As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity in Australia, many budget-conscious buyers are now asking: "Which affordable EV SUV should I choose?" The 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric and the 2025 MG ZS EV are two of the most talked-about contenders in the budget electric SUV space. Both offer impressive range, decent tech, and stylish looks at under $60K—but how do they stack up against each other?
This in-depth comparison breaks down everything you need to know—from pricing and performance to interior quality, real-world range, features, and ownership costs—to help you decide which one suits your lifestyle and budget.
🔌 Overview – What These EVs Represent
Hyundai Kona Electric 2025: Refined and Feature-Packed
The all-new 2025 Kona Electric marks a complete redesign from the previous generation. With futuristic styling, a larger footprint, and advanced driver assistance tech, Hyundai is aiming to make the Kona not just an EV, but a statement.
MG ZS EV 2025: Affordable Entry into EV World
MG’s ZS EV continues to shine as the most budget-friendly electric SUV in Australia. It gets modest upgrades for 2025 in infotainment, range, and quality refinement. It's pitched squarely at first-time EV buyers looking for value over flash.
💰 Price & Variants – Which One Offers Better Value?
| Model | Starting Price (Drive-Away est.) | Variants Available |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona Electric | $54,000 – $62,000 | Standard Range, Extended Range |
| MG ZS EV | $43,990 – $47,990 | Excite, Essence |
Winner: MG ZS EV
The MG ZS EV remains Australia’s cheapest electric SUV. It undercuts the Kona by at least $10,000, making it a serious contender for budget-conscious Aussies. However, the Kona does justify its premium with more tech and range options.
⚙️ Performance & Driving Experience
2025 Hyundai Kona Electric
- Standard Range: 99kW motor, 48.6kWh battery
- Extended Range: 150kW motor, 64.8kWh battery
- 0–100 km/h in ~7.8 seconds (Extended)
- Smooth acceleration, excellent regenerative braking
- Front-wheel drive
2025 MG ZS EV
- Single Configuration: 130kW motor, 50.3kWh battery
- 0–100 km/h in ~8.2 seconds
- Acceptable city performance
- Slight body roll on corners
Driving Verdict
The Kona Electric Extended Range delivers a more refined and confident driving experience, especially on highways and winding roads. It feels more composed and premium in its dynamics.
🔋 Real-World Range & Charging
| Model | WLTP Range | AC Charging Time (7kW) | DC Fast Charging (Max) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kona Electric Std | ~370 km | ~6h 20m | Up to 100kW |
| Kona Electric Ext | ~505 km | ~9h | Up to 100kW |
| MG ZS EV | ~320 km | ~8h | Up to 80kW |
Winner: Hyundai Kona Electric (Extended Range)
With over 500 km of claimed range and strong charging infrastructure support, Kona Electric leads the segment. The MG ZS EV offers reasonable figures for urban use but lags behind for road-trippers.
🛋 Interior Comfort and Features
Hyundai Kona Electric
- 12.3” dual screens (infotainment + digital cluster)
- Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Quality soft-touch materials
- More cabin space thanks to longer wheelbase
- Ambient lighting, heated/ventilated front seats (in higher trims)
MG ZS EV
- 10.1” infotainment screen
- Synthetic leather seats (Essence variant)
- Basic digital instrument display
- Good build quality but less premium than Kona
- Compact back seat legroom
Interior Verdict: Kona Electric
The Kona feels like a more modern and premium vehicle inside. The ZS EV, while serviceable, shows its price-point limitations in cabin quality and tech.
🧠 Tech & Safety Features
Shared Features
- Adaptive cruise control
- AEB with pedestrian & cyclist detection
- Lane keeping assist
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
Hyundai Kona Electric Additions
- Smart Parking Assist
- Digital Key 2.0 (use smartphone as key)
- Over-the-air updates
- Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability
MG ZS EV Additions
- 360-degree camera (Essence)
- MG Pilot ADAS suite (less advanced)
Tech Verdict: Kona Electric
Hyundai offers significantly more advanced driver tech, especially for daily commutes and long-distance driving. MG’s safety features are good for the price, but not as cutting-edge.
🧳 Boot Space & Practicality
| Model | Boot Space (Seats Up) | Seats Folded |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona Electric | 466 litres | ~1,300 L |
| MG ZS EV | 359 litres | ~1,180 L |
Kona wins again with more cargo capacity and rear-seat flexibility. Both models offer split-folding seats and reasonable loading height for groceries or luggage.
🛠 Ownership Costs & Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai Kona Electric | MG ZS EV |
|---|---|---|
| Warranty | 5-year/unlimited km | 7-year/unlimited km |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years/160,000 km | 8 years/160,000 km |
| Servicing | Annual or 15,000 km | Annual or 10,000 km |
| Estimated Servicing (5 years) | ~$1,000 | ~$800–900 |
Ownership Verdict: MG ZS EV
MG offers a longer general warranty and lower servicing costs. However, Hyundai offers more reliability confidence and a better service network in Australia.
🏁 Final Verdict – Which One Should You Buy?
Buy the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric If You Want:
✅ Longer range (especially Extended Range)
✅ Better technology and premium interior
✅ Smoother, more refined ride
✅ Larger boot and cabin space
✅ Stronger resale value
Buy the 2025 MG ZS EV If You Want:
✅ Lowest entry price into EV SUVs
✅ Great value for money
✅ Decent range for urban commuters
✅ Generous warranty coverage
✅ Lower servicing costs
🧠 Expert Tips for EV Buyers in 2025
- Check your home charging setup. The Kona supports higher DC charging speeds, but you’ll need a 7kW AC wall box for best efficiency.
- Factor in government rebates. Depending on your state, both models may be eligible for EV rebates and rego discounts.
- Test drive both. You’ll instantly notice the refinement gap between Kona and ZS EV.
- Consider long-term resale. Hyundai vehicles often retain value better than Chinese-branded alternatives in Australia.
📊 Specs Comparison Table
| Specification | Hyundai Kona Electric (Ext) | MG ZS EV Essence |
|---|---|---|
| Price (Drive-Away) | ~$62,000 | ~$47,990 |
| Battery Size | 64.8kWh | 50.3kWh |
| Range (WLTP) | 505 km | 320 km |
| Power Output | 150kW | 130kW |
| Torque | 255Nm | 280Nm |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.8 seconds | 8.2 seconds |
| Infotainment Screen | 12.3” | 10.1” |
| Boot Space | 466L | 359L |
| Safety Rating (ANCAP) | Expected 5-star | 5-star (2022 tested) |
🏆 Overall Winner: Hyundai Kona Electric (Extended Range)
While the MG ZS EV wins for pure affordability, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric offers more of everything: range, refinement, interior quality, tech, and driving dynamics. If your budget stretches beyond $55K, the Kona is a far better long-term investment.
However, for city-dwellers looking for their first EV and needing basic functionality at the lowest cost, the ZS EV is a smart pick with proven sales success.
Need more EV comparisons and buying tips? Explore our full electric SUV reviews at carscoop.com.au.
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