Browse over 9,000 car reviews

2020 Hyundai Kona vs Kia Sportage

What's the difference?

VS
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Kona

$13,999 - $33,890

2020 price

Kia Sportage
Kia Sportage

$11,850 - $35,990

2020 price

Summary

2020 Hyundai Kona
2020 Kia Sportage
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Inline 4, 2.0L

Inline 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
Unleaded Petrol

Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency
7.2L/100km (combined)

7.9L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Tight rear-seat and cargo space packaging
  • Firm and bouncy ride at times
  • Starting to look a bit old and tired

  • Big jump in price from SX
  • Rivals offer AWD cheaper
  • Lacklustre petrol engine
2020 Hyundai Kona Summary

The demise of the old Accent in 2019 left us with very few disappointing Hyundais – with the previous (2017-2021) Kona being one of them.

A busy ride, lots of noise and cheap bits inside made the divisively designed crossover feel way less than the sum of its parts, which happened to be based on the competent i30 hatchback. Despite striking styling, something certainly was lost in translation from small car to small SUV.

Now, 2021 ushers in a substantially changed Kona, brandishing a restyled snout, revised interior and platform modifications. Predictably, prices rise, by almost 10 per cent on the lowest grade. Additionally, it now costs upwards of $9000 to obtain the technically superior turbo/all-wheel drive with independent rear suspension upgrade, since this specification is now only available in the (admittedly highly-equipped) sporty N-Line, instead of being a circa-$3000 option across the range as previously. Yes, today’s Kona line-up is now simplified.

We assess the costliest (non-electric) front-drive version, the Highlander 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated model from $38,000 before on-road costs (representing a modest $1340 jump), because this was the Kona that felt most out if its depth in the old model.

Have the 2021 changes gone far enough? Is Hyundai’s popular small SUV now something worth saving up for? Read on to find out…

View full pricing & specs
2020 Kia Sportage Summary

Okay, so you’re looking for a mid-size SUV.

I feel bad for you, because there are so many options. A lot of them are very good. Kia’s Sportage is one of them.

It’s been around for a little while, drawing people in with its seven-year warranty promise and interesting looks. Given it was recently updated for the 2020 model year, you’re probably reading this review to find out if it's still worthy of your consideration.

So, in an environment of ever-evolving rivals, has Kia done enough to keep the Sportage competitive? We took an SX Plus for a week to find out.

View full pricing & specs
Interested in a Kia Sportage?

Deep dive comparison

2020 Hyundai Kona 2020 Kia Sportage

Change vehicle

hyundai

Hyundai Australia

Register your details below, and we'll be in touch with you shortly.

Additional Details (optional)

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply
Terms and Conditions for Hyundai Australia By submitting this form I consent to Hyundai Australia and my local Hyundai Dealer to contact me for marketing or other general matters in relation to product information according to the Hyundai Privacy Policy and Privacy Collection Notice.