2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed with a distinctive aesthetic that set it apart from traditional cars. Despite the excessive charcoal-colored plastic on the lower body, the CX-30 maintained an overall appealing look with its short overhangs, long hood, and sculpted flanks. The interior of the CX-30 felt luxurious, offering style and refinement akin to an entry-level luxury SUV. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its fresh appearance from the previous year, with a futuristic design featuring a flush grille and slim LED light bars. The Kona's larger size, being six inches longer than its predecessor, provided more interior space and a more assertive road presence. The N Line S and N Line trims offered a sportier design with body-colored bumpers. Inside, the Kona's interior felt solid and airy, with a drive selector on the column and ample tech features. The 64-color ambient lighting added a touch of sophistication to the N Line and Limited trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the power delivery was smooth rather than immediate, with torque arriving at 2,000 rpm. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard AWD system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, fuel economy was a downside, with an observed 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route, and a small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range. The CX-30 excelled in driving dynamics, offering a nimble and connected ride, though it felt slightly soft on winding roads.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options for its gas-powered models. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience trims featured a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine with 147 horsepower, paired with a CVT for fuel efficiency. The N Line S, N Line, and Limited trims boasted a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with 190 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, though it could feel flat at low revs. AWD was available across the lineup, offering a more sophisticated suspension setup for improved ride and handling.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior was characterized by quality materials and logical controls. The three-gauge digital instrumentation was a highlight, and the traditional shifter was easy to use. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and Terracotta leather seats with suede inserts. While the front seats were comfortable and heated, the rear seat space was cramped. The cargo area offered 20.2 cubic feet of space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, providing practical storage options.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 25.5 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 63.7 cubic feet when folded. Rear legroom was adequate at 38.2 inches, and the front seats provided a generous range of movement. The Kona's interior featured various storage compartments, enhancing practicality. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation features improved with higher trims, and dual-zone climate control was available on most models.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's turbocharged models featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring. While the screen was positioned far from the driver, it represented an improvement over static displays. Mazda Connected Services offered a three-year subscription, and higher trims included a wireless smartphone charger and Bose audio system.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims included wireless charging and a digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization. Audiophiles could opt for the Bose premium audio system on N Line and Limited trims. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air updates, ensuring features remained current.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 prioritized safety with new standard features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It also offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights and parking sensors. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced collision avoidance. The Limited trim offered parking assistance features. The Kona was also recognized as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.