Toyota Corolla Cross 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.
Price Breakdown
The Toyota Corolla Cross starts from $33,490 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona opens at $32,500. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $990.
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 $36,839 and $35,750 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Toyota Corolla Cross by roughly $2,990 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 85% for the Toyota Corolla Cross and 80% for the Hyundai Kona.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Toyota Corolla Cross packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Hyundai Kona.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Toyota Corolla Cross and 7 in the Hyundai Kona.
Feature Showdown
The Toyota Corolla Cross features a 8-inch touchscreen, while the Hyundai Kona gets a 12.3-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Toyota Corolla Cross 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.
Drivetrain
The Toyota Corolla Cross uses a Petrol producing 90kW and 163Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.4 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.
The Hyundai Kona has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 90kW. In the real-world sprint, the Toyota Corolla Cross is 0.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Toyota Corolla Cross measures 4,460mm long on a 2,640mm wheelbase, 110mm longer 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 487L in the Toyota Corolla Cross and 361L in the Hyundai Kona, giving the Toyota Corolla Cross a 126L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona 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.
10.6m to 10.8m
Based on 10.8m 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
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,283/year for the Toyota Corolla Cross and $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona. That is a $598 annual difference in favour of the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Estimated annual total: $1,283 (Toyota Corolla Cross) vs $1,881 (Hyundai Kona). The Toyota Corolla Cross saves you roughly $598 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota Corolla Cross) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Toyota Corolla Cross if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Toyota Corolla Cross will save you roughly $598 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Toyota Corolla Cross has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
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.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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