A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.1/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
3.8
Comfort & Interior
4.3
Running Costs
4.2
Practicality
4.4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a small SUV that’s practical without breaking the bank? The Hyundai Bayon could be exactly what you need. This compact crossover sits neatly between a traditional hatchback and a full-sized SUV, offering the high driving position many drivers love with the easy parking and fuel economy of a smaller car. It’s designed for people who want SUV style and practicality but don’t need the bulk or expense of something larger.
The Bayon stands out in a crowded market with its bold, futuristic styling and surprisingly spacious interior. Positioned between traditional hatchbacks and larger SUVs like the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage, it offers a unique blend of compact dimensions with SUV presence. The cabin feels airy and modern, with a clean dashboard design and plenty of tech features that make every journey more enjoyable. You get the sense that Hyundai has focused on the details that matter in daily driving.
What really sets the Bayon apart is its value proposition. It comes with Hyundai’s impressive five year unlimited mileage warranty, giving you peace of mind that few competitors can match. The driving experience is comfortable and refined, making it perfect for city commuting or longer family trips. While it won’t win any awards for excitement, it excels at being a dependable, well equipped, and affordable family car that simply gets on with the job.
What's the Hyundai Bayon Like to Drive?
The Hyundai Bayon focuses on efficiency and ease of driving rather than outright performance. The standard 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces around 100 horsepower, which feels perfectly adequate for most driving situations. It provides enough punch for city driving and has sufficient power for safe motorway overtaking. The engine is smooth and quiet, making it a pleasant companion for daily commuting or longer journeys.
Where the Bayon really impresses is in its refined driving manners. The steering is light and precise at parking speeds, making tight spaces feel manageable. On faster roads, it weights up nicely to give you confidence and control. The suspension does an excellent job of soaking up road imperfections while keeping the car stable through corners. This compact SUV doesn’t feel top heavy like some rivals, maintaining good composure even on twisty country roads. It’s an easy and reassuring car to drive in all conditions.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
1.0L 3-cylinder Turbo Petrol
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Power Output
100 bhp
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0-60 mph
10.4 seconds
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MPG Combined
50-55 mpg
- Boot Space
- 411 litres
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Hyundai Bayon: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Bayon and you’ll be impressed by how spacious it feels. The high seating position gives you a commanding view of the road ahead, while the large windows create an airy, open cabin atmosphere. The dashboard is cleanly designed with easy to reach controls and a crisp infotainment screen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The materials feel solid and well assembled, with soft touch surfaces where your hands naturally fall.
The front seats are comfortable and supportive, with good adjustment range to help you find the perfect driving position. One of the Bayon’s standout features is how quiet the cabin remains at motorway speeds. Road and wind noise are well controlled, creating a relaxed environment that reduces fatigue on longer trips. Rear seat passengers also benefit from generous legroom for the class, making the Bayon a genuinely practical choice for families. The overall ambience feels more premium than the price tag might suggest.
The Hyundai Bayon is a sensible and well executed compact crossover that prioritises practicality and value over excitement. It successfully delivers SUV style and presence in a package that’s easy to live with every day. The spacious interior, excellent fuel economy, and generous warranty make it a compelling choice for families who want dependable, affordable motoring.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Hyundai Bayon?
The Bayon excels when it comes to running costs, making it an attractive option for budget conscious buyers. The efficient 1.0-litre turbo engine regularly achieves over 50 mpg in real world driving, keeping your fuel bills manageable. Insurance groups are reasonable for a compact SUV, typically falling into groups 10-15 depending on the trim level. The initial purchase price is competitive compared to premium rivals, offering excellent value for money.
Where the Bayon really shines is in its warranty coverage and predicted reliability. Hyundai’s five year unlimited mileage warranty is one of the best in the business, giving you protection that many competitors simply can’t match. Regular servicing costs are reasonable, and Hyundai has a good reputation for reliability. If you’re looking at car finance options, the Bayon’s strong residual values help keep monthly payments affordable while the excellent fuel economy reduces your day to day costs significantly.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Hyundai Bayon
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Skoda Kamiq
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Kia Sportage
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £22,000 | £23,500 | £27,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 1.0L Turbo 100hp | 1.0L TSI 110hp | 1.6L GDI 132hp |
| Power | 100 bhp | 110 bhp | 132 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 10.4 seconds | 9.8 seconds | 9.1 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 53 mpg | 51 mpg | 44 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 411 litres | 400 litres | 591 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Five year warranty, High driving position, Good value | Premium interior, Excellent build quality, Practical | Larger size, More power, Seven year warranty |
Is the Hyundai Bayon Practical for Everyday Use?
For its size, the Bayon is surprisingly practical and well thought out. The 411-litre boot is generous for a compact crossover, easily accommodating a weekly family shop or holiday luggage for four people. The rear seats split and fold to create an even larger cargo area when you need to carry bigger items like furniture or sports equipment. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage cubbies for phones, drinks, and everyday items.
The Bayon really makes sense for small families or couples who want the benefits of an SUV without the size and cost penalties. While the rear seats are fine for children and shorter adults, taller passengers might find legroom a bit tight on longer journeys. Compared to other used Hyundai cars, the Bayon offers an excellent balance of compact exterior dimensions with maximum interior space. Its narrow width makes it perfect for tight parking spaces and narrow city streets.
Really spacious car for its size with a comfortable ride. The 1.0 turbo engine gives decent performance and excellent fuel economy. The five year warranty was a major selling point for us. Only minor complaint is that it could use more power on motorway slip roads.
The Hyundai Bayon stands out in the competitive compact crossover market by focusing on the fundamentals that matter most to everyday drivers. It packages impressive space efficiency, excellent fuel economy, and comprehensive warranty coverage into an attractively priced and well designed package. While it may not offer the most thrilling driving experience, it excels in comfort, practicality, and reliability.
You choose the Bayon because you want a sensible family car that doesn’t compromise on space or quality. Its high driving position, generous interior space, and low running costs make it ideal for both urban commuting and family adventures. If you’re looking for a compact SUV that offers genuine value for money with no deposit car finance options available, the Hyundai Bayon should be high on your shortlist.
