Hyundai Kona vs Jaguar E-Pace
What's the difference?

Hyundai Kona

$33,700 - $71,000

2026 price

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Jaguar E-Pace

$23,999 - $40,888

2020 price

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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

2020 Jaguar E-Pace

By James Cleary

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.6L

Diesel Turbo 4, 2.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Diesel

Fuel Efficiency

3.9L/100km (combined)

6.0L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Fuel efficiency
Space & practicality
Value

Value
Practicality
Safety

Dislikes

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

Relative thirst
So-so warranty
Steering’s modest road feel

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.

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2020 Jaguar E-Pace Summary

Jaguar raised more than a few eyebrows in 2016 when it entered the rapidly expanding world of premium SUVs with the mid-size F-Pace. And the product development boffins at Coventry HQ liked it so much they cooked up another one.

The compact E-Pace (and subsequent electric I-Pace) has re-positioned the brand from luxury sedans, wagons, and performance sports cars, to all that with SUVs now leading the brand and product charge.

The F-Pace is a beautifully composed five-seater. Does this smaller E-Pace package deliver even more good things?

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Kona 2020 Jaguar E-Pace

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 Jaguar E-Pace Chequered Flag P250 is a compact, polished premium SUV package. Good value, super safe and spacious, it combines brilliant practicality with comfort and healthy performance. It’s a little thirsty, there are some relatively minor dynamic niggles, and Jaguar’s ownership package needs to lift its game. But for those who don’t have a lot of room to spare, yet don’t want to skimp on the luxury experience, it’s a compelling option in a highly competitive category.

Hyundai Kona vs Jaguar E-Pace What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Kona vs Jaguar E-Pace
What's the difference?