Hyundai Kona vs Audi Q5
What's the difference?

Hyundai Kona

$33,700 - $71,000

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Audi Q5

$82,500 - $100,400

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Land Rover Discovery Sport

Mercedes-Benz EQ-Class

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Mercedes-Benz G63

Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Mini 3D Hatch

Mini Countryman

Mitsubishi ASX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Summary

2026 Hyundai Kona

2026 Audi Q5

By James Cleary

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.6L

Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

3.9L/100km (combined)

5.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Fuel efficiency
Space & practicality
Value

Interior glow-up is gorgeous
Comfortable ride with well-tuned suspension
Strong standard tech and safety features

Dislikes

Annoying over-speed warning
Service pricing
Look won’t please everyone

Still manages to remind you its a base-grade
Rear seat & boot space on smaller side
Steering assist tends to overcorrect

2026 Hyundai Kona Summary

The Hyundai Kona is the Korean car giant’s best-selling model in Australia, by a reasonably comfortable margin. And in 2025 it managed to battle its way to the top of the ludicrously competitive ‘Small SUV under $45K’ new-vehicle sales category.

Chery’s breakthrough Tiggo 4 Pro, GWM’s Haval Jolion, the MG ZS and close to 20 other well-credited segment rivals can all dream on because currently the Kona has their measure.

So, what’s all that about? Why are so many Aussie SUV buyers choosing to put a Kona in the driveway?

In an attempt to answer that question we slotted a Kona Hybrid into the CarsGuide garage, in this case a new mid-spec Elite version, to explore its relative strengths and weaknesses.

So, if you’re in the market for a compact SUV, with the Kona on your shortlist (and odds are it already is) stay with us for a detailed examination.

View full pricing & specs

2026 Audi Q5 Summary

Audi’s latest Q5 Sportback brings mild-hybrid power, updated underpinnings, more technology and a genuinely impressive interior glow-up.

It’s clearly aimed at buyers drawn to a more athletic take on the mid-size SUV, where style plays a bigger role than outright practicality. We're testing the base petrol spec to see how it sits alongside the BMW X4 xDrive20i, Genesis GV70 2.5T and Mercedes-Benz GLC300 Coupe.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Kona 2026 Audi Q5

Verdict

It’s easy to see why the Hyundai Kona leads the Aussie small SUV category, with this hybrid version enhancing the car’s abilities in key areas. Sharply priced and well-specified, comfortable and practical with a hugely efficient powertrain as well as refined dynamic performance. It’s a compelling package.

Verdict

The updated Audi Q5 Sportback TFSI is a strong example of a luxury base-grade SUV, ticking most of the boxes in styling, comfort and features. It may not always outperform its rivals on paper, but it delivers where it counts, offering a refined, practical and engaging package that will satisfy.

Hyundai Kona vs Audi Q5 What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Kona vs Audi Q5
What's the difference?