 a year in fuel. The Hyundai Kona adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. 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 Suzuki Vitara?
The Hyundai Kona is the cheapest at $32,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Suzuki Vitara by $5,990.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Suzuki Vitara uses the least fuel at 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona and Suzuki Vitara all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Suzuki Vitara has the largest boot at 375L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Hyundai Kona has the longest warranty at 5 years / 1000k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Kona makes the most power at 110kW. The Hyundai Kona is quickest to 100km/h in 9.9s.
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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