smart #1 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 smart #1 starts from $54,900 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 $900.
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 $60,390 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 smart #1 and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 96% for the smart #1 and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The smart #1 packs more ADAS features with 9 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 smart #1 and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric. The smart #1 adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Kona Electric misses.
Feature Showdown
The smart #1 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 9.2-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 smart #1 stands out with power tailgate, Beats audio and ambient lighting 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 smart #1 gets leather upholstery while the Hyundai Kona Electric offers cloth.
Drivetrain
The smart #1 uses a Electric producing 200kW and 343Nm of torque, sent through a single-speed automatic to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.7 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 smart #1 has the clear power advantage at 200kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the smart #1 is 3.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 66kWh (smart #1) vs 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 420km and 395km. DC fast charging peaks at 150kW (smart #1) vs 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Space & Comfort
The smart #1 measures 4,270mm long on a 2,750mm wheelbase, 80mm shorter than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the smart #1 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 203L in the smart #1 and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 158L advantage.
For towing, the smart #1 leads with a 1,600kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 300kg 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 11.1m
Based on 11.1m 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 / 150,000km (smart #1) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the smart #1 if: You prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer smart's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The smart #1 takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. 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, smart #1 and Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $54,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the smart #1 by $900.
Which has the longest driving range?
The smart #1 has the most range at 420km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The smart #1 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 150kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — smart #1 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 smart #1 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,600kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The smart #1 makes the most power at 200kW. The smart #1 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.7s.
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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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