Suzuki Jimny XL vs Hyundai Kona
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.
Data checked: specs 7 Sep 2026, price 5 Oct 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Suzuki Jimny XL starts from $34,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona opens at $33,950. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $1,040.
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 $38,489 and $37,345 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Recalls on our record
Suzuki Jimny XL
None open on our record
Hyundai Kona
- REC-006734 · published 28 Sep 2026Rear centre seat belt buckle anchor below specificationYear range on the notice: 2025 - 2026
- REC-006589 · published 20 Apr 2026Due to a software issue, the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) may fail to illuminate the visual vehicle speed, fuel level and other critical safety information.Year range on the notice: 2025
- REC-005978 · published 6 Jun 2024The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve sensor may have been exposed to soldering flux contamination during manufacture.Year range on the notice: 2024
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
The Suzuki Jimny XL features a 9-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Kona gets a 12.3-inch display and 4.2-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Suzuki Jimny XL stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto — features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai Kona. The Hyundai Kona counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Suzuki Jimny XL uses a 1.5L four-cylinder (1462cc K15B, naturally aspirated) producing 75kW and 130Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a 4WD layout.
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.
The Hyundai Kona has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 75kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Suzuki Jimny XL measures 3,965mm long on a 2,590mm wheelbase, 385mm shorter than the Hyundai Kona at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 211L in the Suzuki Jimny XL and 361L in the Hyundai Kona, giving the Hyundai Kona a 150L advantage. The Hyundai Kona seats 5 vs 4.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 0kg 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 11.4m
Based on 11.4m 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
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the Suzuki Jimny XL and $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona. That is a $57 annual difference in favour of the Suzuki Jimny XL.
Warranty: 5 years (Suzuki Jimny XL) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Suzuki Jimny XL if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Suzuki's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
Hyundai Kona: Top CarSorted Score, 63 vs 54
The Hyundai Kona comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (63 vs 54), taking 3 of 4 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Hyundai Kona ahead by 32), practicality (Hyundai Kona ahead by 8), performance (Hyundai Kona ahead by 6). The Suzuki Jimny XL will save you roughly $57 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Kona has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
One enquiry, local dealers' best price on each. Free for you to use. If you buy, the dealer may pay us a commission.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Suzuki Jimny XL and Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona is the cheapest at $33,950 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Suzuki Jimny XL by $1,040.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Suzuki Jimny XL uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
Hyundai Kona holds a 4-star ANCAP rating. We have no published ANCAP rating for Suzuki Jimny XL, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona has the largest boot at 361L with the seats up.
Which can tow the most?
The Suzuki Jimny XL has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Kona makes the most power at 110kW.
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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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