Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Hyundai Kona Electric
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 Jeep Grand Cherokee starts from $65,950 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona Electric opens at $40,500. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $25,450.
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 $72,545 and $44,550 respectively.
The Hyundai Kona Electric qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
The Hyundai Kona Electric holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Adult occupant protection scored 81% for the Jeep Grand Cherokee and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Jeep Grand Cherokee packs more ADAS features with 6 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 5 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Feature Showdown
The Jeep Grand Cherokee features a 10.1-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee stands out with power tailgate that you will not find on the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Hyundai Kona Electric counters with wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Jeep Grand Cherokee uses a Petrol V6 Pentastar w/ ESS producing 210kW and 344Nm of torque, sent through a 8-speed automatic w/ paddle shifters to a 4WD layout.
The Hyundai Kona Electric responds with a Electric making 99kW and 255Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 99kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Jeep Grand Cherokee measures 4,914mm long on a 2,964mm wheelbase, 564mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Jeep Grand Cherokee generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 1067L in the Jeep Grand Cherokee and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Jeep Grand Cherokee a 706L advantage.
For towing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee leads with a 2,813kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 1,513kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m diameter
Good
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.
Warranty: 5 years / 100,000km (Jeep Grand Cherokee) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Jeep Grand Cherokee if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Jeep's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Jeep Grand Cherokee takes 3 of 5 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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