2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$24,550 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the practical, budget-friendly 2025 Hyundai Kona and the slightly pricier, more capable 2026 Mazda CX-50 often boils down to balancing upfront cost against driving dynamics and space. The Kona grabs attention immediately with an MSRP of $24,550, undercutting the CX-50's $29,900 entry point by $5,350. For commuters, the Kona offers a better fuel economy rating of 31 combined MPG versus the CX-50's 26 combined MPG, which translates to fewer stops at the pump. However, the CX-50 asserts itself with significantly more grunt: 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Furthermore, the CX-50 provides a tangible size advantage, boasting 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity to the Kona's 25.5 cubic feet, making it better equipped for hauling family gear or larger shopping hauls.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona wins for daily commuting due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 is better for families because it offers substantially more cargo space at 31.4 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will prefer the CX-50, which delivers a robust 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Hyundai Kona

The Kona provides better immediate value by having a $5,350 lower starting MSRP than the CX-50.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

You prioritize saving money upfront, as the Kona starts at $24,550.
You want to spend less on gas, thanks to its 31 MPG combined rating versus the CX-50's 26 MPG.
You prefer a smaller footprint for city maneuvering, indicated by its 171.3-inch length.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You require more power for merging and highway driving, highlighted by its 187 hp output.
You need maximum utility, as the CX-50 offers 31.4 cubic feet of cargo room.
You prefer standard All-Wheel Drive capability and a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Hyundai Kona	Mazda CX-50
Length	171.3"	185.8"
Width	71.9"	75.6"
Height	62.2"	63.5"
Wheelbase	104.7"	110.8"

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	✓	✓
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	185 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	—	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

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	24/30 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	31 MPG	26 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	359.6/421.6 mi.	381.6/477.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.4 gal.	15.9 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	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
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	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	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Front Head Room	39.9 in.	39.1 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.8 in.	55.9 in.
Front Hip Room	54.3 in.	53.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	—	4-way

Rearseats

Feature	Hyundai	Mazda
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	38.2 in.	39.8 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	53.6 in.
Rear Hip Room	52.4 in.	52.1 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	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-50.

What is the primary difference in power output between these two crossovers?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 has a significant power advantage, producing 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. This contrasts sharply with the 2025 Hyundai Kona's 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Is the fuel economy significantly different for city driving?

Yes, the Kona is noticeably more efficient in the city, achieving 29 MPG compared to the CX-50's 24 MPG. This 5 MPG difference is great for dense urban areas.