Hyundai Kona vs Nissan Qashqai
What's the difference?

Hyundai Kona

$33,700 - $71,000

2026 price

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Nissan Qashqai

$33,888 - $59,990

2025 price

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Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Hyundai Kona

2025 Nissan Qashqai

By James Cleary

By Emily Agar

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.6L

Turbo 3, 1.5L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

3.9L/100km (combined)

4.8L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Fuel efficiency
Space & practicality
Value

Sharply styled inside and out
Buttery on-road handling
Efficiency

Dislikes

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

Synthetic leather isn't great
Expensive compared to rivals
Missing a few features

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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2025 Nissan Qashqai Summary

The Nissan Qashqai has had a mid-life facelift which sees the line-up reshuffled, some new technology fitted to the lower grades and a new flagship variant, the N-Design e-Power.

The new top-grade hybrid is being put through its paces this week with my family of three to see if it ticks the boxes when it comes to efficiency and practicality.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Kona 2025 Nissan Qashqai

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 facelifted Nissan Qashqai N-Design e-Power is a well-rounded package. It offers comfort, style and decent efficiency. The on-road experience will be the winning factor as it’s sure-footed and easy going to drive. You’ll have the best of both worlds in the city with the hybrid powertrain and small SUV size, which makes this a winner in my books.

Hyundai Kona vs Nissan Qashqai What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Kona vs Nissan Qashqai
What's the difference?