The 2025 Hyundai Kona and 2025 Mazda CX-30 are two unique and exciting contenders in the subcompact SUV segment. Each has a striking design, a choice of powertrains, and more utility than you might first think given their small footprint. They are also easy on fuel and start in the $26,000 range — that’s roughly half the cost of today’s typical new car transaction price.
Let’s see how the Kona and CX-30 compare to each other.
2025 Hyundai Kona
The Hyundai Kona was completely redesigned just last year. We are so impressed with the remake that we again named it our Subcompact SUV Best Buy. Despite its tidy exterior footprint, the Kona has a surprisingly roomy interior. Then there’s the Kona’s styling. Its design makes the new Kona look like something out of 2035, not 2025. In addition to offering two engine choices, including a 190-horsepower turbo, the Kona is available as the Kona Electric, a fully electric vehicle (EV) with up to 260 miles of range on a charge.
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.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see Kona models for sale near you.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 is the smallest and least-expensive SUV in Mazda’s lineup. Yet it packs a lot of features — both tangible and intangible. First, it’s among the rare SUVs in its class that comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). It also offers a turbo-engine upgrade that makes up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Those are seriously big numbers in such a small SUV. But even the standard 191-hp engine is far stronger than what others offer in this segment. 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 biggest differentiator between this Mazda and its competitors is driving dynamics. It is among the most athletic vehicles in its class, and a blast to drive. If you’ve ever been behind the wheel of a Mazda, we’re not telling you anything new.
Premium cabin: Slipping inside the CX-30 is a pleasantly revealing experience. This is one upscale cabin with premium materials and stylish looks. If you didn’t see the Mazda badge, you might think this came from a luxury marque.
Standard safety tech: Every trim level of the Mazda CX-30 comes with active safety and driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 are two subcompact SUVs with seating for five, optional turbo engines, and a svelte design. They also feature appealing starting prices around $26,000.
Pricing
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 New 2025 Hyundai Kona vehicles and 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.
Specifications
Specification table reflects the typical configuration of vehicles shown.
Conclusion
Spoiler alert: You can’t go wrong with either of these SUVs. The Kona has better back-seat room, some sweet tech, and an unbeatable warranty. It’s also one of the few subcompact SUVs in its class offered with an all-electric powertrain. If you’re the type of driver who, well, loves to drive, you’ll probably gravitate toward the Mazda with its all-wheel drive and inherent athleticism.