2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mazda CX-30

$25,350 · Crossover

$25,975 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Hyundai Kona ignites the affordable crossover segment with its efficiency focus, boasting a respectable 31 combined MPG. Conversely, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 throws down a spirited gauntlet with its muscular 186 hp engine, promising a much more engaging drive. While the Kona offers a slightly larger footprint at 171.3 inches long and delivers 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space, the CX-30 emphasizes dynamics, featuring 186 lb-ft of torque, significantly more than the Kona's 132 lb-ft. This power advantage, coupled with standard All-Wheel Drive, sets the Mazda apart for spirited maneuvers. However, the Kona hits the gas pump less often, delivering 4 MPG better efficiency. With an MSRP of $25,350 versus the Mazda's $25,975, the battle hinges on whether efficiency and utility trump sheer driving engagement and power.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 31 combined MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Kona provides better utility for families, offering 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity compared to the CX-30's 20.2 cubic feet.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-30

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 appeals to enthusiasts with significantly more power, producing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Kona offers better inherent value starting at a lower MSRP of $25,350 and yielding better running costs via fuel economy.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

Your primary goal is maximizing fuel savings, as the Kona achieves 31 combined MPG.
You need maximum flexibility inside, benefiting from the generous 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
You prioritize the lowest barrier to entry, with an MSRP starting at $25,350.

Choose the Mazda CX-30 if...

You demand spirited acceleration, as the CX-30 boasts 186 hp, 39 hp more than the Kona.
You require sure-footed handling in mixed conditions, thanks to its standard All-Wheel Drive.
You prefer a traditional automatic experience, using the 6-speed shiftable transmission over a CVT.

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	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	—
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	✓	—
Driver Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
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	✓	✓

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How significant is the power difference between these two crossovers?

The difference is substantial for dynamic driving; the 2026 Mazda CX-30 produces 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the 2026 Hyundai Kona offers 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is better for long-distance highway travel in terms of efficiency?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona is the clear efficiency leader, rated at 34 MPG highway compared to the Mazda CX-30's 31 MPG highway.

Does the CX-30's higher MSRP translate to more features or size?

The Mazda's $25,975 MSRP buys you higher performance and standard AWD, but the Kona is slightly longer at 171.3 inches and offers more usable space.

What is the cargo capacity difference between the Kona and CX-30?

The Kona provides significantly more utility with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space, whereas the CX-30 offers 20.2 cubic feet, making the Kona better for larger hauls.

Are both cars restricted to Front-Wheel Drive?

No, the 2026 Hyundai Kona comes standard with Front Wheel Drive, but the 2026 Mazda CX-30 comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, a major advantage in slippery conditions.

Which transmission offers a more traditional shift feel?

The Mazda CX-30 utilizes a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission, which provides distinct gear changes compared to the Kona’s continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT).