Nissan ARIYA 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.
Price Breakdown
The Nissan ARIYA starts from $55,840 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona Electric opens at $54,000. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $1,840.
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 $61,424 and $59,400 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 Nissan ARIYA and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 86% for the Nissan ARIYA and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan ARIYA packs more ADAS features with 7 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 7 in the Nissan ARIYA and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Nissan ARIYA adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Kona Electric misses.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan ARIYA features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display and 12.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Nissan ARIYA stands out with head-up display and power tailgate that you will not find on the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Hyundai Kona Electric counters with V2L. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Nissan ARIYA gets nappa leather upholstery while the Hyundai Kona Electric offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The Nissan ARIYA uses a Electric producing 160kW and 300Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.5 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 Nissan ARIYA has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan ARIYA is 2.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 63kWh (Nissan ARIYA) vs 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 385km and 395km. DC fast charging peaks at 130kW (Nissan ARIYA) vs 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Space & Comfort
The Nissan ARIYA measures 4,595mm long on a 2,775mm wheelbase, 245mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan ARIYA generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 466L in the Nissan ARIYA and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Nissan ARIYA a 105L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan ARIYA 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 11.0m
Based on 11.0m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m 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 / 999,999km (Nissan ARIYA) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan ARIYA if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan'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 Nissan ARIYA takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Nissan ARIYA 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, Nissan ARIYA and Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $54,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Nissan ARIYA by $1,840.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Nissan ARIYA has the most range at 403km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Nissan ARIYA accepts the highest DC charging at up to 130kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan ARIYA and Hyundai Kona Electric all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Nissan ARIYA has the largest boot at 466L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan ARIYA has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan ARIYA makes the most power at 160kW. The Nissan ARIYA is quickest to 100km/h in 7.5s.
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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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