2021 Hyundai Kona vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Hyundai Kona was a small SUV that combined a playful and unique exterior with a more subdued rear design. Its front featured a busy arrangement of lights and a distinctive grille, appealing to younger buyers with its funky style. Inside, the Kona maintained a balance between fun and functionality, offering neat seat patterns and a well-organized dashboard. The infotainment system was mounted high, and the controls were intuitive, making the compact interior feel user-friendly and engaging.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo presented a more sophisticated and premium appearance. Its exterior was marked by shiny black elements and matte black cladding, giving it a distinct and agile look. The interior mirrored the Mazda3, with quality materials and a luxurious vibe. The cabin featured stitched chocolate brown surfaces and a chrome-accented engine start button, enhancing its upscale feel. The CX-30 Turbo's design was both modern and elegant, appealing to those seeking a more refined driving experience.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options: a 2.0-litre four-cylinder with 147 horsepower and a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine producing 195 horsepower. The base engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the turbocharged version came with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The Kona's handling was agile and confident, providing a fun driving experience despite its modest power. Fuel consumption ratings varied, with the turbo engine and AWD achieving 9.0/8.0/8.6 L/100 km city/highway/combined.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivering between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on fuel octane. It came with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD. The CX-30 Turbo excelled in acceleration and driving satisfaction, with a focus on delivering power and response. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km combined, with a driving range of approximately 500 kilometres. The CX-30 Turbo's handling was sophisticated, though its added height and weight slightly impacted its on-road performance compared to the Mazda3.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona provided decent front-seat headroom and legroom, with a simple and accessible control layout. The rear seats offered good headroom but limited legroom, making it less ideal for taller passengers. Cargo space was limited, though the rear seats could be folded to increase capacity. Small-item storage was generous, with large door pockets and a spacious centre console.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way manual seat adjustment and a driver-focused interior. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on higher trims. The cabin's design contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat accommodations were cramped for adults. Cargo space was 572 litres with the seats up and 1,280 litres with them folded, slightly less than the Mazda3 hatchback. The centre console's wireless phone charger location limited its storage use.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona came equipped with an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB inputs. Higher trims offered a 10.25-inch touchscreen, SiriusXM radio, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with responsive software and easy navigation. Wireless smartphone connectivity was a significant advantage for lower trims.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided smartphone integration. The GT trim included SiriusXM radio, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience. The infotainment system required acclimation, with a complex process for changing radio stations.

The 2021 Hyundai Kona earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward-collision avoidance assist, pedestrian detection, and automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades included lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and parking sensors.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features and ADAS, including an adaptive front lighting system and rear automatic emergency braking. The GT trim added front and rear parking sensors.