2021 Mazda CX-5 vs 2022 Hyundai Kona

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a departure from the aggressive styling trends of its competitors, opting instead for a sleek and smooth design that exuded elegance even at a standstill. While it didn't boast the flashiest exterior, the CX-5's design was consistent across its trim levels, with features like automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and a rear roof spoiler. Higher trims added more luxurious touches, such as leatherette seats and a power liftgate, culminating in the Signature model, which offered premium materials like Caturra Brown Nappa leather and genuine wood trim.

In contrast, the 2022 Hyundai Kona received a significant makeover, enhancing its sophistication with a longer body, revised grille, and sporty character lines. The interior saw improvements with a more horizontal layout, ambient lighting, and new trim levels like the N Line and Kona N, which added unique styling elements and sportier features. The Kona N Line, in particular, stood out with its exclusive black seats, red stitching, and alloy sport pedals, while the Kona N took sportiness to another level with its aggressive design and performance-oriented features.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available in both FWD and AWD configurations. The turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, available on higher trims, delivered a more robust 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, providing a spirited driving experience, especially in Sport mode. However, the CX-5's fuel efficiency was average, with the turbo engine consuming 10.8 L/100 km in the city and 8.7 on the highway.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered a diverse range of powertrains. The base trims featured a 2.0-litre engine with 147 horsepower, while the N Line boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine with 195 horsepower. The top-tier Kona N was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 276 horsepower and 289 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed DCT. The Kona's performance was enhanced by features like launch control and an electronic limited-slip differential, making it a fun and agile vehicle to drive, with a curb weight of around 1,500 kg contributing to its nimble handling.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 provided a comfortable and stylish interior, though rear legroom was somewhat limited. It featured straightforward climate controls and a larger shifter that took up passenger space. Cargo capacity was below average for the segment, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona, while compact, offered ample front-seat comfort and headroom, even with the optional sunroof. Rear-seat space was more constrained, with limited legroom and small door openings. Cargo space was tight, with 544 litres available with all seats up and 1,296 litres with the rear seats folded, making it less practical for larger loads.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, though its operating system was not user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the screen's positioning made it difficult to reach. The lack of tuning knobs added to the inconvenience.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona featured an upgraded tech suite, starting with an 8-inch display on the base trim and a 10.25-inch touchscreen on higher trims. The Kona N Line and Kona N offered premium audio options and a digital instrument cluster. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard on the base screen, while the larger screen required wired connections. Hyundai BlueLink provided additional connected services, enhancing the Kona's tech appeal.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. Optional features included a head-up display and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Hyundai Kona offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance. It received five stars from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS. Optional safety technologies included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot warning, though the child-seat anchors received a "Marginal" rating.