When shopping for a new car, it can seem overwhelming. Do I go with this car A because it makes me look good, or do I go with car B because it makes me feel good? This is why car magazines, like Car and Driver, exist. In a recent issue, they compared the 2025 Mazda CX-30 to the 2025 Hyundai Kona.
Priced Well but Different Cars
Both the Mazda and the Hyundai are priced around $35,000 to start and are built for a similar purpose. However, how they handle that purpose is where the Mazda starts to shine. The cars tested were the CX-30 Carbon Turbo model, equipped with all-wheel drive, and the Kona Limited AWD. The Hyundai had an as-tested price of $35,335, with the Mazda costing $35,220.
The Mazda is Standard with AWD and Plenty of Power
Mazda equips the CX-30 with all-wheel drive across the range, offering a choice of either a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine that produces 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, or a turbocharged motor that generates 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque. The base 2.5 S trim starts from $27,470.
An Interior That'll Make You Swoon
Mazda ensured that the CX-30's interior was more than just a place to sit and drive. Instead, they designed a cabin that would make even the highest-priced luxury cars swoon, with Car and Driver saying, "Inside, the Mazda immediately impresses with stellar material quality and aesthetics. Our test model's Terracotta leatherette seats and faux-suede dash wouldn't look out of place in a much pricier luxury subcompact, and the entirety of its cabin design feels genuinely premium."
The Kona Just Can't Match the Mazda
The Hyundai Kona also starts at $27,450 and offers front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option for $1,500. And Car and Driver said, "Its interior materials also weren't as luxe to the touch as the ones in the CX-30." Also, like the Mazda, a non-turbo and turbo engine are both available, with the standard 2.0 engine producing only 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, and the 1.6-liter turbo generating 190 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
Car and Driver Says the CX-30 Just Feels Better
"Behind the wheel, the CX-30 and Kona really start to diverge in character. The Mazda's more powerful turbo engine feels eager from the get-go, delivering smooth and effortless power from early in the rev range. In contrast, the Kona requires some prodding to get up to speed, and its poky mill screams bloody murder when forced to operate at full bore."
The CX-30 Performs Better When You Need It To
Car and Driver observed that the Mazda was able to get to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds, while the Kona took a long 7.6 seconds to reach the same speed. While 1.4 seconds may not seem like a long time, when it means trying to get up and go, 1 second is roughly 10 car lengths at speed. So, the CX-30 is nearly 20 car lengths ahead of the Hyundai getting to 60 mph. That matters a lot when you are merging onto a highway.
The CX-30 Is Incredibly Safe
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 has also earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), indicating it is one of the safest vehicles on the road today. Couple that with its excellent standard safety and technology features, such as Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, plus a 10.3-inch infotainment display with smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the CX-30 is a winner for all types of car buyers.
Get Your Next Mazda at Gillman Mazda
When shopping for your next car, be sure to visit Gillman Mazda. Whether you need an attractive, safe, and well-priced crossover like the CX-30 or you want something like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the knowledgeable staff at Gillman Mazda will make sure you are getting the best car for your budget and needs.
Why Choose Gillman Mazda
Don't miss out on the great deals in the last months of 2025 from Team Gillman Mazda. Gillman Mazda takes great pride in offering customers the best prices on new and used vehicles. Our excellent sales staff can assist you in finding the perfect car, while our finance department will make sure you get the best rate possible. And when it's time to service your vehicle, our service department will take care of it as if it were their own.
If you have any dents, scratches, windshield, or paint repair needs, the Team Gillman Collision Center and Body Shop will take the best care of you and offer a lifetime warranty on all body and paint work.
We look forward to serving you soon!