2026 MAZDA CX-30 vs Hyundai Kona: Compact SUV Battle

2026 Mazda CX-30 Black

If you’ve been hunting for a subcompact vehicle that can easily maneuver tight city streets, two of the most commonly considered options are the 2026 Mazda CX-30 and the Hyundai Kona. While both SUVs offer a premium, dynamic drive, the Mazda CX-30 beats out the competition with sporty power and a luxurious cabin. Our AutoNation Mazda Arapahoe team has compared these models for you below.

Performance Showdown

One of the main aspects that separates the Mazda CX-30 from the Hyundai Kona and similar vehicles is its performance. Both vehicles offer an available turbocharged engine, but this new Mazda SUV has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque compared to the smaller 1.6-liter four-cylinder inside the Hyundai Kona that only produces 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

The Mazda CX-30 offers a sportier drive, while the Hyundai Kona is smoother and less thrilling. You’ll also get better ride isolation and less road noise for a comfortable commute. The Mazda CX-30 comes standard with i-Activ AWD®, a powerful all-wheel drive system, while you have to pay extra for all-wheel drive on the Hyundai Kona.

Cabin Comparison

The Mazda CX-30 puts itself even further ahead of the Hyundai Kona with a more premium interior that features luxurious materials and high-tech amenities. You can expect high-quality, soft-touch materials while the Hyundai Kona utilizes hard plastic in more places. There’s available leatherette seating and leather upholstery on higher level trims, as well as a variety of eye-catching accents across the trim lineup in the Mazda CX-30.

The Mazda CX-30 has a cleaner, minimalistic dashboard design with physical knobs and controls while the Hyundai Kona relies more on integrated touchscreen displays. This means less distractions and more focus on the road while driving the Mazda CX-30. This driver-focused layout really makes a difference on longer rides.

Test-Drive the 2026 MAZDA CX-30 in Centennial, CO

The best way to really feel the difference between these two models is with a test drive. Visit our Centennial, CO, Mazda dealership to get behind the wheel. After you’ve found the package that best fits your needs, you can work with our Mazda finance team to complete your purchase. Give us a call for additional information today!