2025 Hyundai Kona vs 2025 Mazda CX-5

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, maintaining a fresh and futuristic look that set it apart in the crossover class. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a modern aesthetic. The Kona's design, while not traditionally handsome, was a satisfactory blend of curves, bulges, and sharp angles. The newer model was noticeably larger, offering more interior space and a more assertive stance, especially in the sportier N Line trim with its body-coloured bumpers and cladding. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, providing a solid and airy feel with ample tech features.

In contrast, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 was often considered one of the most attractive vehicles in the small SUV class, with its graceful curves and understated elegance. Despite not having been redesigned since 2017, its design continued to impress, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV. The interior boasted nicer-than-average materials and a layout that balanced traditional and modern elements. While it lacked a large infotainment touchscreen, the physical buttons and knobs offered better usability. The CX-5's interior was comparable to last-generation Acura or Lexus models, providing a more special feel than similarly priced competitors.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered a choice between a fully electric drivetrain and two gas-powered 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). This setup prioritized fuel efficiency but lacked in performance. The Kona N Line, however, came with a more powerful turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This provided a more muscular 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 standard on the N Line, enhancing the ride and handling.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine choices: a base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged version producing 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive was standard across the range. The base engine provided adequate power, while the turbocharged model offered quicker acceleration, reaching 96 km/h in about 6 seconds. The CX-5 excelled in sporty driving dynamics, with a firm ride quality that was still comfortable for most passengers. Its quiet cabin reduced fatigue on longer journeys, making it a more entertaining and inspiring choice compared to other SUVs in the class.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona offered impressive cargo capacity, with 723 litres available with the rear seats in place and expanding to 1,803 litres when folded. Rear legroom was adequate, with 970 millimetres of space, and the front seats provided a generous range of movement. The interior featured excellent storage options, with various shelves, trays, and cubbies. The Essential and Preferred trims came with cloth upholstery, while the Trend package added leatherette, and the N Line featured Alcantara sport seats. Heated front seats were standard in Canada, with a heated steering wheel available from the Preferred trim. Climate control options ranged from basic single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air vents.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5, while scoring high in design and refinement, fell short in practicality and space compared to some rivals. It offered 871 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,680 litres with the seats folded. The cargo area was wide and flat, but competitors like the Honda CR-V and Kia Sportage provided more space. The front seats had moderately sized cupholders and storage options, with a wireless charging pad available on midlevel trims. The infotainment system was controlled via a dial, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available. The base trim featured a four-speaker audio system, while higher trims offered a 10-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, offering wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. 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 also 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 experience. Hyundai’s Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates, ensuring features remained up to date.

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment display mounted atop the dash, controlled via a dial on the centre console. This setup allowed for easy operation while driving, with logical menus and quick selections. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto could be controlled via the touchscreen or dial, with wireless integration available from the midrange Premium Plus trim. The base trim featured a four-speaker audio system, while the Signature model offered a 10-speaker Bose premium system. A head-up display was standard from the Premium Plus trim, projecting speed and other information onto the windshield.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety technology, 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. The Preferred trim added enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, while the N Line with the Ultimate package included advanced features like Highway Driving Assist. All Konas came with six airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 earned high marks in crash tests, receiving five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in all evaluations except rollover protection. It scored well in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)’s crash tests, although its standard collision avoidance system received a Poor rating. All trim levels came with basic advanced safety features, including forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist. The midrange GT trim added adaptive headlights and a head-up display, while the Turbo Signature trim included a 360-degree camera and driver attention monitor.