Kia Stonic vs. Hyundai Kona | Wagonex Car Review Comparison

If you’re after a family car that strikes a balance between space and size, stick around as we compare two compact SUVs — the Hyundai Kona and the Kia Stonic.

At Wagonex, we were previously an all-inclusive car subscription provider, meaning we understand the pros and cons of the models. That’s why we’re uniquely positioned to help you decide which of these two cars suits your lifestyle best.

There are a fair amount of similarities across these two cars. Hyundai and Kia are sister companies, so there is a lot of crossover here. Both cars boast similar interiors, including rear parking sensors and, on some models, rear parking cameras, as well as high-quality infotainment systems with quick response times, and Bluetooth connectivity as standard. 

What’s better to drive?

It’s once you get behind the wheel that these two really start to show their personalities. Although the Hyundai Kona electric model offers a quiet and smooth performance, the suspension does not offer the most comfortable of rides. Unless you’re driving on perfectly smooth roads, you may feel rather shaken after driving the Kona. Around town, it’s perfectly pleasant; out in the countryside, though, you may wish for something a bit more forgiving.

The Stonic, meanwhile, is much more comfortable – though still prone to sending shudders up the spine on rougher roads. Neither car is built for speed as both hit 0–60 in around ten seconds, but that’s more than enough for your city runs and motorway commutes. They’re both well-suited for inner-city or motorway driving: the petrol engine on the hybrid model of the Kona provides stronger performance on longer journeys, while the Stonic’s gearbox allows for an easy transition to higher speeds.

What car has more space? 

In terms of space, taller people will suffer from a lack of legroom in the back seats of either car, and three adults if they try to share the back may feel crammed. Boot space isn’t much to shout about either. A weekly shop will fit in nicely, as will a couple of suitcases for your family getaway, but that’s about it unless you fold the back seats down.

Who wins…The Kia Stonic or the Hyundai Kona? 

Before you get the wrong impression, both are great cars overall. They don’t differ radically, and would be suited for small families or younger drivers living in towns and cities. Both cars are very reliable in safety terms, offering automatic emergency braking and lane assist technology, but the Stonic wins here with Kia’s seven-year warranty. 

The Kona just edges the budget-friendly award, though it is more expensive up-front, with average lease prices slightly higher than the Stonic. That said, both the hybrid and electric models are easy on your running costs — and the electric one even comes with a road tax bill of precisely nothing.

Ultimately, because there isn’t much difference between the two, choosing one or the other may well come down to brand loyalty or your personal preference. But if you’re looking for a more affordable way to drive either car, you can try our subscription service. With just one monthly payment, you can enjoy driving either the Kona or the Stonic for a minimum of a month, up to a maximum of two years. 

Here are some similar cars: 

• Kia e-niro
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Suzuki Vitara
• Peugeot 5008
• Nissan Qashqai

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