Toyota HiLux vs Hyundai Kona

The Toyota HiLux starts from $33,990 before on-road costs, while the Hyundai Kona opens at $33,700. That makes the Hyundai Kona the more affordable entry point by $290.

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 $37,389 and $37,070 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs favour the Hyundai Kona by roughly $1,000 in fuel alone.

The Toyota HiLux holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Kona. Adult occupant protection scored 84% for the Toyota HiLux and 80% for the Hyundai Kona.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 6 of 10 key ADAS systems on the Toyota HiLux, against 4 on the Hyundai Kona.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 8 in the Toyota HiLux and 7 in the Hyundai Kona.

The Toyota HiLux features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, 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 Toyota HiLux 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.

Interior trim differs: the Toyota HiLux gets cloth upholstery while the Hyundai Kona offers synthetic leather.

The Toyota HiLux uses a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel producing 150kW and 420Nm of torque, sent through a manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 10.2 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 Toyota HiLux has the clear power advantage at 150kW vs 110kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Hyundai Kona is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Toyota HiLux measures 5,380mm long on a 3,085mm wheelbase, 1030mm longer than the Hyundai Kona at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Toyota HiLux generally means more rear legroom.

For towing, the Toyota HiLux leads with a 2,900kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 1,600kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux and $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona. That is a $200 annual difference in favour of the Hyundai Kona.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona). Both match on warranty length.