Comparison · small SUVs

Hyundai Kona vs Kia Stonic: which is more reliable?

The Kia Stonic does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 101 for the Hyundai Kona, comparing each with cars of the same age. Based on 69,664 real MOT tests in 2024.

Hyundai Kona

101About average
MOT tests44,014

Kia Stonic

103Above average
MOT tests25,650

By age

MOT Rank score for each age group (100 = an average car that age).

Age at testHyundai KonaKia Stonic
3–5 years
100About average
103Above average
6–9 years
106Above average
104Above average
10–14 years––
15+ years––

Year by year

Share that passed first time, same registration year.

YearHyundai KonaKia Stonic
202187.1%91.9%
202087.0%89.3%
201986.7%86.4%
201887.0%85.6%
201788.0%84.5%

Problem areas

Failure items per 100 tests.

AreaHyundai KonaKia Stonic
Tyres5.82.9
Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.94.7
Brakes2.43.9
Lights & electrics3.22.5
Suspension0.60.5
Emissions & leaks0.40.6
Steering0.10.3
Body & chassis0.20.2

Hyundai Kona: top failures

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
  4. Headlamp aim: too high1.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.0%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.8%

Kia Stonic: top failures

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.7%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.4%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.4%

Questions

Which is more reliable, the Hyundai Kona or the Kia Stonic?

The Kia Stonic does better at the MOT, with a score of 103 against 101 for the Hyundai Kona, comparing each with cars of the same age.

Which years of the Hyundai Kona and Kia Stonic can be compared?

Both were tested for 5 registration years (2017–2021). The Hyundai Kona had the higher pass rate in 3 of them and the Kia Stonic in 2.

What fails most on each?

Hyundai Kona: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Kia Stonic: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick.