Hyundai Kona Electric vs Leapmotor C10
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 Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the Leapmotor C10 opens at $43,888. That makes the Hyundai Kona Electric the more affordable entry point by $3,388.
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 $44,550 and $48,277 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 Hyundai Kona Electric and Leapmotor C10 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona Electric and 89% for the Leapmotor C10.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Leapmotor C10 packs more ADAS features with 8 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 Hyundai Kona Electric and 7 in the Leapmotor C10.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Leapmotor C10 gets a 14.6-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with heated front seats that you will not find on the Leapmotor C10. The Leapmotor C10 counters with panoramic roof and power tailgate. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The Leapmotor C10 responds with a Petrol making 160kW and 320Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.5 seconds.
The Leapmotor C10 has the clear power advantage at 160kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Leapmotor C10 is 1.4s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Battery: 48.4kWh (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 28.4kWh (Leapmotor C10), giving WLTP ranges of 395km and 145km. DC fast charging peaks at 75kW (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 65kW (Leapmotor C10).
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 389mm shorter than the Leapmotor C10 at 4,739mm (2,825mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Leapmotor C10 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 546L in the Leapmotor C10, giving the Leapmotor C10 a 185L advantage.
For towing, the Leapmotor C10 leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. 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 11.4m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 11.4m 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 (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 6 years / 150,000km (Leapmotor C10). The Leapmotor C10 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona Electric if: You want the lower entry price, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Leapmotor C10 if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, need stronger towing, or prefer Leapmotor's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Leapmotor C10 takes 6 of 10 key spec categories. If boot space matters, the Leapmotor C10 has a clear edge. The Leapmotor C10 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Kona Electric and Leapmotor C10?
The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheapest at $40,500 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Leapmotor C10 by $3,388.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Leapmotor C10 uses the least fuel at 0.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — Hyundai Kona Electric and Leapmotor C10 all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which has the most boot space?
The Leapmotor C10 has the largest boot at 546L.
Which can tow the most?
The Leapmotor C10 has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,500kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Leapmotor C10 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The Leapmotor C10 makes the most power at 160kW. The Leapmotor C10 is quickest to 100km/h in 8.5s.
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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