2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was designed with a distinctive aesthetic that set it apart from traditional cars. Its exterior featured an abundance of charcoal-coloured plastic cladding on the lower body, which some found excessive. However, the overall design was appealing, with short overhangs, a long and low hood, and a rakish roofline. The interior of the CX-30 was a standout, offering a level of style and refinement comparable to entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh appearance from the previous year, ensuring it remained distinctive in the crossover class. Its design included a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving it a futuristic look. The Kona's increased size, being 15 centimetres longer than its predecessor, provided more interior space and a more assertive stance. The N Line trim offered a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. Inside, the Kona's interior felt solid and airy, with a drive selector relocated to a column beneath the wiper stalk, enhancing the sense of space.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Despite these impressive figures, the power delivery was smooth and gradual, akin to surfing a wave. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard all-wheel-drive system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was less impressive, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The CX-30 was fun to drive, offering nimble handling and excellent visibility, although it felt a bit soft in mountainous terrain.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two engine options for its gas-powered models. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Intelligent Variable Transmission. The Kona N Line, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with 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 on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, offering improved handling and ride quality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior was characterized by deft design, quality materials, and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was a favourite, and the traditional PRNDL shifter was easy to operate. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding a splash of colour. While the interior space was cramped, especially in the back seat, the front seats were comfortable and heated. The cargo volume was 572 litres behind the back seat, expandable to 1,280 litres with the seats folded.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered impressive cargo capacity, with 723 litres available with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom was adequate, and the front seats provided a generous range of movement. The drive selector's relocation created additional storage space, and in-car storage was excellent. The Essential and Preferred trims featured cloth upholstery, while the Trend package added leatherette, and the N Line had Alcantara sport seats. Heated front seats were standard, with dual-zone automatic climate control available on higher trims.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's GT and Suna trims featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's placement far from the driver and passenger was a drawback. Mazda's approach to reducing driver distraction involved static displays and a combination of controls, but the lack of natural voice recognition was a limitation. All CX-30s in Canada included a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, with USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system available on higher trims.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona came with a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Preferred trim with the Trend package and the N Line trim included wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key. The N Line trim featured a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, providing more customization options. Audiophiles could upgrade to the N Line with the Ultimate package for an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. Higher trims added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and a Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It was also a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.