Hyundai Kona vs Toyota Yaris Cross
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 Toyota Yaris Cross opens at $31,790. That makes the Toyota Yaris Cross the more affordable entry point by $710.
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 $34,969 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Yaris Cross by roughly $2,705 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Yaris Cross hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 86% for the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Yaris Cross packs more ADAS features with 6 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 8 in the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 4.2-inch digital dash, while the Toyota Yaris Cross gets a 8-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 Toyota Yaris Cross. The Toyota Yaris Cross 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 Toyota Yaris Cross offers cloth.
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 Toyota Yaris Cross responds with a 1.5L 3-cyl Hybrid making 85kW and 141Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.8 seconds.
The Hyundai Kona has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 85kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Yaris Cross is 0.1s 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, 170mm longer than the Toyota Yaris Cross at 4,180mm (2,560mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 390L in the Toyota Yaris Cross, giving the Toyota Yaris Cross a 29L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 400kg. That 900kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m 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 9.8m 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 $1,340/year for the Toyota Yaris Cross. That is a $541 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Yaris Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $1,340 (Toyota Yaris Cross). The Toyota Yaris Cross saves you roughly $541 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 (Toyota Yaris Cross). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota Yaris Cross if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Toyota Yaris Cross takes 4 of 6 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Toyota Yaris Cross will save you roughly $541 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 Toyota Yaris Cross?
The Toyota Yaris Cross is the cheapest at $31,790 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona by $710.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota Yaris Cross uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona and Toyota Yaris Cross all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Toyota Yaris Cross has the largest boot at 390L.
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 Toyota Yaris Cross is quickest to 100km/h in 9.8s.
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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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