Hyundai Kona vs Volkswagen T-Cross
What's the difference?

Hyundai Kona

$33,700 - $71,000

2026 price

View pricing & specs

Volkswagen T-Cross

$22,450 - $40,990

2024 price

View pricing & specs

Chery Tiggo 8 PRO MAX

Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross

Renault Megane E-Tech

Renault Scenic E-Tech

Summary

2026 Hyundai Kona

2024 Volkswagen T-Cross

By James Cleary

By Laura Berry

Safety Rating

Engine Type

Inline 4, 1.6L

Turbo 3, 1.0L

Fuel Type

Unleaded Petrol/Electric

Premium Unleaded Petrol

Fuel Efficiency

3.9L/100km (combined)

5.6L/100km (combined)

Seating

Likes

Fuel efficiency
Space & practicality
Value

Lots of features for not much money
Easy and fun to drive
Spacious and practical for the class

Dislikes

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

A hybrid version is needed
Some rivals start at a lower price
Some turbo lag in stop-start traffic

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

2024 Volkswagen T-Cross Summary

The Volkswagen T-Cross is the smallest SUV in the brand’s entire range, but it’s incredibly practical, great to drive and has an excellent level of safety.

It’s just been updated with some new features and it’s probably more affordable than you think.

So if you are thinking of a Mazda CX-3 or a Toyota Yaris Cross, then put the T-Cross on your list to check out, too.

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2026 Hyundai Kona 2024 Volkswagen T-Cross

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

There are so many new little SUVs out there and it might be easy to think they’re all the same - a tiny cheap SUV is just a tiny cheap SUV. But I’m convinced the Volkswagen T-Cross isn’t like the others.

Yes, it’s tiny and relatively cheap, but it can do more than most of the others from the storage and space it offers to the value-for-money and its level of refinement. Then there’s the way it drives - which can’t in my books be matched by any of its rivals.

The sweet spot in the range is the entry grade Life. At $35K drive-away the value is best and with no difference in engines between the grades there are no huge reasons to step up higher in the range unless you have the money.

Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.

Hyundai Kona vs Volkswagen T-Cross What's the difference?

Summary

Deep dive comparison

Verdict

Verdict

Hyundai Kona vs Volkswagen T-Cross
What's the difference?