2024 Mazda CX-90 vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 presented itself as a formidable contender in the luxury SUV market, challenging the traditional dominance of brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Mazda had made significant strides in design and material quality, surpassing other Japanese automakers such as Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. The CX-90's exterior design borrowed from the smaller CX-30 and CX-5 models, but with a more imposing presence, stretching over 5 metres. Its large grille, wide-set front end, and wheels ranging from 18 to 21 inches commanded attention, while tasteful chrome trim added an element of elegance. Inside, the top-tier models boasted interiors that rivalled luxury brands, featuring brown suede upholstery, wood inlays, and matte black plastic accents. Despite the range of trims, all CX-90 models benefited from a stylish design language and comfortable layout.

In contrast, the 2025 Hyundai Kona maintained its fresh appearance from the previous year, standing out in the crossover class with its futuristic design elements. The single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars gave even the gas-powered models a modern 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. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel, with tech features that impressed. The Kona's trims, Essential and Preferred, added visual enhancements with larger alloy wheels and LED lighting. The N Line trim further elevated the design with sportier elements and additional features like a sunroof and powered liftgate.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 introduced two new powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid option, marking a significant transformation from the outgoing CX-9. The turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system delivered 280 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque in its base form. However, the upgraded version found in the GT-P and Signature trims increased power to 340 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque when using premium fuel. All CX-90 models came with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The CX-90 Signature trim offered three driving modes: Normal, Sport, and Off-Road, with noticeable differences in behaviour. The PHEV model combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with a 17.8-kWh battery and a 68-kW electric motor, producing 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It offered an all-electric driving range of 42 kilometres and a total driving range of 747 kilometres. Both CX-90 models excelled in handling, with a double-wishbone front suspension and transverse engine layout contributing to its agility.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and gas-powered options. The Essential and Preferred trims featured a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, paired with Hyundai's Intelligent Variable Transmission. 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, mated to an eight-speed torque converter 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 for an additional cost on the Essential and Preferred trims and came standard on the N Line. AWD models featured a multi-link rear suspension for improved ride and handling. The Kona prioritized competence in all situations, offering a smooth and controlled driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 offered a range of seating configurations, with lower trims accommodating eight passengers and mid-level trims featuring captain's chairs for seven. The Turbo Signature trim had an exclusive six-seat configuration. Cargo space varied slightly depending on the seating arrangement, with models featuring a two-seater third row offering 2,129 litres of total cargo space. The CX-90 provided ample storage options, including a large centre console, spacious door pockets, and well-placed cupholders. The interior boasted high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and a panoramic sunroof, ensuring a comfortable experience.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona surprised with its cargo capacity, offering 723 litres with the rear seats in place and expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom measured 970 millimetres, providing adequate space for passengers. The front seats offered a generous range of movement, and the steering wheel was adjustable for reach and height. The Kona excelled in in-car storage, with numerous shelves, trays, and cubbies. 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 in Canada, with a heated steering wheel available on the Preferred trim. The N Line with the Ultimate package offered ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 focused on eliminating distractions with its Mazda Connect infotainment system, which used hard buttons and a rotary control knob instead of a touchscreen. While the intention was to reduce distraction, the system's quirks and idiosyncrasies often led to frustration. However, the CX-90 offered personalization software that used facial recognition to adjust settings automatically. It also came standard with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with wireless functionality in higher trims. The rotary controller worked with these systems, but touchscreen controls were available for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering 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 boasted 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 premium audio system. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 impressed with its i-Activsense suite of advanced driver assistance systems, which came standard on all models. Features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The top-spec CX-90 Signature added cruising and traffic support, blending lane-centring with adaptive cruise control. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the CX-90 was expected to perform well, given the accolades received by the previous CX-9 model.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona continued Hyundai's commitment to safety, equipping even base models with advanced features. Standard equipment included Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Rear Cross-traffic Collision Avoidance Assist. Higher trims added enhanced features like Highway Driving Assist and Blind Spot View Monitor. The Kona also included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. It received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.