2020 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2020 Hyundai Kona: Which One Should You Buy?

Automakers crank out subcompact crossovers by the bushel, but you can’t accuse them of copying each other. Proof: the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona. Although similar in price and size, each offers distinct performance and attributes that successfully position it against the other. There are plenty of reasons to choose one over the other—here are five for each.

A luxurious ambiance: Belying its price point, the CX-30 does an excellent impression of a luxury car. The interior is gorgeous, covered in premium soft-touch materials; there’s hardly a brittle plastic surface to be found. It’s comfortable with a compliant ride that insulates harshness without feeling floaty. Ergonomics are a focus, given the supportive seats and intuitive placement of controls. Even at highway speeds, it’s devoid of wind noise. In comparison, the Kona’s cabin is bland and basic with plenty of tire roar making its way inside.

Better infotainment: The Kona’s touchscreen may initially be more intuitive, but it doesn’t take long to figure out the CX-30’s infotainment controller knob. Once you do, the Mazda‘s system is superior. Menus are logically arranged and offer more options to set the car up how you want. Integration with popular smartphones is likewise natural after the dial’s short learning curve. All the while the screen is nicer to look at with brighter colors and higher resolution. And, unlike our long-term Kona Ultimate’s 8.0-inch screen positioned atop the center stack, the CX-30’s dashboard-mounted 8.8-inch screen falls naturally in your line of sight, helping you keep your eyes on the road.

Adaptive cruise control: Merge onto the highway, set the CX-30’s speed, and take your feet off the pedals—full-speed adaptive cruise control accelerates and brakes for you. It makes sitting in traffic so much easier. Adaptive cruise is standard across the entire CX-30 lineup. Yes, the Kona has it, too, but only on the range-topping Ultimate trim.

Sharper handling: The CX-30’s steering is amazingly sensitive. There’s practically no numbness in the wheel; minute inputs change the direction you’re moving. It provides a sense of connection and control, supported by suspension that deftly prevents body roll. Meanwhile, the Kona’s tiller has a dead spot on-center, and it requires more commitment to change where the front wheels are pointing. Resultantly it doesn’t feel as responsive as the Mazda.

Superior style: Style is, admittedly, subjective. And we, admittedly, think the Kona looks kinda funky cool. But it’s nowhere near as attractive as the CX-30. The Mazda’s elegant flowing body panels are balanced by just enough sharp creases to give it a slightly aggressive presence. The CX-30 looks bold and distinctive without resorting to polarizing novelty like the Kona does.

Quicker acceleration: On paper, the Kona Ultimate’s 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque doesn’t seem so different from the CX-30’s 186 hp and 186 lb-ft. From behind the wheel, though, the Hyundai feels far quicker. Its turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 provides torque low in the rev range to give ample thrust. The quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission helps with that. Although the CX-30 doesn’t feel underpowered, its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine’s delivery is comparatively relaxed. Results from the test track don’t lie: We measured our Kona Ultimate’s 0-60 mph acceleration at 6.6 seconds, ahead of the all-wheel-drive CX-30’s 7.8-second run.

Lane keep assist: On freeway stretches, the Kona helps its driver with lane keep assist. Standard across the range, it feels like there’s an extra hand on the wheel, maintaining a central position in the lane. Around sweeping bends, it’s almost as if the car is steering for you. The Kona’s lane keep assist takes some effort out of highway driving. It’s standard on the CX-30, too, but Mazda’s calibration is subtle to the point of being undetectable unless you drift out of the lane.

Better off-road ability: Look, no one’s pretending that either of these little crossovers is ready for rock crawling. But let’s say your favorite hiking trail is at the end of a rutted gravel road, or you wake up some mornings to ice on the ground. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Kona feels more confident off-pavement. Its suspension has decent articulation, and the all-wheel-drive lock button helps ensure confident traction. The CX-30 can be had with Off-Road Traction Assist mode, but simple dirt dips and undulations quickly overwhelm its composure.

Improved visibility: You’ll like looking at the CX-30’s interior more than looking out of it. As nicely appointed as it is, outside visibility isn’t good. A high beltline and sizable D-pillar combine to make it difficult to see what’s going on around you, especially when looking over your shoulder to change lanes. The Kona’s D-pillar isn’t as bulky, and its larger window openings make it easier to monitor traffic around you.

Hotter seats: On those frigid mornings, seat heaters are a car’s most important asset. Fortunately the Kona’s three-level butt warmers heat right up, and in their highest setting feel plenty toasty. Whatever your preference, they get hotter, faster, than the CX-30’s. Whereas seat heaters are included on all but the base-level Kona, they only come on the two highest CX-30 trims.