2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Mazda CX-5
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Kona bursts onto the scene prioritizing efficiency and affordability, starting at a sharp $24,550 with an impressive 31 combined MPG. It leans into urban maneuverability with its smaller 171.3-inch frame and focus on lower running costs. Conversely, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 radiates premium aspiration, offering robust performance thanks to 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque—a substantial 40 hp advantage over the Kona. While the Mazda demands a $4,220 premium at $28,770 and sacrifices fuel economy (dropping to 25 combined MPG), it rewards drivers with superior power and a larger 30.8 cu ft cargo hold compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. The choice boils down to prioritizing maximum thriftiness with the Kona or embracing exhilarating drive dynamics and more space with the CX-5.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona wins for commuters due to its significantly better fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 offers superior space for families, boasting 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-5
Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-5 for its potent 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, easily outclassing the Kona's output.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona provides excellent basic utility at a lower entry point, saving buyers $4,220 off the initial purchase price.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Your primary concern is stretching every gallon, leveraging the Kona's 34 highway MPG.
- You need the lowest possible starting price point, indicated by the $24,550 MSRP.
- You prefer a slightly more compact vehicle, with the Kona measuring 171.3 inches long.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You desire spirited acceleration powered by 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the maximum utility, utilizing the CX-5's 30.8 cu ft of standard cargo capacity.
- All-wheel drive and a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission are must-haves for your driving conditions.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Mazda CX-5 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 180.1" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.6" |
| Height | 62.2" | 66.1" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 106.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | — |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.0 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 147 hp @ 6200 rpm | 187 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm | 186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | — | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 23/29 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 25 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 351.9/443.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 15.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | ✓ | — |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Air Conditioning | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 10.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 4 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 4 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.9 in. | 39.7 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.3 in. | 39.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 54.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 55.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | P225/65R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2025 Mazda CX-5.
What is the performance gap between the two crossovers?
The Mazda CX-5 holds a distinct advantage, generating 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, which is 40 hp more than the Hyundai Kona's 147 hp. This results in a far more engaging drive from the Mazda.
How much more does the CX-5 cost, and is the added power worth it?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 starts at $28,770, a $4,220 increase over the Kona’s $24,550 base price. For drivers prioritizing efficiency over speed, this price difference easily offsets the superior horsepower.
Which vehicle is better suited for long highway road trips regarding fuel?
The Kona is more economical for long hauls, achieving 34 highway MPG compared to the CX-5’s 29 highway MPG. Both use regular unleaded fuel, but the Kona’s 6 MPG combined advantage keeps operating costs lower.
Do the dimensions significantly impact interior space?
Yes; the CX-5 is physically larger in every dimension, culminating in significantly more room. The Mazda offers 30.8 cu ft of cargo capacity, substantially eclipsing the Kona’s 25.5 cu ft for bulkier items.
Are the transmissions fundamentally different in operation?
Yes, the Kona uses a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT) for maximum efficiency, while the CX-5 employs a more conventional 6-speed shiftable automatic, giving enthusiasts more direct control over shifts.
Is the Kona’s FWD setup a major disadvantage compared to the CX-5’s AWD?
For most daily commuting in fair weather, the Kona's FWD is sufficient, but the CX-5’s standard All-Wheel Drive provides superior traction and stability in poor weather conditions or on slippery roads.
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