2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle (EV) focus, evident in its sleek, modern appearance. The front grille closely resembled that of the Ioniq 5, featuring a single-piece design that has become synonymous with electric powertrains. The Kona adopted the "seamless horizon" styling seen in the new Sonata, with a prominent skinny LED headlight at the front. Despite its increased size, the Kona maintained a recognizable silhouette, with new design elements like the creased "parametric surface" on the doors and more substantial black body cladding on various trims. The sporty N-Line trim featured body-colored wheel arches, adding to its distinct look. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights were part of the package, with the seamless horizon design continuing at the rear. Wheel sizes varied across trims, with 17-inch wheels standard and larger options for higher trims.

Inside, the Kona's cabin received significant updates. The center stack was reoriented towards the driver, and the gear shift moved to a stalk on the steering column, creating more space between the driver and passenger. The most noticeable change was the curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens. Other interior elements, such as vents, climate controls, and the dashboard, were refined for a more modern feel.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90, available in three variants—3.3 Turbo, 3.3 Turbo S, and PHEV—offered a range of trim levels, including Select, Preferred, Premium, Premium Sport, and Premium Plus. Pricing ranged from $39,575 to $59,480, with our test vehicle, a 3.3 Turbo in Premium Plus trim, priced at $51,450. The CX-90 exuded a luxury SUV vibe with its lustrous paint, polished chrome trim, and intricate 21-inch wheels. Its sculptural sheet metal created a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to its athletic appearance.

Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly designed, featuring polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. While some materials reflected its competitive pricing, the cabin felt upscale. However, ergonomic issues were noted, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90 stood out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs for its sophistication and overall appeal.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, featuring a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine for the SE and SEL trims, producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The N-Line and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, now coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were available on the N-Line and Limited trims, with an option for the SEL Convenience Package. During the Kona launch, the Limited trim was driven from Baltimore to the Maryland countryside, showcasing intuitive steering and nimble handling, though pickup was slightly sluggish even with the turbo engine. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional $1,500, affecting fuel economy estimates.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 introduced a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, generating 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models. The 3.3 Turbo S variant offered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, or 340 hp with premium gas. Power was delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved dynamics. Drivers could choose from Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing modes, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. The CX-90's i-Stop function aimed to enhance fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined. However, observed fuel economy was 21.3 mpg during testing. The plug-in hybrid variant offered 25 miles of electric range and the same combined fuel economy. While the CX-90 excelled in ride and handling, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior. Noise and impact harshness were also noted, detracting from the upscale impression.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length was most noticeable in the rear seat and cargo area. Rear-seat legroom expanded to 38.2 inches, offering more space than the previous model and competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross. Headroom increased to 38.3 inches with the sunroof, and cargo capacity grew to 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet with them folded down. The Kona Limited featured a power hands-free liftgate for easy access. Inside, storage was enhanced with a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash and a "guardrail" on the wireless charging pad. Seating options included cloth for SE and SEL trims, a leather/suede combination for N-Line, and H-Tex leatherette for Limited. Ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on the Limited trim.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior, despite an unseasonably cool summer, struggled with climate control, taking time to cool down. In 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim, it featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a heated steering wheel. The panoramic sunroof provided natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. However, limited seat-track travel and long rear doors posed challenges for child seat installation and loading. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults. Storage was limited, with a smartphone charging tray, shallow bin, and small door panel storage. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 40 cubic feet with the third row folded and 74.2 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch infotainment system touchscreen display as standard, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on lower trims. An over-the-air update was promised to add wireless connectivity to higher trims. N-Line and Limited trims included wireless device charging and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Kona also offered dual 12.3-inch screens for a panoramic view, with OTA update capability standard. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services were included for the vehicle's life.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, presented in a traditional manner. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only with wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, requiring the use of a knob and buttons for the native Mazda Connect platform. The voice recognition system was lacking, but a new Google Built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda's Active Driving Display, providing helpful data and blind-spot alerts.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with standard Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was standard, and adaptive cruise control was included on N-Line and Limited trims. The Limited trim also featured Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite impressed with its smooth lane-keep assist, though it was slightly resistant to cancellation.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA for the PHEV variant. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assist. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, front cross-traffic alert, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The Cruising and Traffic Support system provided hands-on driving aid, though it had some issues with speed reduction and lane markings.