Volkswagen T-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.
Data checked: specs 7 Sep 2026, price 7 Oct 2026
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Price Breakdown
The Volkswagen T-Cross 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 favour the Volkswagen T-Cross by roughly $1,425 in fuel alone.
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
Volkswagen T-Cross
- REC-006631 · published 18 Jun 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: 2024 - 2025
- REC-005623 · published 21 Feb 2023Due to a software fault, the visual and acoustic seat belt warning system may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2021
- REC-004991 · published 4 Nov 2021The seatbelt warning (acoustic warning tone and visual display) may occasionally operate rather than continuously, in circumstances such as a seatbelt not fastened or unfastened while the vehicle is moving.Year range on the notice: 2020 - 2021
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 Volkswagen T-Cross features a 8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-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 Volkswagen T-Cross stands out with wireless charging — features our data doesn't list for the Hyundai Kona. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Volkswagen T-Cross gets cloth upholstery while the Hyundai Kona offers synthetic leather.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses a Petrol producing 85kW and 200Nm of torque, sent through a auto to a FWD 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 Hyundai Kona has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 85kW. 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.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen T-Cross measures 4,108mm long on a 2,563mm wheelbase, 242mm 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 385L in the Volkswagen T-Cross and 361L in the Hyundai Kona, giving the Volkswagen T-Cross a 24L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,100kg. That 200kg 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 10.6m
Based on 10.6m 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 $1,596/year for the Volkswagen T-Cross and $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona. That is a $285 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen T-Cross.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Volkswagen T-Cross) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen T-Cross if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen'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
Hyundai Kona: Top CarSorted Score, 63 vs 60
The Hyundai Kona comes out ahead on the CarSorted Score (63 vs 60), taking 4 of 6 key spec rows below and coming in at a lower price. The deciding gaps: safety (Hyundai Kona ahead by 19), fuel economy (Volkswagen T-Cross ahead by 9), technology (Volkswagen T-Cross ahead by 6). The Volkswagen T-Cross will save you roughly $285 a year in fuel. 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, Volkswagen T-Cross and Hyundai Kona?
The Hyundai Kona is the cheapest at $33,950 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Volkswagen T-Cross by $1,040.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen T-Cross uses the least fuel at 5.6L/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 Volkswagen T-Cross, so there is nothing to compare on crash performance. Compare the active-safety features above instead.
Which has the most boot space?
The Volkswagen T-Cross has the largest boot at 385L with the seats up (1,281L with the seats folded).
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Kona makes the most power at 110kW. The Hyundai Kona is quickest to 100km/h in 9.9s.
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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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