2025 Mazda CX-50 vs 2025 Hyundai Kona

The 2025 Hyundai Kona retained its distinctive appearance from the previous year, ensuring it stood out in the crowded crossover market. Its design featured a largely flush, single-piece grille and ultra-slim LED light bars, giving even the gas-powered models a futuristic look. While not traditionally handsome, the Kona's curves and angles came together in a way that was visually satisfying. The increased size of the 2025 model, being 15 centimetres longer, provided more interior space and a more assertive stance, especially in the sportier N Line trim. The interior remained unchanged from 2024, offering a solid and airy feel with ample tech features.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 was considered one of the more attractive options in the compact SUV class, borrowing styling elements from the CX-5 but enhancing them with distinct fender flares and a wider grille for a sportier stance. Its interior featured a traditional layout with classier materials than many rivals, including soft-touch surfaces and distinct stitching. The red leather upholstery exclusive to the hybrid model added a touch of flair. However, the decorative stripe running down the middle of the seats was a point of contention for some, as it could be felt through clothing. Despite this, the CX-50 positioned itself above other compact SUVs, leaning towards entry-level luxury in design and interior quality.

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. For those seeking more power, the Kona N Line came with a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive was available for an additional cost on the Essential and Preferred trims and standard on the N Line, enhancing the Kona's handling and ride quality.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid debuted with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with three electric motors, delivering 219 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain, borrowed from the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, provided quick throttle response and a smooth driving experience. The CX-50's sportier suspension tuning allowed for engaging handling, with minimal body roll and a firm yet comfortable ride. The hybrid model filled the gap between the base engine's 187 horsepower and the Turbo model's 256 horsepower, offering a balanced performance that satisfied most drivers.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its cargo capacity, offering 723 litres with the rear seats in place and 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 numerous shelves and compartments. Upholstery options varied by trim, with cloth on the Essential and Preferred, leatherette with the Trend package, and Alcantara sport seats on the N Line. Climate control options ranged from single-zone air conditioning to dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50, while enjoyable to drive, fell short in practicality compared to competitors. It offered 826 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, less than the class average. However, the space was usable, with a standard power liftgate and a large storage bin under the cargo floor. The interior provided adequate personal storage, but rivals offered more. Despite these limitations, the CX-50 could handle day-to-day needs, aided by features like remote rear seatback releases and shopping bag hooks.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona featured a 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment display across all trims, with 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 also offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system with the Ultimate package. Hyundai's Bluelink connectivity allowed for over-the-air software updates.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50's 10.25-inch infotainment system was controlled by a dial on the centre console, with touchscreen functionality limited to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This setup appealed to those who preferred not to focus on a touchscreen while driving. All models came with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the Hybrid model included a wireless charging pad. The base trims featured an eight-speaker audio system, while the GT trim boasted a 12-speaker Bose premium system.

The 2025 Hyundai Kona impressed with its comprehensive safety features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and more as standard across all trims. The Preferred trim added enhanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, while the N Line with the Ultimate package included advanced features like Highway Driving Assist. The Kona was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, reflecting its strong safety credentials.

The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid earned high safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA in most evaluations and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The systems functioned smoothly, with no false alarms, and the adaptive cruise control was noted for its smooth operation.