The 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2025 Mazda CX-30 are two distinctive and thrilling contenders within the subcompact SUV phase. Every has a putting design, a selection of powertrains, and extra utility than you would possibly first suppose given their small footprint. They’re additionally simple on gasoline and begin within the $26,000 vary — that’s roughly half the price of at the moment’s typical new automobile 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 appear like one thing out of 2035, not 2025. Along with providing two engine decisions, together with a 190-horsepower turbo, the Kona is out there because the Kona Electrical, a completely 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 consists of 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 best warranties within the enterprise, one which covers 10 years/100,000 miles for the powertrain.
Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Worth 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 a number 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 critically massive numbers in such a small SUV. However even the usual 191-hp engine is much stronger than what others provide on this phase. Lastly, we are able to’t neglect about its design; to our eyes, the CX-30 is among the many most svelte SUVs round.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
The best way it drives: Maybe the most important differentiator between this Mazda and its opponents is driving dynamics. It’s among the many most athletic automobiles in its class, and a blast to drive. When you’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 classy appears. When you didn’t see the Mazda badge, you would possibly suppose this got here from a luxurious marque.
Customary security tech: Each trim stage of the Mazda CX-30 comes with lively security and driver help options like adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and blind-spot monitoring.
Verify this week’s Truthful Buy Worth 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, elective turbo engines, and a svelte design. Additionally they characteristic interesting beginning costs round $26,000.
Pricing
New 2025 Hyundai Kona Costs
|
Retail Worth
|
Truthful Buy Worth (92620)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$26,045
|
TBD
|
|||
|
$27,395
|
TBD
|
|||
|
$29,595
|
TBD
|
|||
|
$31,045
|
TBD
|
|||
|
$32,595
|
TBD
|
|||
|
$33,595
|
TBD
|
The Kelley Blue E book Truthful Buy Worth for any particular person used car can range tremendously in line with mileage, situation, location, and different elements.
The costs right here mirror what patrons are at present paying for New 2025 Hyundai Kona automobiles and automobiles in typical situation when buying from a dealership.
These costs are up to date weekly. The producer’s prompt retail worth (MSRP) quoted consists of the vacation spot payment, however doesn’t embrace tax, license, doc charges, and choices.
Specs
Specification desk displays the standard configuration of automobiles proven.
Conclusion
Spoiler alert: You may’t go unsuitable 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. When you’re the kind of driver who, nicely, likes to drive, you’ll in all probability gravitate towards the Mazda with its all-wheel drive and inherent athleticism.
