A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Fronx starts ZAR 459900 cheaperFronx from ZAR 303,900 · Kona from ZAR 459,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Engine Power
77
88
Torque
138
172
Engine Size
1462
998
Claimed Mileage
17.5
15.5
Ground Clearance
170
165
Boot Space
304
466
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
970
1460
Seating Capacity
Available
5
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
The Overall Score — Here's How They Stack Up
🏆 Winner
#1
Kona
58
/ 100
+4
pts
#2
Fronx
54
/ 100
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
The Bottom Line
Both Fronx and Kona are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Kona
+2 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Kona
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
Score Breakdown by Category
🏆 Overall Winner
Kona
Performance
8/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
12/20
Ownership
20/20
Fronx
Performance
6/20
Efficiency
0/20
Safety
18/20
Practicality
10/20
Ownership
20/20
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Fronx
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
🏆 Overall Winner
Kona
Strengths
More powerful engine output
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Fronx
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Kona
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Engine
1.5L K15B 4-Cylinder Petrol
1.0 T-GDI Turbo
Engine Type
Inline 4 Cylinder Naturally Aspirated
Petrol
Engine Code
K15B
Available
Cylinder Layout
Inline 4 (I4)
Available
Engine Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Available
Displacement
1462
998
Cylinders
4
3
Valves per Cylinder
4
12 (4 per cylinder)
Cylinder Bore
74.0
Available
Piston Stroke
85.1
Available
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
9.9:1
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
Front
Variable Valve Timing
VVT on Intake Camshaft
Yes
Fuel System
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Direct Injection
Turbocharger
Not Applicable
Yes
Power
77
88
Power @ RPM
6,000 rpm
5500
Power
103
150
Torque
138
172
Torque @ RPM
4,400 rpm
1500
Maximum Engine RPM
6800
Available
Engine Oil Capacity
3.7
Available
Fuel Grade Required
93 RON Unleaded Petrol
Petrol
Top Speed
175
185
0-100 km/h
13.0
10.5
Engine Type Config
Available
Inline
0–100 km/h
Available
Available
Battery Capacity
Available
Available
Charging Port
Available
Available
AC Charging Time
Available
Available
Engine Displacement
Available
Available
EV Range
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
7-speed DCT Dual Clutch
Transmission Type
4-Speed Automatic
Automatic
Number of Gears
4
8
Drive Type
FWD
Front-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
Front Wheel Drive
FWD
Final Drive Ratio
4.388:1
Available
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
2.8
Available
Clutch Type
Single Dry Plate Diaphragm
Available
LSD Available
Not Available
No
Differential Lock
Not Available
No
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
None (FWD)
Paddle Shifters
Not Available
Yes
Drivetrain
Available
Available
Transmission
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Length
3995
4355
Width
1765
1825
Height
1550
1570
Wheelbase
2520
2660
Ground Clearance
170
165
Kerb Weight
970
1460
Gross Vehicle Weight
1420
1850 kg
Max Payload
480
Available
Front Track Width
1510
1561 mm
Rear Track Width
1510
1556 mm
Turning Radius
5.1
5.5 m
Number of Doors
5
Available
Seating Capacity
5
5
Boot Space
304
466
Boot Space Seats Folded
704
Available
Towing Capacity
0
1000 kg (Unbraked)
Load Bed Length
0
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
0
Not Applicable
Front Legroom
1043
Available
Rear Legroom
890
Available
Front Headroom
975
Available
Rear Headroom
955
Available
Front Shoulder Room
1395
Available
Rear Shoulder Room
1370
Available
Boot Volume
Available
Available
Doors
Available
5
Seats
Available
5
Front Overhang
Available
Available
Fuel Tank Capacity
Available
Available
Rear Overhang
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Claimed Mileage
17.5
15.5
City Mileage
14.3
12.5
Highway Mileage
20.8
19.0
Fuel Tank Capacity
37
50
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
0
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Available
Yes
Average Fuel Consumption
Available
Yes
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Available
Available
Distance To Empty
Available
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Available
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Available
Available
Real-world Mileage
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Airbags
6
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
No
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Alarm System
Standard
Yes
Central Locking
Remote Central Locking
Yes
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
All Seats
Yes
Speed Alert System
Standard — Audible Warning at 120 km/h
Yes
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Not Available
Available
Front Parking Sensors
Not Available
Available
Safety Rating
Not Independently Rated
Not Rated (SA)
Whiplash Protection
Active Head Restraints on Front Seats
Available
Lane Change Warning
Not Available
Available
AEB
Available
Available
BA
Available
Yes
Brake Override System
Available
Available
Curtain Airbags
Available
Available
Driver Airbag
Available
Yes
EBD
Available
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Available
Yes
Fatigue Detection
Available
Available
Hill Hold
Available
Available
Passenger Airbag
Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Available
Yes
Side Airbags
Available
Available
TCS
Available
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Available
Knee Airbag
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
No
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Yes
