2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2024 Mazda CX-50

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 presented itself as a more rugged alternative to the CX-5, with significant dimensional changes that included being 3.5 cm lower, 7.6 cm wider, and nearly 15 cm longer. Its design was fresh and emphasized broad-shouldered proportions with square wheel arches and faux air vents. The Meridian Edition, in particular, enhanced its active-lifestyle image with all-terrain tires, a black hood graphic, and pronounced rocker-panel trim. Despite its rugged appearance, the CX-50 did not include suspension changes or additional drive modes for off-road capability. The interior was well-designed, with a BMW-like infotainment screen and impressive material quality, though it fell short of Mazda's upscale aspirations with features like standard half-leatherette seats and a manually adjustable passenger seat.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona, while visually unchanged from the 2024 model, maintained a fresh and distinctive appearance with its flush grille and ultra-slim LED light bars. The Kona's increased size, being 15 cm longer, contributed to a more assertive stance and improved interior space. The N Line trim offered a sportier design with body-coloured bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged, providing a solid and airy feel with ample tech features. The Kona's trims, Essential and Preferred, offered progressive visual enhancements, while the N Line added sportier elements. The interior was comfortable, with a range of upholstery options and climate control features, making it a practical choice for various preferences.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 was equipped with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, with turbocharging available on higher trims. The base engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged version delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93-octane gasoline, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87-octane fuel. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with driving modes including Normal, Sport, and Off-road, and a Towing mode on turbo models. The CX-50's towing capacity ranged from 907 kg to 1,587 kg, depending on the model. While the CX-50 shared powertrains with the CX-5, it offered a different driving experience, focusing more on daily driving than sporty dynamics. The Meridian Edition's all-terrain tires added noise and limited grip, making it less ideal for handling.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered two gas-powered engine options. 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 Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). The Kona N Line, on the other hand, boasted a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with 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 a more sophisticated ride with a multi-link rear suspension. The Kona prioritized competence in all situations, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 offered similar passenger space to the CX-5, with slightly less headroom but more legroom in both rows. It provided 889 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,595 litres with them folded, slightly trailing the CX-5 in maximum cargo capacity. While the CX-50 had a power liftgate for easier access, its cargo area wasn't ideal for bulky items, and the optional roof platform was high for shorter users. The interior featured a sensible layout with adequate storage, maintaining a substantial shifter and rotary infotainment controller on the centre console.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 723 litres with the rear seats up and 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 mm, with 972 mm of headroom, providing ample space for passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona's interior boasted excellent storage options, with numerous compartments for personal items. Upholstery options varied across trims, with cloth, leatherette, and Alcantara sport seats available. Climate control features ranged from basic air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control, enhancing comfort for occupants.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 featured a 10.25-inch infotainment screen controlled by a rotary controller and buttons on the centre console. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with higher trims offering wireless phone charging, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. While the touchscreen-free interface required adjustment, it provided physical feedback for easier use. The infotainment system felt dated, with basic functions and plain graphics, appealing to buyers who preferred simplicity over excessive tech.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, featuring good graphics and clear menu layouts. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, with wireless smartphone charging and Hyundai's digital key available on higher trims. The N Line trim included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing customization and cohesion. Audiophiles could upgrade to the N Line with the Ultimate package for an eight-speaker Bose audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity enabled over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2024 Mazda CX-50 earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention tech. However, it received a "Basic" score for nighttime vehicle-to-pedestrian tests and "Average" for standard headlights. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with a five-star frontal crash-test rating and four-star rollover rating. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and a driver attention monitor. Optional features included emergency lane-keeping, rear automatic braking, traffic-jam assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its standard safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist, and Safe Exit Warning. Higher trims added advanced features like Highway Driving Assist and Blind Spot View Monitor. The N Line with the Ultimate package included parking assistance features. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, highlighting its comprehensive safety offerings.