Nissan Qashqai vs Hyundai Kona

The Nissan Qashqai starts from $34,665 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona opens at $32,500. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $2,165.

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 $38,132 and $35,750 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

Both the Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Kona hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Nissan Qashqai and 80% for the Hyundai Kona.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 2 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Nissan Qashqai and 7 in the Hyundai Kona.

The Nissan Qashqai features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Kona gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Nissan Qashqai stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto that you will not find on the Hyundai Kona. The Hyundai Kona counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Nissan Qashqai uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.8 seconds.

The Hyundai Kona responds with a Petrol making 110kW and 180Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.9 seconds.

Power output is identical on paper, so the difference comes down to tuning, weight distribution, and suspension. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan Qashqai is 1.1s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Nissan Qashqai measures 4,425mm long on a 2,665mm wheelbase, 75mm longer than the Hyundai Kona at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan Qashqai generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 430L in the Nissan Qashqai and 361L in the Hyundai Kona, giving the Nissan Qashqai a 69L advantage.

For towing, the Nissan Qashqai leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 200kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the Nissan Qashqai and $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona. That is a $28 annual difference in favour of the Nissan Qashqai.

Estimated annual total: $1,853 (Nissan Qashqai) vs $1,881 (Hyundai Kona). The Nissan Qashqai saves you roughly $28 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.

Warranty: 5 years / 300,000km (Nissan Qashqai) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona). Both match on warranty length.