2025 Mazda CX-5 vs 2026 Hyundai Kona
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 rockets onto the scene promising driver engagement with its spirited 187 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive, contrasting sharply with the ultra-efficient 2026 Hyundai Kona which sips fuel, boasting an exceptional 31 MPG combined. The Mazda emphasizes refinement, featuring a more muscular stance at 180.1 inches long and utilizing a responsive 6-speed automatic transmission paired with 186 lb-ft of torque. Conversely, the Kona grabs the budget-conscious crowd, starting significantly lower at $25,350 while achieving an impressive 6 MPG advantage over the CX-5’s 25 MPG combined rating, though its 147 hp output is notably lower. The Mazda offers better utility with 30.8 cu ft of cargo space versus the Kona's 25.5 cu ft. This comparison pits Mazda's dynamic driving focus against Hyundai's pragmatic economy leader.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 MPG combined compared to the CX-5's 25 MPG.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers superior utility for families with greater cargo capacity at 30.8 cu ft.
2025 Mazda CX-5
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 provides a significantly more spirited drive thanks to its 187 hp and standard All-Wheel Drive.
2026 Hyundai Kona
The 2026 Hyundai Kona delivers better initial value by being $3,420 cheaper and offering better efficiency.
Choose the Mazda CX-5 if...
- You prioritize a more energetic powertrain, benefiting from the CX-5's 187 hp.
- You desire the stability and traction of standard All-Wheel Drive across all weather conditions.
- Maximum cargo hauling is essential, as the CX-5 provides 30.8 cu ft versus 25.5 cu ft.
Choose the Hyundai Kona if...
- You are seeking the lowest upfront cost, with the Kona priced at $25,350.
- Fuel economy is paramount, as the Kona achieves a 6 MPG advantage (31 combined).
- You prefer a smaller footprint for city maneuvering, as the Kona is shorter by nearly 9 inches (171.3 inches long).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Mazda CX-5 | Hyundai Kona |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 180.1" | 171.3" |
| Width | 72.6" | 71.9" |
| Height | 66.1" | 62.2" |
| Wheelbase | 106.2" | 104.7" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic 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 Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| 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 | 187 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 | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 23/29 MPG | 29/34 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 31 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.9/443.7 mi. | 359.6/421.6 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Air Conditioning | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling | — | ✓ |
| Driver Vanity Mirror | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 10.3 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Memory Card Slot | ✓ | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume 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 | 39.7 in. | 39.9 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 56.8 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 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 | 39.0 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.6 in. | 38.2 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.8 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.3 in. | 52.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 17 x 7.0 in | 17 x 7.0 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P225/65R17 | 215/60R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Mazda | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | 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-5 and 2026 Hyundai Kona.
How does the driving feel different between the two crossovers?
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offers a more enthusiast-focused experience, featuring 187 hp and a traditional 6-speed automatic transmission geared for connection. The 2026 Hyundai Kona, with 147 hp and a CVT, prioritizes smooth, efficient cruising over outright acceleration.
Is the lower starting price of the Kona worth the power difference?
The Kona saves buyers $3,420 upfront ($25,350 vs $28,770). This saving is balanced against the CX-5’s 40 hp advantage, meaning you pay less for significantly less immediate power.
Which vehicle is better for long highway road trips regarding fuel stops?
The 2026 Kona is the clear winner for range efficiency, posting 34 Highway MPG, while the CX-5 achieves 29 Highway MPG, giving the Kona a noticeable edge between fill-ups.
Do both vehicles come standard with AWD?
No, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, enhancing its dynamic capabilities. In contrast, the base 2026 Hyundai Kona is equipped with Front Wheel Drive, necessitating an upgrade for AWD capability.
If I carry bulky sports equipment, which cargo bay is superior?
The Mazda CX-5 offers substantially more storage volume at 30.8 cu ft. The Kona provides a tighter rear space at 25.5 cu ft, which could be restrictive for larger items.
Are the dimensions vastly different for parking purposes?
Yes, the Kona is the more compact urban runner, measuring 171.3 inches long compared to the CX-5's 180.1 inches, and it is also slightly narrower and shorter in height.
More Budget SUVs Under $30,000
View allVehicle Details
Compare More Vehicles
Use our interactive comparison tool to compare up to 4 vehicles at once
Open Comparison Tool