2024 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Mazda CX-90

The 2024 Hyundai Kona was designed with an electric vehicle aesthetic in mind, evident in its sleek, modern appearance. The front grille closely resembled that of the Ioniq 5, featuring a single-piece design that has become synonymous with electric powertrains. The Kona's front end was dominated by a single skinny LED headlight, part of the "seamless horizon" treatment also seen on the new Sonata. Despite its increased size, the Kona maintained a recognizable silhouette, with new design elements like the creased "parametric surface" on the doors and more substantial black body cladding on the Essential and Preferred trims. The N Line trim, however, featured body-coloured wheel arches. Standard LED headlights, taillights, and daytime running lights were part of the package, with the seamless horizon design continuing at the rear. Inside, the Kona's cabin was updated with a driver-oriented centre stack, a relocated gear shift, and a curved display housing both driver-information and infotainment screens.

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 dynamic interplay of light and shadow, while a short front overhang, long hood, and rear-axle-focused cabin placement contributed to its athletic appearance. Inside, the CX-90's interior was elegantly rendered with polished metallic trim, Nappa leather with contrast stitching, and clearly marked switchgear. However, some design-related complaints arose, such as a confusing electronic shifter and a counterintuitive climate panel. Despite these issues, the CX-90's interior was convincingly upscale, offering a sophisticated look and feel compared to most midsize three-row crossover SUVs from mainstream brands.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona retained its predecessor's engine lineup, featuring a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine for the Essential and Preferred trims, and a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder for the N Line trims. The base engine produced 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The turbo engine delivered 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, now mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Paddle shifters were included with the N Line. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available for an additional fee on Essential and Preferred trims, and standard on the N Line. Fuel economy varied depending on the drivetrain, with the N Line AWD consuming 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 8.3 on the highway, and 9.1 combined.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 offered three powertrain variants: the standard-output 3.3 Turbo, the high-output 3.3 Turbo, and the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The standard-output models generated 280 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version delivered 319 hp and 369 lb-ft (340 hp with premium gas). Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission and a standard all-wheel-drive system, with a rear-wheel bias for improved driving dynamics. The CX-90's maximum towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms, and it offered various driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing. Fuel economy ratings were 9.3 L/100 km combined for the standard output engine and 9.5 L/100 km for the high-output version. The PHEV offered 42 kilometres of electric range and a 9.4 L/100 km combined rating once the battery was depleted. Despite impressive ride and handling, the CX-90's drivetrain refinement was lacking, with unpredictable power delivery and transmission behaviour, especially shortly after engine start-up.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona's increased length was most noticeable in the rear seat and cargo area. Rear-seat legroom measured 970 millimetres, 77 mm more than the 2023 Kona and 15 cm more than the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross. Headroom increased to 974 mm front and 972 mm rear with the sunroof. Cargo capacity expanded significantly, from 544 to 723 litres with the rear seats up and 1,803 litres with them folded down. Inside, storage was enhanced by a handy shelf on the passenger's side of the dash and a "guardrail" on the wireless charging pad. The Kona offered cloth seats on Essential and Preferred trims, leatherette with the Preferred Trend package, and a leather/suede combination for N Line. Ventilated front seats were available on the N Line with the Ultimate package, a first for the Kona.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's interior featured Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel in Signature trim. However, the three-zone climate control system struggled to cool the cabin quickly. The front seats were comfortable on longer trips, and a panoramic sunroof provided ample natural light. Second-row passengers enjoyed elevated seating positions, but seat-track travel was limited. The CX-90's third row was best suited for children, with limited space for adults on longer trips. Cargo space behind the third row measured 451 litres, expanding to 1,155 litres with the third row folded and 2,129 litres with the second row flattened. Storage options were limited, with a smartphone charging tray, a shallow bin under the centre armrest, and stingy door panel storage.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display as standard across the lineup, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on all trims except the N Line with the Ultimate package. The upgraded stereo system in the N Line's Ultimate package was provided by Bose. The Kona included two USB-C ports in the front and two at the back of the centre console. Essential and Preferred trims had a 4.2-inch driver-information display, while N Line featured dual 12.3-inch displays. Hyundai's Bluelink connected services and a digital key feature were standard on all 2024 Konas.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90's dashboard featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel paired with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the Signature trim. The infotainment screen was touch-sensitive only when using wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, with the native Mazda Connect platform requiring the use of a knob and buttons on the centre console. The CX-90's voice recognition system was subpar, but a new Google built-in infotainment system was expected in future models. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bose audio system and Mazda's Active Driving Display, a head-up display with helpful data.

The 2024 Hyundai Kona came equipped with standard Safe Exit Warning, blind-spot collision avoidance, and rear cross-traffic collision avoidance. High-beam assist was standard, with adaptive cruise control available from the Preferred trim. The N Line's Ultimate package included Surround View Monitor and blind-spot view monitor. Hyundai's Highway Driving Assist suite of Level 2 semi-autonomous driving features impressed with its smooth lane-keep assist.

The 2025 Mazda CX-90 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings in all crash tests conducted by the NHTSA. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and rear parking sensors. Higher trim levels added steering assist, emergency lane-keeping assist, safe exit warning, front cross-traffic alert, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-90's driver aids met expectations, with effective lane-keeping technologies and a communicative blind-spot monitoring system.