2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, maintaining a fresh and futuristic look that set it apart in the crossover class. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a modern aesthetic. The Kona's increased size, being six inches longer than its predecessor, contributed to a more assertive road presence, especially in the sportier N Line S and N Line trims. These trims replaced contrasting plastic with body-colored bumpers and cladding, enhancing the vehicle's sporty appeal. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solidly constructed and airy cabin with tech features that impressed. Notably, 64-color ambient interior lighting became standard on the N Line, N Line S, and Limited trims, adding a touch of sophistication.

The 2025 Mazda 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 compelling interplay of light and shadow, while the short front overhang and long hood contributed to a low, athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior featured polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear, creating an upscale ambiance. However, some ergonomic issues, such as a confusing electronic shifter and counterintuitive climate controls, detracted from the overall experience. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-90's design and materials conveyed a sense of sophistication, making it stand out among midsize three-row crossover SUVs.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and gas-powered options. The gas-powered models came with two engine choices: a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT), and a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo engine provided a broader torque band, enhancing performance, although it could feel flat at low revs. All-wheel drive was available across the lineup, offering active on-demand drive to the rear axle and a dedicated Snow mode. AWD models featured a more sophisticated multi-link rear suspension, contributing to a competent ride and handling experience.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 featured a turbocharged 3.3-liter inline-six engine, producing 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the 3.3 Turbo models. The 3.3 Turbo S variant delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft, with an option for 340 hp using premium gas. Power was channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, which biased power to the rear wheels for improved driving dynamics. The CX-90 offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, with a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. However, drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behavior, especially when cold. Despite these issues, the CX-90 provided impressive ride and handling, with a firm and communicative suspension that excelled in dynamic driving scenarios.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a surprisingly spacious interior, with 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity behind the rear seats, expanding to 63.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. Rear legroom measured 38.2 inches, providing ample space for most passengers. The front seats featured a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was both reach- and height-adjustable. The Kona's interior boasted excellent storage options, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on lower trims and Alcantara or H-Tex leatherette on higher trims. Heating and ventilation features progressed from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents on higher trims.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs in the 3.3 Turbo Premium Plus trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin efficiently. The panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light, and second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions. The third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. Storage options were limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the center armrest, and a sizable glove compartment. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 14.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 74.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Higher trims included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The SEL Convenience trim and above boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. Audiophiles could upgrade to N Line or Limited trims for an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. While the infotainment screen was touch-sensitive for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native Mazda Connect platform required using a knob and buttons on the center console. The voice recognition system was hit-and-miss, but Mazda planned to introduce a new Google Built-in infotainment system in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda's Active Driving Display, providing a rewarding listening experience and helpful data.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety technology, equipping even base models with advanced features. Standard equipment included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added Highway Driving Assist and enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist. The Kona's safety features contributed to its Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane departure warning. Higher trims added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids generally met expectations, although some features, like speed reduction, could be irritating.