We’re not covering off the entire price list of each of these models, nor every single variant in each range.
Instead, we’re looking at the two flagship versions of each - the Hyundai Kona Highlander and the Nissan Juke Ti.
There’s a complicating factor. The cost of the Highlander we’ve got isn’t quite as high as the top-top-top AWD turbo model. Instead, we went for the one closest to the Juke on price, which is the 2WD 2.0-litre auto, and it has a list price of $36,660. Note - that cost is the MSRP or RRP, and doesn’t include rego and on-road costs. For reference, drive-away you’d be looking at $41,075.
The Juke Ti is fitted with the only powertrain option available - a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol 2WD with dual-clutch auto. Despite its high-tech powertrain, the Juke Ti has a lower list price of $36,490 MSRP. And if you want to know the drive-away deal? You’ll fit it as specified here for $39,490 on the road.
Advantage Nissan, then. What about when it comes to standard equipment inclusions? Here’s a table to make it easy to break down what’s included across these two cars.
Kona Highlander 2WD | Juke Ti 2WD | |
Sat nav with live traffic | Y | Y |
Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | Y | Y |
Touch screen size | 8.0-inch | 8.0-inch |
USB ports | 2 front | 1 front, 1 rear |
Radio | AM/FM/DAB | AM/FM |
CD player | N | N |
Sound system speakers | 8 | 8 |
Wireless phone charging (Qi) | Y | N |
On media inclusions, the Kona is just ahead, with wireless phone charging and DAB radio helping push it ahead. The sound systems both have the same number of speakers but Nissan's system includes front-seat headrest speakers which are excellent.
What about other interior elements?
Kona Highlander 2WD | Juke Ti 2WD | |
Sunroof | Y | N/A |
Interior trim | Leather appointed | Leather appointed, Alcantara |
Front seat adjustment | Electric | Manual |
Leather steering wheel | Y | Y |
Heated front seats | Y | Y |
Cooled front seats | Y | N |
Heated steering wheel | Y | N |
Air conditioning | Single zone climate control | Single zone climate control |
Directional rear air vents | N | N |
Keyless entry / smart key | Y | Y |
Push button start | Y | Y |
Cruise control | Adaptive | Adaptive |
So the Hyundai has a better arrangement if you value electric seat adjustment, and the driver gets the added benefit of a heated steering wheel which - trust me - is heaven-sent on cold winter mornings.
The Juke’s material quality and presentation is a touch more luxurious, though, with its quilted stitching and Alcantara trim really lifting the cabin to a different level.
Okay, so what about some other spec differentiators?
Kona Highlander 2WD | Juke Ti 2WD | |
Alloy wheels | 18-inch | 19-inch |
Tyres | Hankook Ventus Prime3 235/45/18 | Goodyear Eagle F1 225/45/19 |
Spare wheel | Space saver | Space saver |
Roof rails | Y | N |
LED headlights | Y | Y |
LED daytime running lights | Y | Y |
Fog lights | Halogen | LED |
Auto headlights | Y | Y |
Auto high-beam lights | N | Y |
Auto rain sensing wipers | Y | Y |
Auto dimming rear view mirror | Y | Y |
All told, these two are close on standard equipment when you consider the price differences and spec inclusions. It's close, but you get a bit more gear for your money in the Kona Highlander.
Hyundai Kona Highlander 2WD | 8/10 |
Nissan Juke Ti 2WD | 7/10 |