Parking Sensors
Rear Ultrasonic Sensors
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
360-Degree Surround View
Yes
360 Degree Camera
360-Degree Surround View Camera
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
No
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
No
Auto Highbeam
Available
Available
Auto Lights
Available
Yes
Auto Wipers
Available
Available
Drive Modes
Available
Eco / Normal
Eco Mode
Available
Yes
EV Mode
Available
No
Rear Parking Sensors
Available
Available
Reverse Camera
Available
Available
Sport Mode
Available
No
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available
Available
Park Assist
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Seat Material
Leatherette Seat Trim
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Manual 6-Way Driver Adjustment
Power Driver
Heated Seats
Not Available
Front
Ventilated Seats
Not Available
Front
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS)
MDPS Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
Not Available
Yes
Folding Rear Seats
60:40 Split Fold
60/40 Split
Front Armrest
Standard Centre Armrest
Yes
Rear Armrest
Integrated in Seat Back
No
Cup Holders
4
4
Rear AC Vents
Not Available
Available
Rear USB Ports
0
Available
Steering Wheel Material
Urethane
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue with Digital Trip Display
Analogue + MID
Interior Colour Options
2
Available
Driver Lumbar Support
Not Available
Available
Door Map Pockets
All Four Door Pockets
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Available
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Available
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Available
Manual
Cooled Seats
Available
No
Driver Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Fabric Seats
Available
Yes
Front Headrest
Available
Yes
Leather Seats
Available
No
Memory Seats
Available
No
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Available
Available
Rear Headrest
Available
Yes
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Climate Control
Manual Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All Four Windows
All
Keyless Entry
Not Available
Yes
Push Button Start
Not Available
Yes
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Yes
Sunroof
Not Available
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not Available
No
Rear Window Defroster
Standard
Yes
Electric Mirror Folding
Manual Fold
Available
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Standard — Driver Height Adjustable
Available
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Not Available
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
1 x 12V Socket
12V
Speed Limiter
Standard
Available
AC Type
Available
Available
Adaptive Dampers
Available
Available
Aero Kit
Available
Available
Auto Dimming Irvm
Available
Available
Boot Opener
Available
Inside
Chrome Exterior Highlights
Available
Available
Chrome Grille
Available
Available
Climate Zones
Available
Available
Door Ajar Warning
Available
Yes
Drag Coefficient
Available
Available
Driver Display
Available
Available
Electric Folding Mirrors
Available
Available
Engine Check Warning
Available
Yes
Engine Start Button Illumination
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop
Available
Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Available
No
Engine Warranty
Available
Available
Exhaust Finish
Available
Available
Exhaust Type
Available
Available
Front Armrest
Available
Yes
Front Power Outlet
150
Yes
Fuel Consumption Combined
Available
Available
Fuel Lid Opener
Available
Inside
Gear Shift Type
Available
Available
Glovebox Cooling
Available
Available
Ground Clearance Unladen
Available
Available
Headlamp Height Adjust
Available
Manual
Headlamp Washer
Available
No
Headrest Adjustable
Available
Available
Heads Up Display
Available
Available
Hill Start Assist
Available
Available
Impact Sensing Door Unlock
Available
Available
Intercooler
Available
Available
Launch Control
Available
Available
Multi Function Steering
Available
Available
Panoramic Roof
Available
Available
Payload Capacity
Available
Available
Performance Data Logger
Available
Available
Power Mirrors
150
Yes
Push Button Start
Available
Available
Rear Defogger
Available
Available
Rear Reading Lamps
Available
Yes
Rear Seat Split
Available
Available
Rear Wing
Available
Available
Remote Engine Start
Available
Available
Rev Matching
Available
Available
Ride Mode Selection
Available
Available
Roof Antenna
Available
Available
Seat Type
Available
Available
Seatbelt Pre Tensioner
Available
Available
Seatbelt Reminder
Available
Available
Service Plan
Available
Available
Service Reminder
Available
Yes
Side Steps
Available
Available
Skid Plates
Available
Available
Spare Wheel
Available
Available
Speed Alert System
Available
Available
Stability Control
Available
Available
Stabilizer Bar
Available
Available
Steering Mounted Controls
Available
Available
Steering Response
Available
Available
Tachometer
Available
Yes
Tail Lamps
Available
Available
Telescopic Steering
Available
No
Tilt Steering
Available
Yes
Trip Computer
Available
Yes
Tyre Repair Kit
Available
Available
Valves Per Cylinder
Available
Available
Vanity Mirror
Available
Yes
Voice Command
Available
Available
Voice Command Support
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Infotainment Screen
9-inch Touchscreen
10.25-inch Touchscreen
Infotainment Screen Size
9
Available
Apple CarPlay
Wired Apple CarPlay
Yes
Android Auto
Wired Android Auto
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
8 Bose Premium
Navigation System
Via Smartphone Mirroring
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
9-inch Digital Cluster
10.25-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2
2 USB-A + 1 USB-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
FM Radio
Standard
