The 2025 Mazda CX-30 and the 2025 Hyundai Kona represent two unique and exciting approaches to the subcompact SUV segment. Each has a striking design, a choice of powertrains, and more practicality than you might first think given their small footprint. They are also easy on fuel and start around $26,000 — that’s roughly half the cost of today’s typical new car transaction price.
Let’s see how the CX-30 and Kona stack up against each other.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 is the least-expensive SUV in Mazda’s lineup, starting at $26,415. Yet, it packs a lot of features into that price — both tangible and intangible. First, it is among the rare SUVs in its class that come standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). It also offers a turbo engine upgrade that makes up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. Those are significant numbers in such a small SUV. But even the standard 191-hp engine is far stronger than what others in this segment offer. Finally, we can’t forget about its design; To our eyes, the CX-30 is among the most svelte SUVs around.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
The way it drives: Perhaps the most significant distinguisher between this Mazda and its competitors is its road manners. The CX-30 is among the most athletic vehicles in its class, and a joy to drive. If you’ve ever been behind the wheel of a Mazda, you already know this.
Premium cabin: Step inside the CX-30 and you’re bound to be surprised in the best way. This is one nice-looking cabin with premium materials and stylish looks. If you didn’t see the Mazda badge, you might well think it came from a luxury marque.
Standard safety tech: Every trim of the 2024 Mazda CX-30 comes with active safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Read our Mazda CX-30 Expert Review or see 2025 Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona was completely revamped for 2024. We are so impressed with the remake that we named it our Subcompact SUV Best Buy of 2024. It is bigger than its predecessor, making it roomier on the inside and giving it greater presence on the road. Speaking of presence, its design makes the new Kona look like something out of 2035, not 2025. In addition to offering two engine choices, including a 190-hp turbo, the Kona is available as the Kona Electric, a fully electric vehicle (EV) with up to 260 miles of range on a charge. Pricing starts at $25,745.
Hyundai Kona highlights
Tech-laden interior: Even the least-expensive Kona includes features like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Even some luxury SUVs don’t have these as standard, yet here they are on a base Kona.
Driving assists: The top-line Limited trim ups the ante on safety and driver tech with features like Hyundai’s Blind-Spot View Monitor that presents a real-time digital image in the instrument display, and Highway Driving Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system that we’ve found works great.
Class-leading warranty: Like every other new Hyundai, the Kona comes with one of the best warranties in the business, one that covers 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.
Read our Hyundai Kona Expert Review or see 2025 Hyundai Kona models for sale near you.
Similarities
Both the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona are subcompact SUVs offering seating for five, optional turbo engines, and a svelte design. They also both carry appealing starting prices around $26,000.
Conclusion
Spoiler alert: You can’t go wrong with either of these SUVs. If you’re the sort of driver who, well, loves to drive, you’ll probably gravitate toward the more-engaging Mazda and its inherent athleticism. The Kona, meanwhile, was all new for the 2024 model year, with more backseat room, some sweet tech, and that generous warranty. It’s also one of the few subcompact SUVs in its class offered with an all-electric powertrain.
Used Prices
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The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and New 2025 Hyundai Kona vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 | 2025 Hyundai Kona | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 147 hp @ 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 132 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT |
| Fuel economy | 26 mpg city/33 mpg highway/29 mpg combined | 28 city/35 highway/31 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cyl. | Turbo 1.6-liter 4-cyl., AWD; all-electric |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 10 years/100,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-stars | 4-Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 104.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.0 inches | 171.3 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 71.9 inches |
| Height | 61.7 inches | 62.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 37.3 feet | 34.8 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 37.8 inches | 39.9 inches |
| Headroom, 2nd Row | 38.3 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, 2nd Row | 36.3 inches | 38.2 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.6 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, 2nd Row | 53.6 inches | 55.2 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2 cubic feet | 25.5 cubic feet |
