The 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2025 Hyundai Kona represent two unique and exciting approaches to the subcompact SUV segment. Each has a striking design, a choice of powertrains, and more utility than you might first think given their small footprint. They are also easy on fuel and start in the $26,000 range — that’s roughly half the cost of today’s typical new car transaction price.
Let’s see how the CX-30 and Kona stack up against each other.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona was completely revamped for 2024 but that doesn’t mean Hyundai let it ride for 2025. Nope. The Kona expands its range of trims this year to include the SEL Convenience and the N Line S grades for a total of six trims. Pricing starts at $25,745, including the factory-to dealer delivery charge. Its design makes the Kona look like something out of 2034, not 2024. Moreover, Hyundai offers two combustion engine choices, including a 190-horsepower turbo, and a fully electric version: the Kona Electric, with up to 260 miles of range on a charge.
Hyundai Kona highlights
Tech-laden interior: Even the least-expensive Kona includes features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Even some luxury SUVs don’t have these as standard, yet here they are on a base Kona.
Driving assists: The top-line Limited trim ups the ante on safety and driver tech with features like Hyundai’s Blind-Spot View Monitor that presents a real-time digital image in the instrument display, and Highway Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system that we’ve found works great.
Class-leading warranty: Like every other new Hyundai, the Kona comes with one of the best warranties in the business, one that covers 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see Kona models for sale near you.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 is the least-expensive SUV in Mazda’s lineup, starting at $26,415 with the delivery charge. Yet it packs a lot of features into that price — both tangible and intangible. First, it’s among the rare SUVs in its class that comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). It also offers a turbo-engine upgrade that makes up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Those are seriously big numbers in such a small SUV. But even the standard 191-hp engine is far stronger than what others offer in this segment. Finally, we can’t forget about its design; to our eyes, the CX-30 is among the most svelte SUVs around.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
The way it drives: Perhaps the biggest distinguisher between this Mazda and its competitors is driving dynamics. It is among the most athletic vehicles in its class, and a blast to drive. If you’ve ever been behind the wheel of a Mazda, we’re not telling you anything new.
Premium cabin: Slipping inside the CX-30 is a pleasantly revealing experience. This is one upscale cabin with premium materials and stylish looks. If you didn’t see the Mazda badge, you might think this came from a luxury marque.
Standard safety tech: Every trim of the Mazda CX-30 comes with active safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona are two subcompact SUVs with seating for five, optional turbo engines, and a svelte design. They also feature appealing starting prices around $26,000.
Conclusion
Spoiler alert: You can’t go wrong with either of these SUVs. If you’re the type of driver who, well, loves to drive, you’ll probably gravitate toward the Mazda with its all-wheel drive and inherent athleticism. The Kona, meanwhile, has better back-seat room and some sweet tech. It’s also one of the few subcompact SUVs in its class offered with an all-electric powertrain.
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 | 2025 Hyundai Kona | |
| Starting Price | $26,415 | $25,745 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel economy | 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway/29 mpg combined | 28 city/35 highway/31 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cyl. | Turbo 1.6-liter 4-cyl., AWD; all-electric |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Stars | 4-Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 104.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.0 inches | 171.3 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 71.9 inches |
| Height | 61.7 inches | 62.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 37.8 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.3 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 36.3 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.6 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 53.6 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2 cubic feet | 25.5 cubic feet |
