2025 Mazda CX-30 vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

$25,195 · Crossover

$25,350 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the new 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Hyundai Kona often boils down to power versus practicality for daily driving. If spirited acceleration matters, the Mazda CX-30 offers a significant advantage with 191 horsepower compared to the Kona’s 147 horsepower, making its 6-speed automatic transmission feel more responsive than the Kona's CVT. However, efficiency seekers will lean towards the Kona, which squeezes out a better combined fuel economy of 31 MPG versus the CX-30's 29 MPG, potentially saving money over a year of commuting. Furthermore, the Kona compensates for its lower power output with substantially more usable space, boasting a generous 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity against the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet. While the CX-30 starts slightly cheaper at $25,195, the overall utility balance tips toward the Kona for users prioritizing space and fuel savings, despite its marginally higher MSRP of $25,350.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Kona wins for commuters due to its superior fuel efficiency, achieving 31 combined MPG compared to the CX-30's 29 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Kona

Families will appreciate the 2026 Kona's substantially larger cargo capacity of 25.5 cu ft over the CX-30's 20.2 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Mazda CX-30

The 2025 CX-30 is the enthusiast's pick because it offers 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly outmuscling the Kona’s 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 offers superior power density for a slightly lower starting price of $25,195 compared to the Kona's $25,350.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You prioritize driving engagement, as the CX-30 delivers 191 horsepower versus the Kona’s 147 hp.
You prefer the traditional feel of a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission over a CVT.
You want the slightly lower entry price point at $25,195 MSRP.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

Maximizing storage is key, since the Kona offers 25.5 cu ft of cargo space compared to 20.2 cu ft in the Mazda.
You drive many highway miles and value the better fuel economy of 34 highway MPG.
You prefer a slightly wider stance (71.9 inches) for stability, although it comes in front-wheel drive only.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mazda CX-30	Hyundai Kona
Length	173.0"	171.3"
Width	70.7"	71.9"
Height	61.7"	62.2"
Wheelbase	104.4"	104.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
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	✓	✓
Dual Rear 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	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
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	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.5 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	191 hp @ 6000 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	186 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 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	Mazda	Hyundai
Transmission Type	6-speed shiftable automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/33 MPG	29/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	29 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	330.2/419.1 mi.	359.6/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	12.7 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	—
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	8.8 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	—
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	—
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Android Auto (Wireless)	—	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	—	✓
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	4	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	38.1 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.7 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	54.6 in.	54.3 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	Mazda	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.3 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.3 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.2 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Size	16 x 6.5 in	17 x 7.0 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/65R16	215/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Front Suspension Type	Independent	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mazda	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2026 Hyundai Kona.

Which crossover handles bad weather better, the 2025 CX-30 or 2026 Kona?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is standard with all-wheel drive, giving it an immediate advantage in slippery conditions over the standard front-wheel drive setup of the 2026 Hyundai Kona.

How much more fuel efficient is the 2026 Kona in city driving?

The Kona pulls ahead in the city, achieving 29 MPG in urban driving compared to the CX-30's 26 MPG, translating to fewer stops at the pump.

Is the power difference between these two cars very noticeable?

Yes, the 44 horsepower difference is substantial; the CX-30's 191 hp will provide much quicker merging and passing power than the Kona’s 147 hp, especially when fully loaded.

Which car is easier to park in tight city spots?

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is slightly shorter in length at 173.0 inches compared to the Kona, but the Kona is slightly taller at 62.2 inches; overall size difference is minimal, but the CX-30 might feel marginally more nimble.

If I need to haul luggage, which crossover provides more room?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona is the clear winner for cargo, providing 25.5 cubic feet of space, which is over 5 cubic feet more than the 20.2 cubic feet offered by the Mazda CX-30.

Do both vehicles use regular unleaded gasoline?

Yes, fortunately, both the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Hyundai Kona are designed to run happily on regular unleaded fuel, helping to keep running costs down.