Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Stonic

Price and cost per week

Safety Rundown

We hold no ANCAP data for the Hyundai Sonata. ANCAP's published record does not give the Kia Stonic a rating. With no pair of ratings to compare, the active-safety features in the spec table above are the fairer comparison.

Recalls on our record

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 Sonata features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Kia Stonic gets a 8-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Sonata stands out with Apple CarPlay, head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bose audio and ambient lighting — features our data doesn't list for the Kia Stonic. The Kia Stonic counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the Hyundai Sonata gets suede & nappa leather upholstery while the Kia Stonic offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the Hyundai Sonata and 1-zone in the Kia Stonic.

Drivetrain

The Hyundai Sonata uses a Petrol producing 213kW and 422Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed wet dual-clutch (dct) to a FWD layout.

The Kia Stonic responds with a Petrol making 88kW and 172Nm, paired to a 7-speed dct driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.2 seconds.

The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 213kW vs 88kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

Space & Comfort

The Hyundai Sonata measures 4,910mm long on a 2,840mm wheelbase, 745mm longer than the Kia Stonic at 4,165mm (2,580mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 480L in the Hyundai Sonata and 352L in the Kia Stonic, giving the Hyundai Sonata a 128L advantage.

Neither U-turns in one sweep on a 7 m local street (both need a three-point turn); the Kia Stonic's turning circle is 0.6 m tighter, 10.4 m against 11.0 m kerb to kerb. The street estimate is indicative, worked from the published turning circles.

Cost to own

At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Hyundai Sonata costs about $2,309 a year (8.1 L/100km) and fuel for the Kia Stonic about $1,425 a year (5 L/100km), at $1.90 a litre and 32c a kWh. That is $884 a year less for the Kia Stonic.

Warranty: 7 years / Unlimited (Hyundai Sonata) and 7 years / Unlimited (Kia Stonic).

Where each one leads

The Hyundai Sonata: more power (213kW against 88kW) and the bigger boot with the seats up (480L against 352L).

The Kia Stonic: the lower starting price ($26,990 against $57,000) and lower fuel or energy costs on our assumptions ($1,425 a year against $2,309).

The Verdict

Kia Stonic scores higher, 72 vs 67

The Kia Stonic scores 72 to the Hyundai Sonata's 67 on the CarSorted Score, and leads 2 of the 4 spec rows that separate them, at the lower price. The biggest gaps: fuel economy (Kia Stonic ahead by 28 points), performance (Hyundai Sonata ahead by 23 points), technology (Hyundai Sonata ahead by 21 points). At 15,000 km a year, fuel for the Kia Stonic costs about $884 less (5 L/100km against 8.1 L/100km, at $1.90 a litre). Boot space with the seats up: 480L in the Hyundai Sonata, 352L in the Kia Stonic.

Common questions