Hyundai Kona vs Renault Duster
What's the difference?

Hyundai Kona

$33,700 - $71,000

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Renault Duster

$31,990 - $37,990

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Hyundai Kona

2026 Renault Duster

By James Cleary

By Marcus Craft

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.6L

Turbo 3, 1.2L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded/Electric

Fuel Efficiency

3.9L/100km (combined)

5.7L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Fuel efficiency
Space & practicality
Value

Price-tag
Fun to drive
Off-road capability

Dislikes

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

Needs better tyres
Needs more ground clearance
Might be too spartan for some

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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2026 Renault Duster Summary

The Dacia Duster, a well-liked small SUV in Europe, has been available in overseas markets for about 15 years and it’s now here, albeit rebadged as the Renault Duster.

At a time when people increasingly want to escape the modern-day rat race, vehicles such as the Duster offer a family- and budget-friendly way of achieving just that.

A new small 4x4 that actually might be somewhat capable off-road and with a manual gearbox? How refreshing.

But is the Duster a legitimate rival for something like the Suzuki Jimny?

Read on.

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Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Kona 2026 Renault Duster

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 Renault Duster 4x4 Evolution (manual) is a driver’s car. Lots of fun for day-to-day duties and a real visceral experience if you like to have a few laughs on loose-dirt and gravel tracks. And it’s adequately capable for off-roading adventures. It also has more than its fair share of cheeky charm.

Obviously it’s not anywhere near the most capable off-road vehicle available. That’s not what it’s intended to be. But it’s one of the most fun to drive on- and off-road.

And for $36,490 (excluding on-road costs), you’ll still have cash enough for a set of all-terrain tyres and some accessories.

Hyundai Kona vs Renault Duster What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Kona vs Renault Duster
What's the difference?