Toyota C-HR 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 Toyota C-HR starts from $38,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona Electric opens at $40,500. That makes the Toyota C-HR the more affordable entry point by $1,510.
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 $42,889 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 Toyota C-HR, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Toyota C-HR and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota C-HR 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 Toyota C-HR and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota C-HR features a 10.5-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Kona Electric gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric counters with wireless charging and heated front seats that the Toyota C-HR does not offer. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Toyota C-HR uses a Petrol producing 112kW and 188Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 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 Toyota C-HR has the clear power advantage at 112kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota C-HR is 1.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota C-HR measures 4,360mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 10mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona Electric generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 318L in the Toyota C-HR and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 43L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona Electric leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,200kg. That 100kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.4m to 10.6m
Based on 10.4m 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
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 (Toyota C-HR) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota C-HR if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Kona Electric trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. 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, Toyota C-HR and Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Toyota C-HR is the cheapest at $38,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona Electric by $1,510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Toyota C-HR uses the least fuel at 4.7L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Toyota C-HR 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 Hyundai Kona Electric has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Toyota C-HR makes the most power at 112kW. The Toyota C-HR is quickest to 100km/h in 8.2s.
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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