Volkswagen ID.4 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 Volkswagen ID.4 starts from $59,990 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 $5,990.
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 $65,989 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 Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Kona Electric hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 93% for the Volkswagen ID.4 and 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Volkswagen ID.4 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 6 in the Volkswagen ID.4 and 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric. The Volkswagen ID.4 adds a 360-degree camera that the Hyundai Kona Electric misses.
Feature Showdown
The Volkswagen ID.4 features a 12.9-inch touchscreen paired with a 5.3-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 Volkswagen ID.4 stands out with panoramic roof and power tailgate 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.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen ID.4 uses a Electric producing 210kW and 545Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.5 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 Volkswagen ID.4 has the clear power advantage at 210kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Volkswagen ID.4 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 77kWh (Volkswagen ID.4) vs 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric), giving WLTP ranges of 544km and 395km. DC fast charging peaks at 175kW (Volkswagen ID.4) vs 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric).
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen ID.4 measures 4,585mm long on a 2,766mm wheelbase, 235mm longer than the Hyundai Kona Electric at 4,350mm (2,660mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Volkswagen ID.4 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 543L in the Volkswagen ID.4 and 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric, giving the Volkswagen ID.4 a 182L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona Electric leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. 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 / 999,999km (Volkswagen ID.4) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen ID.4 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Volkswagen ID.4 takes 7 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Volkswagen ID.4 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, Volkswagen ID.4 and Hyundai Kona Electric?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $54,000 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen ID.4 by $5,990.
Which has the longest driving range?
The Volkswagen ID.4 has the most range at 542km (WLTP).
Which charges fastest?
The Volkswagen ID.4 accepts the highest DC charging at up to 175kW.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Volkswagen ID.4 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 Volkswagen ID.4 has the largest boot at 543L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona Electric has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Volkswagen ID.4 makes the most power at 210kW. The Volkswagen ID.4 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
Get ahead of your next car
Join free for new-car launches, news, reviews and buying guides. The independent take on what's new in Australia and what's actually worth buying, no dealer spin. Plus early access and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
By subscribing, you agree to receive marketing emails. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy.
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
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!
