2026 Hyundai Kona vs 2026 Mazda CX-50

$25,350 · Crossover

$29,900 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Hyundai Kona and the 2026 Mazda CX-50 is the $4,550 difference in starting MSRP, with the Kona beginning at $25,350 versus the CX-50’s $29,900. This price gap reflects substantial mechanical differences; the CX-50 delivers 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft. Conversely, the Kona excels in efficiency, achieving a combined 31 MPG compared to the CX-50’s 26 MPG, despite the Mazda featuring standard All-Wheel Drive. Dimensionally, the CX-50 offers substantially more utility, boasting 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity against the Kona’s 25.5 cu ft. These metrics highlight a clear trade-off between efficiency and base power/size in this comparison.

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 economy, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the CX-50's 26 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Mazda CX-50

The CX-50 is better suited for families because it provides 31.4 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly exceeding the Kona's 25.5 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Mazda CX-50

Enthusiasts will favor the CX-50, which produces 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque compared to the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Kona

The Kona offers better upfront value, starting $4,550 lower than the CX-50 while still utilizing regular unleaded fuel.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

Your primary concern is minimizing fuel costs, capitalizing on the 31 combined MPG rating.
You require the lowest possible starting price point at $25,350.
You prefer a smaller footprint, with a length of 171.3 inches, making it easier to navigate tight spaces.

Choose the Mazda CX-50 if...

You need greater all-weather capability provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You prioritize raw output, leveraging the 187 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque.
Maximum utility is necessary, as indicated by the 31.4 cu ft of cargo space.

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	✓	—
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	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Hyundai Kona and 2026 Mazda CX-50.

What is the total difference in power output between the 2026 Kona and the 2026 CX-50?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 offers a notable advantage in performance, generating 187 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque. This is 40 more horsepower and 53 more lb-ft of torque than the 2026 Hyundai Kona’s 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.

How much more cargo room does the CX-50 offer over the Kona?

The CX-50 provides significantly more space for hauling gear, boasting 31.4 cubic feet of cargo capacity. This is nearly 6 cubic feet more than the Kona’s 25.5 cubic feet.

Is the fuel efficiency sacrifice worth the standard AWD on the Mazda CX-50?

The Kona is considerably more frugal, delivering 31 combined MPG (29 city/34 highway) on FWD, while the AWD CX-50 nets only 26 combined MPG (24 city/30 highway). Buyers must weigh the cost of fuel savings against the benefit of standard AWD.

What specific mechanical transmission difference exists between these two crossovers?

The Kona utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) designed for efficiency. In contrast, the more powerful CX-50 employs a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission.

Which vehicle has a higher starting price, and by how much?

The 2026 Mazda CX-50 has the higher starting MSRP at $29,900. This makes it $4,550 more expensive than the base 2026 Hyundai Kona, which starts at $25,350.

Are there major differences in external size affecting maneuverability?

Yes, the CX-50 is the larger vehicle, measuring 185.8 inches long and 75.6 inches wide. The Kona is more compact at 171.3 inches long and 71.9 inches wide, potentially offering better maneuverability for city driving.