Head-to-head
Hyundai Kona Electric vs Smart #1
Just $900 separates the Hyundai Kona Electric and Smart #1 on starting price, but the Hyundai Kona Electric goes 85 km further on a charge. Here's where the rest of the spec sheets pull apart.
Option A · SUV
Hyundai Kona Electric
The second-generation Kona Electric brings sharper styling, more efficient packaging and a choice of 48 kWh Standard Range or 65 kWh Extended Range batteries. Built in Europe rather than Korea for this generation.
- From
- $54,000
- Range
- 505 km
- Battery
- 65 kWh
Option B · SUV
Smart #1
Smart returned to Australia under Geely ownership — the #1 is a small electric SUV (despite the city-car Smart heritage). Built in Geely's Xi'an factory in China.
- From
- $54,900
- Range
- 420 km
- Battery
- 66 kWh
Key differences at a glance
The biggest material gaps between the Hyundai Kona Electric and Smart #1, ranked by how much they're likely to matter day-to-day.
- 1
Range · advantage Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric goes 85 km further on a charge (505 vs 420 km WLTP).
- 2
DC charging · advantage Smart #1
The Smart #1 accepts 45 kW more DC peak charging (150 vs 105 kW), meaning shorter road-trip stops.
- 3
Power · advantage Smart #1
The Smart #1 puts down 50 kW more (200 vs 150 kW).
- 4
Boot · advantage Hyundai Kona Electric
The Hyundai Kona Electric swallows 66 L more cargo with the rear seats up (466 vs 400 L).
- 5
0–100 km/h · advantage Smart #1
The Smart #1 is 0.9 s quicker to 100 km/h (6.7 s vs 7.6 s).
Spec for spec
Highlighted cells show the better number in each row.
Where the Hyundai Kona Electric wins
- ▸ Cheaper by $900
- ▸ 85 km longer WLTP range
Where the Smart #1 wins
- ▸ Quicker 0–100 km/h (6.7s vs 7.6s)
- ▸ Faster DC charging peak (150 kW vs 105 kW)
Hyundai Kona Electric
What we like
- ✓ Choice of battery sizes to match budget
- ✓ Strong real-world efficiency for the segment
- ✓ Native Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
What we don't
- ✕ 4-star ANCAP rating trails most rivals
- ✕ Rear seat space tight for the segment
- ✕ Pricing crept up over earlier generations
Smart #1
What we like
- ✓ Distinctive Smart-branded design
- ✓ Strong performance from the Pro+ RWD variant
- ✓ 150 kW DC charging keeps it road-trip viable
What we don't
- ✕ Smart dealer network is brand-new in Australia
- ✕ ANCAP not yet rated locally
- ✕ China origin (under Geely, not Daimler)
Frequently asked: Hyundai Kona Electric vs Smart #1
Quick answers to the questions cross-shoppers most often ask about this pair.
- Which is cheaper, the Hyundai Kona Electric or the Smart #1?
- The Hyundai Kona Electric is the cheaper of the two — it starts at $54,000 versus $54,900 for the Smart #1, a $900 difference. Prices shown are manufacturer recommended retail excluding on-road costs.
- Which has the longer driving range?
- The Hyundai Kona Electric has the longer WLTP-claimed range at 505 km, 85 km further than the Smart #1's 420 km. Real-world range typically lands 10–20% below the WLTP figure depending on speed, terrain, climate and load.
- Which one charges faster on a DC fast charger?
- The Smart #1 accepts a peak DC charging rate of 150 kW versus 105 kW for the Hyundai Kona Electric. Peak rate only holds for a short window during the charging curve, so real-world 10–80% times often diverge less than the peak numbers suggest. Compatibility with 350 kW chargers depends on the vehicle's onboard architecture, not just the published peak.
- Which is quicker off the line?
- The Smart #1 does 0–100 km/h in 6.7 seconds — 0.9 s quicker than the Hyundai Kona Electric's 7.6 s. EV acceleration figures hold up at speed better than equivalent petrol cars because electric motors deliver peak torque instantly.
Which one should you buy?
The short version, based on where each car pulls ahead.
Choose the
Hyundai Kona Electric
if…
- ✓ maximum range matters (85 km further per charge)
- ✓ you match the profile: couples
Verdict reasoning is derived from published specs; brand preference, dealer experience and how a car drives are personal — always take a test drive before deciding.