2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mazda CX-30
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Hyundai Kona ignites the small crossover segment with an emphasis on efficiency, delivering an impressive 31 combined MPG, making it the clear budget champion for daily grinding. In stark contrast, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 brings thrilling engagement to the forefront with a robust 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, far surpassing the Kona's 147 hp. While the Kona is the thriftier choice, utilizing FWD and sipping regular unleaded for excellent fuel economy, the CX-30 compensates with standard AWD and a spirited 6-speed transmission. Even with its performance edge, the Mazda's fuel economy drops to 27 combined MPG. The Kona offers a slightly longer footprint at 171.3 inches and provides more usable space with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the Mazda’s 20.2 cu ft, but the CX-30’s engaging dynamics are a huge draw for drivers prioritizing fun.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Hyundai Kona
The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the CX-30's 27 combined MPG.
2025 Hyundai Kona
Families will benefit from the Kona's larger cargo area, offering 25.5 cubic feet compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet.
2026 Mazda CX-30
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 clearly appeals to driving enthusiasts with 186 horsepower and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Kona presents better overall value starting at $24,550 while delivering better fuel efficiency for long-term savings.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- Your top priority is stretching every dollar at the pump, thanks to its 31 combined MPG rating.
- You need maximum utility in a small footprint, utilizing its 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space.
- A lower entry price of $24,550 fits tighter budgets.
Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...
- You crave spirited driving, benefiting from 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is essential for confident traction in varied conditions.
- You prefer the snappy engagement of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Hyundai Kona | Mazda CX-30 |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 171.3" | 173.0" |
| Width | 71.9" | 70.7" |
| Height | 62.2" | 61.4" |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 104.4" |
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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 186 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 | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 29/34 MPG | 24/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 31 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 359.6/421.6 mi. | 304.8/393.7 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 12.4 gal. | 12.7 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 | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.8 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
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. | 38.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.8 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 54.3 in. | 54.6 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. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.2 in. | 36.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.2 in. | 53.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 52.4 in. | 53.2 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 | 16 x 6.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 215/60R17 | 215/65R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Hyundai | Mazda |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | Independent |
| 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 2026 Mazda CX-30.
How much faster is the 2026 Mazda CX-30 compared to the 2025 Hyundai Kona?
The Mazda CX-30 holds a significant power advantage, boasting 186 horsepower against the Kona's 147 horsepower—a difference of 39 hp. This extra power, combined with its standard AWD, suggests a more energetic feel when accelerating onto highways.
Which crossover is better for saving money on gas over the long term?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona is the clear choice for fuel savings, achieving 31 combined MPG using regular unleaded fuel. The Mazda CX-30 returns 27 combined MPG, meaning the Kona should require fewer trips to the pump annually.
Does the Kona or the CX-30 offer more interior cargo flexibility?
The Kona provides superior cargo capacity at 25.5 cubic feet, making it more accommodating for trips and gear than the CX-30, which offers 20.2 cubic feet.
What does the difference in MSRP mean for buyers?
The 2025 Hyundai Kona has a lower starting MSRP of $24,550 compared to the 2026 Mazda CX-30 at $25,975. This $1,425 difference needs to be weighed against the CX-30's standard AWD and higher output engine.
Are the dimensions vastly different between these two small crossovers?
The vehicles are very similar in size, though the Kona is slightly shorter in height (62.2 inches vs 61.4 inches) and slightly longer overall at 171.3 inches versus the CX-30's 173.0 inches.
Which vehicle offers superior driving control for harsh weather?
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 is inherently better equipped for varied weather due to its standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. The Hyundai Kona comes standard in Front Wheel Drive (FWD).
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