Hyundai Sonata vs Skoda Octavia
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Sedans 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.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Sonata starts from $55,500 before on-road costs, while the Skoda Octavia opens at $39,990. That makes the Skoda Octavia the more affordable entry point by $15,510.
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 $61,050 and $43,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Skoda Octavia by roughly $3,420 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Sonata features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Skoda Octavia gets a 13-inch display and 10-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Sonata stands out with head-up display, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats, ventilated seats, power tailgate, Bose audio and ambient lighting that you will not find on the Skoda Octavia. 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 Skoda Octavia offers cloth.
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 Skoda Octavia responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 250Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.
The Hyundai Sonata has the clear power advantage at 213kW vs 110kW. 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, 212mm longer than the Skoda Octavia at 4,698mm (2,686mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Sonata generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 480L in the Hyundai Sonata and 600L in the Skoda Octavia, giving the Skoda Octavia a 120L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.4m 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 $2,309/year for the Hyundai Sonata and $1,625/year for the Skoda Octavia. That is a $684 annual difference in favour of the Skoda Octavia.
Estimated annual total: $2,309 (Hyundai Sonata) vs $1,625 (Skoda Octavia). The Skoda Octavia saves you roughly $684 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Sonata) vs 7 years / 999,999km (Skoda Octavia). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Sonata if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Skoda Octavia if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Skoda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Skoda Octavia takes 3 of 4 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. The Skoda Octavia will save you roughly $684 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Skoda Octavia 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 Sonata and Skoda Octavia?
The Skoda Octavia is the cheapest at $39,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Sonata by $15,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Skoda Octavia uses the least fuel at 5.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Skoda Octavia all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Skoda Octavia has the largest boot at 600L.
Which can tow the most?
The Skoda Octavia has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Sonata makes the most power at 213kW.
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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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