Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV vs Hyundai Kona Electric
Two electric SUVs go head to head. Which EV is the better buy for Australian drivers in 2026?
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.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV
From $43,490
SUV
Petrol
96kW
1.6 kWh/100km
5★ ANCAP
409L
Hyundai Kona Electric
From $40,500
SUV
Electric
99kW
—
5★ ANCAP
361L
Price Breakdown
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV starts from $43,490 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 $2,990.
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 $47,839 and $44,550 respectively.
Both models qualify for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) exemption, which is a significant advantage for salary-sacrificed novated leases. Depending on your tax bracket, this can save $5,000-$15,000+ per year compared to an equivalent ICE vehicle.
Safety Rundown
Both the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 97% for the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Feature Showdown
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Hyundai Kona Electric counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV uses a Petrol producing 96kW and 195Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds.
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 Hyundai Kona Electric has the clear power advantage at 99kW vs 96kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV is 0.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 13.8kWh (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 55km and 395km. DC fast charging peaks at 50kW (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Space & Comfort
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV measures 4,545mm long on a 2,670mm wheelbase, 195mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 409L in the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV a 48L advantage.
For towing, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
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: 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV if: You need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Mitsubishi's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV and Hyundai Kona Electric trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. If boot space matters, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV has a clear edge. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross PHEV adds peace of mind with a longer 10-year warranty. 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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