Hyundai Kona Wins Best Small SUV Under $60K – Available at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee
The Hyundai Kona has done it again — taking out Best Small SUV Under $60K at the Drive Car of the Year 2026 awards.
This marks three consecutive wins for the Kona in its category, making it the first Hyundai model to achieve a back-to-back-to-back victory at Drive Car of the Year.
For drivers across Sutherland Shire searching for a small SUV in Kirrawee, Miranda, Caringbah or Cronulla, this award confirms the Hyundai Kona remains one of the smartest buys in the segment.
You can experience it today at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee.
Drive Car of the Year 2026 Winner
The small SUV segment is one of the most competitive in Australia, with petrol, hybrid and electric rivals constantly raising the bar.
In 2026, the award price cap increased to $60,000 before on-road costs, allowing stronger competition including:
- Nissan Qashqai (including e-Power hybrid)
- All-new Kia EV3
Despite the added competition, the Hyundai Kona once again stood above its rivals — praised for space, technology, efficiency and everyday usability.
Hyundai Kona Key Highlights
- Priced from $33,700 + on-road costs
- Available in petrol, turbo-petrol and hybrid variants
- Hybrid fuel consumption from just 3.9L/100km (claimed)
- 12.3-inch touchscreen (standard across the range)
- Spacious cabin with generous boot capacity
- Five-year unlimited kilometre warranty (extendable to seven years with Hyundai servicing)
Drive’s pick of the range was the Kona Hybrid Premium N Line, priced from $48,950 + ORCs.
Why the Hyundai Kona Won
According to Drive’s judges, the Kona continues to lead the segment thanks to:
✔ Spacious & Practical Interior
The Kona makes excellent use of its compact footprint, comfortably accommodating adults in both rows while offering a generous boot and plenty of clever storage spaces.
✔ Hybrid Efficiency
The 1.6-litre petrol hybrid system delivers responsive city performance with outstanding fuel economy from just 3.9L/100km (claimed), making it ideal for daily commuting across Sutherland Shire.
✔ Comfortable & Quiet Ride
Controlled suspension and light steering make it easy around town, while highway driving remains quiet and composed.
✔ Technology Leader
Every Kona features a bright 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus physical controls for commonly used functions.
Even base models include:
- LED headlights
- Dual-zone climate control
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keep and lane-centring assist
- Front and rear parking sensors with rear camera
The Kona remains one of the most comprehensively equipped small SUVs in Australia.
The Smart Choice for Sutherland Shire Drivers
Whether you're upgrading from a hatchback, downsizing from a larger SUV, or looking for an efficient hybrid for daily driving, the Hyundai Kona offers:
- Practical family space
- Excellent fuel economy
- Strong safety credentials
- Modern technology
- Competitive pricing under $60K
It’s easy to see why it has now claimed three consecutive Drive Car of the Year titles.
Test Drive the Award-Winning Hyundai Kona at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee
If you're searching for a Hyundai Kona in Kirrawee or Sutherland Shire, now is the perfect time to experience Drive’s Best Small SUV Under $60K.
Visit Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee to explore the full Kona range, compare petrol and hybrid options, and speak with our team about finance solutions.
Source
Drive.com.au – Hyundai Kona wins Best Small SUV Under $60K, Drive Car of the Year 2026 (23 February 2026)