The 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2025 Mazda CX-30 are two distinctive and thrilling contenders within the subcompact SUV section. Every has a putting design, a alternative of powertrains, and extra utility than you may first suppose given their small footprint. They’re additionally straightforward on gas and begin within the $26,000 vary — that’s roughly half the price of right this moment’s typical new automotive transaction worth.
Let’s see how the Kona and CX-30 examine to one another.
2025 Hyundai Kona

The Hyundai Kona was utterly redesigned simply final 12 months. We’re so impressed with the remake that we once more named it our Subcompact SUV Greatest Purchase. Regardless of its tidy exterior footprint, the Kona has a surprisingly roomy inside. Then there’s the Kona’s styling. Its design makes the brand new Kona seem like one thing out of 2035, not 2025. Along with providing two engine selections, together with a 190-horsepower turbo, the Kona is on the market because the Kona Electrical, a totally electrical car (EV) with as much as 260 miles of vary on a cost.
Hyundai Kona highlights
Tech-laden inside: Even the least-expensive Kona contains options like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Even some luxurious SUVs don’t have these as normal, but right here they’re on a base Kona.
Driving assists: The highest-line Restricted trim ups the ante on security and driver tech with options like Hyundai’s Blind-Spot View Monitor that presents a real-time digital picture within the instrument show, and Freeway Driving Help, a semi-autonomous driving system that we’ve discovered works nice.
Class-leading guarantee: Like each different new Hyundai, the Kona comes with among the finest warranties within the enterprise, one which covers 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.
Test this week’s Honest Buy Value or see Kona fashions on the market close to you.
2025 Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 is the smallest and least-expensive SUV in Mazda’s lineup. But it packs loads of options — each tangible and intangible. First, it’s among the many uncommon SUVs in its class that comes normal with all-wheel drive (AWD). It additionally affords a turbo-engine improve that makes as much as 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. These are severely large numbers in such a small SUV. However even the usual 191-hp engine is much stronger than what others provide on this section. Lastly, we will’t neglect about its design; to our eyes, the CX-30 is among the many most svelte SUVs round.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
The way in which it drives: Maybe the most important differentiator between this Mazda and its opponents is driving dynamics. It’s among the many most athletic autos in its class, and a blast to drive. For those who’ve ever been behind the wheel of a Mazda, we’re not telling you something new.
Premium cabin: Slipping contained in the CX-30 is a pleasantly revealing expertise. That is one upscale cabin with premium supplies and trendy seems. For those who didn’t see the Mazda badge, you may suppose this got here from a luxurious marque.
Commonplace security tech: Each trim degree of the Mazda CX-30 comes with energetic security and driver help options like adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and blind-spot monitoring.
Test this week’s Honest Buy Value or see the CX-30 fashions on the market close to you.
Similarities
The Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 are two subcompact SUVs with seating for 5, optionally available turbo engines, and a svelte design. In addition they characteristic interesting beginning costs round $26,000.
Pricing
New 2025 Hyundai Kona Costs
Retail Value
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Honest Buy Value (94111)
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$26,045
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TBD
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$27,395
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TBD
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$29,595
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TBD
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$31,045
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TBD
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$32,595
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TBD
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$33,595
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TBD
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The Kelley Blue Ebook Honest Buy Value for any particular person used car can fluctuate drastically in response to mileage, situation, location, and different components.
The costs right here replicate what consumers are presently paying for New 2025 Hyundai Kona autos and autos in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s recommended retail worth (MSRP) quoted contains the vacation spot price, however doesn’t embody tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
Specification desk displays the standard configuration of autos proven.
Conclusion
Spoiler alert: You may’t go improper with both of those SUVs. The Kona has higher back-seat room, some candy tech, and an unbeatable guarantee. It’s additionally one of many few subcompact SUVs in its class provided with an all-electric powertrain. For those who’re the kind of driver who, properly, likes to drive, you’ll most likely gravitate towards the Mazda with its all-wheel drive and inherent athleticism.