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Standard
Yes
Voice Recognition
Via Smartphone
Yes
AUX Input
Not Available
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Not Available
Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Available
Yes
Infotainment Display
Available
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Available
Yes
Premium Audio
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
LED Headlamps
LED Multi-Reflector Headlamps
Full LED
Daytime Running Lamps
LED DRLs
LED
Fog Lamps
Front Fog Lamps
LED
Roof Rails
Not Available
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
16-inch Polished Two-Tone Alloy Wheels
18-inch Alloy
Chrome Exterior Finish
Not Available
Chrome Exterior Accents
Body Cladding
Plastic Side Body Cladding
Wheel Arch & Skid Plate Cladding
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
6
Available
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof
Available
Wing Mirror Type
Electrically Adjustable Body-Coloured Mirrors
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Standard
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body-Coloured Door Handles
Body Coloured
Body Type
Available
SUV
DRL
Available
Yes
Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Available
Yes
Led Headlights
Available
Available
Led Taillights
Available
Available
Rear Fog Lights
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Approach Angle
19
14°
Departure Angle
23
27°
Wading Depth
0
160 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
No
Locking Differential
Not Available
No
Underbody Protection
Not Available
Front Underbody Guard
Ramp Breakover Angle
0
20
Recovery Hooks
1 Rear Tow Hook
Available
4WD System Type
Not Applicable — FWD Only
Available
Hill Descent Control
Available
No
Ramp-over Angle
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Tyre Size
195/60 R16
235/45 R18
Wheel Type
16-inch Polished Alloy
Alloy
Wheel Rim Size
16 Inches
Available
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Disc
Front Brake Disc Diameter
262
Available
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
210
Available
Parking Brake Type
Conventional Handbrake
Manual
Tyre Load Index
89
91
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Spare
Full Size
Brake Type Front
Available
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Available
Disc
Spare Tyre
Available
Steel
Tyre Type
Available
Tubeless Radial
Front Tyre Width
Available
Available
Rear Tyre Width
Available
Available
Wheel Diameter
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Torsion Beam with Coil Spring
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Tilt
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Available
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Available
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
Available
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Standard
Available
Shock Absorber Type
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Service Interval
15,000 km or 12 Months
15000 km / 12 months
Approx Service Cost
Approx R2,000–R2,500 per Service
R2,500 – R4,000 per service
Battery Warranty
12 Months
Not Applicable
Maintenance Plan
Not Included
3 Years / 45000 km
Engine Oil Change Interval
10,000 km or 6 Months
Available
First Service At
1,000 km Inspection
15000
Service Plan Duration
4 Years
4
Service Plan Distance
60000
60000
Anti-Rust Treatment
Underbody Rust Protection
Available
Alternator
Available
120A
Battery Type
Available
Lead-acid
Gear Shift Indicator
Available
Yes
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
200000
150000
Roadside Assistance
5 Years Roadside Assistance
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
3 Years Anti-Corrosion
5 Years
Basic Warranty
Available
Available
Spec
Fronx
Kona
CO2 Emissions
133
120
Start Stop System
Not Available
No
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Conventional (ICE)
Noise Level
68
68 dB
Fuel Octane Requirement
93 RON Unleaded
Unleaded 95
Particulate Filter
Gasoline Particulate Filter (GPF)
Available
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Available
Green NCAP Rating
Not Independently Rated
Available
Idle CO2 Output
Within Euro 5 Limits
Available
Fuel Evaporation Control
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Yes
Spec
Fronx
Kona
Real-world City Mileage Min
6.0
Available
Real-world City Mileage Max
8.0
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
4.5
Available
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
6.0
Available
Owner Review Count
0
Available
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai Kona
wins with 58 pts
vs 54 pts for Fronx
In structured scoring, Kona emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Fronx may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Kona edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Fronx 0 vs Kona 0. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Fronx 18, Kona 18. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Fronx 20, Kona 20. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Fronx 10, Kona 12. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Fronx 6, Kona 8. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Kona edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Kona scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Fronx and Kona in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Fronx scores 6 vs 8.
Efficiency: Fronx scores 0 vs 0.
Safety: Fronx scores 18 vs 18.
Practicality: Fronx scores 10 vs 12.
Ownership: Fronx scores 20 vs 20.
Final structured scoring gives Kona
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
Get Best Price
We'll Contact You
Fill in your details and a dedicated executive will reach out shortly.
✓
We've Got Your Details!
An executive will contact you shortly. Thank you for your interest.