Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail starts from $37,750 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona Electric opens at $40,500. That makes the Nissan X-Trail the more affordable entry point by $2,750.
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 $41,525 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 Nissan X-Trail, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Nissan X-Trail and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 91% for the Nissan X-Trail and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Nissan X-Trail 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 7 in the Nissan X-Trail and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Feature Showdown
The Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail 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 Nissan X-Trail lines up producing 135kW and 244Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8 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 X-Trail has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Nissan X-Trail is 1.9s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Nissan X-Trail measures 4,680mm long on a 2,705mm wheelbase, 330mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Nissan X-Trail generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 205L in the Nissan X-Trail and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 156L advantage.
For towing, the Nissan X-Trail 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 / 300,000km (Nissan X-Trail) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Nissan X-Trail if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Nissan's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Nissan X-Trail takes 4 of 5 key spec categories and comes in at a lower price. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Kona Electric 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 X-Trail and Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Nissan X-Trail is the cheapest at $37,750 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona Electric by $2,750.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Nissan X-Trail uses the least fuel at 7.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Nissan X-Trail 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 Hyundai Kona Electric has the largest boot at 361L.
Which can tow the most?
The Nissan X-Trail has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Nissan X-Trail makes the most power at 135kW. The Nissan X-Trail is quickest to 100km/h in 8s.
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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