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The Hyundai Kona was crowned the Best Small SUV under $50K for its cabin space, ride comfort, great handling, and comprehensive list of standard features.
The Hyundai Kona has been a major success for the brand, ranking as its second-best seller last year and already showing strong performance this year with 1889 Konas sold in February 2025, storming ahead of the normally segment-leading MG ZS of which 1720 were shifted.
Like what you see? Here's everything you need to know to buy the Hyundai Kona that is right for you!
How much is the Hyundai Kona?
There are 13 variants in total of the Hyundai Kona – 10 of which are petrol or hybrid-powered, and three fully electric.
The range starts at $32,000 for the 2.0-litre petrol front-wheel-drive Kona. At the top of the line-up, the Kona Electric Premium Extended Range has a price tag of $68,000. Both prices exclude on-road costs.
All petrol and hybrid variants were eligible for this category's price cap, but the three electric models are over the $50K mark, and were therefore out of the running.
The entry-level Hyundai Kona comes with features such as LED daytime-running lights and tail-lights, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio, over-the-air updates, a rear-view camera, keyless (proximity-key) entry and start, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, door exit warning, and a tyre pressure monitor, to name a few.
The Hyundai Kona is supported by Hyundai's five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
What colours is it available in?
There's an extensive range of colours available for the quirky SUV. For Base and Premium models you can choose between Abyss Black, Denim Blue, Mirage Green, Ecotronic Grey, Ultimate Red, and Atlas White.
The N badge brings some more playful colour options, including Cyber Grey Metallic, Ultimate Red, Soultronic Orange, and Neoteric Yellow, along with classic black and white options.
Which variant do we recommend?
The Drive judges recommend the Hyundai Kona Hybrid Premium, which starts at $43,500 plus on-roads. This model combines a 1.6-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine (77kW/144Nm) with a small 32kW electric motor, 1.32kWh battery pack, front-wheel drive and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
With plenty of change in your pocket, we recommend adding a few options, including a sunroof for $1500, the sage green interior for $295, tailored carpet floor mats for $170, roof racks for $400, a three-year service pack for $1377, and finishing it in the Abyss Black paint that costs another $595.
That brings the total to $47,837 before on-roads.
What is the best deal on a Hyundai Kona?
There are currently 165 Hyundai dealers across Australia.
Stock levels are healthy across the country for its SUV hybrid models. Hyundai has told Drive that current and new orders can be fulfilled within three months.
Hyundai currently has a bonus offer (until March 31) on several Kona variants, including the Hybrid Premium. This is a $500 plate clearance bonus for 2024 models, available at participating Hyundai dealers for new stock and demonstrator vehicles built and compliance-dated in 2024. The bonus is applied as a deduction from the drive-away price.
You can find plenty of new and used Hyundai vehicles available now from dealers around Australia on Drive Marketplace.
Emma has been on our television screens for over a decade. Most of her time in the industry has been spent at racetracks reporting at major motorsport events in Australia - from TCR and Superbikes to Porsche Sprint Challenge and Supercars. Emma has also hosted various MotoGP and F1 events interviewing the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Jack Miller. Having previously presented on an automotive show, she made her move to the Drive family in 2020. Fiercely proud of her Italian heritage, Emma is a coffee loving, stylish-black wearing resident of Melbourne.
