2023 Hyundai Kona v Mazda CX-30 Comparison | All-new Korean small SUV takes on one of Japan’s finest

Mazda👍🏻

Got rid of the Kona EV that became very unreliable (random intermittent changes of speed when using the adaptive cruise on empty roads as well as on motorways) and had problems (paintwork) that Hyundai failed to address as the warranty ran down. Changed to a CX-30 and would never consider going back. Much better build quality and a great drive. The Japanese know how to build cars and properly support them , I would never touch a Hyundai/Kia/Genesis again.

Mazda all day

Does Mazda offer a turbo in Australia? I feel you should have done a turbo to turbo comparison.

Kona!!

Can not compare. Not apple to apple

I just checked out a 2024 Kona here in southern nevada. A deal breaker for me, was that on full brightness, the panels were hard to read in bright light. Here in the desert, we get lots of bright light that will wash out the panels during the day.

C type connection, I don't know but the end that plugs into your phone maybe C type, but all phone have USB at the end where you plug into power source. So, C type at the power source doesn't make sense..

I have same dilemma. Mazda is great, all positives are there, however... Rear and trunk space is an issue for me.
Other than that it is a bit strange that mazda is actually bit more expensive in higher trims. Kona is better if you want 'everything'.

I was out when he said non turbo Mazda.

I drive an European CX-30 and can say I love the elegance, the refinement, the quality of this car. It is simply enjoyable. Almost everything you touch on the inside is soft and nice, unlike most other cars out there. And you migh have skipped the dual bottomed trunk, for some reason there is a space below the aparent bottom and just under that you have the safety kit etc. I simply removed the upper bottom to get more space. The HUD is also wonderful, nowadays I rarely use the "normal" screen for speed etc. There is also something I don't understand: blocking (locking) back windows also blocks the front right one and even I have to unlock them in order to close/open the other 3 windows (maybe some Japanese thing, I don't know). Another thing i just like is the size and confort offered by the door handle and the arm rest, they are at the same height, the size is very good so I reach the steering wheel while holding my arms on them; this is soo good. Most cars have a small, "childish" arm rest, unpractical.

I'd go with Japan

How tall are you? Just want to size my kids for the rear seats of the Mazda CX-30.

Mazda looks like 2007 car even compared to previous Kona

“Headroom in the back is fine”......Dude your head was touching the roof, and you had NO Legroom !!

The prior generation Kona was forgettable to say the least, but this new generation Kona N-Line eats the CX-30 for breakfast. I have been in Mazda’s, and I actually don’t think they have class leading interiors. Especially not anymore now that everyone else stepped up their game. And lets be honest, the CX-30 backseat is only suitable for small children.

how well do slim led lights work compared to much larger round head lights?
also thin indicators are dangerous during the day in full sunlight, impossible to see.

how is this even something people compare? Mazda is luxurious and kona looks like some plasticky thing designed by committee.

Its hilarious how everyone that sides with the CX30 in the comments are the ones that have one on order or already bought one. Biased much? The design is incomparable, and if you think otherwise, you're just a fool. The CX30 looks like it was designed in 2010. In fact, my old 2010 Mazda 3 looked far better at that time. Besides the HUD, the kona is miles ahead considering design, technology, features, space, and even price. The extra $1200 is peanuts for all the extra features that the Kona offers. Sorry mazda fanboys, this ones a blowout

kONA THE CAR THAT LOOKS LIKE EVERY OTHER SUV IN THE MARKET ... HEY LETS BUY ONE SO I CAN LOAD UP ALL THE STORAGE SPACE WITH SHITE

Mazda by a country mile.

While Mazda's design might be boring compared to the Hyundai's, I think it will last much longer & can easily achieve an evergreen design status.

CX-30 owner who swaps cars through the week & the annoying bits stand out more. That damn magnifying driver’s side door mirror, short windows / high door line makes it feel a little claustrophobic, ride is a little too firm, though everyone says interior is premium it is a little bland, ride is a little overfirm, when beeps & warnings happen the info doesn’t stay on displays long enough to see what you did. Upsides, it’s a comfortable & pleasant place to sit, the motor transmission combination works quite well & rarely gets caught out, great graphics & detail in HUD, feels well planted on fun bends.

I'm evidently not in your target audience, but I would have much preferred a review of the base models of each car. In any case, I think you should compare similar engines (e.g., 2.0L NA) and similar drive trains (e.g., FWD) in every such comparative review!

Watching car reviews makes me wonder what the hell people are doing intheir vehicles. All the tech stuff is lost on me. Im driving and maybe listening to music. Engaging and fun to drive, cx30 turbo all the way

The previous Kona was good...but I REALLY like this new version. The light bars at the front and back are really clean. It's edgy, but not over the top. Big fan of the tech as well. The smallish windows for that claustrophobic feeling in the Mazda was a dealbreaker from the get go. This was really well presented and fair. Excellent presentation skills - clear and concise. Keep up the awesome work!

Well you compare luxury trim mazda with sport trim kona would have been better comparing the kona ultimate trim with its leather seats etc

10 k service there is somthing as the same cars have 19 k in europe and uk

The Mazda looks ancient

Japan sleek all the way.

I have a CX-30 on order. That HUD is worth all that big screen stuff & more. You just never look at the dash. The instant you hop in it’s all class. I notice many lines on the Kona don’t line up especially the tail gate & the dash layout doesn’t flow & how often do you adjust the passengers seat? Once? It was hard to tell but it looks like Hyundai / Kia still don’t back light the air conditioner controls so if you are unfamiliar with them you need to turn on the interior light to see them at night!! I recently had a Kia Sportage 2022 Model for a couple of months & this should be pointed out by any car review as unacceptable. Each to his own but the Mazda is a classy small SUV rather than an attention seeking school project gone wrong

Masda’s interior elegant???? 😂😂😂😂😂 really??? 🙈

They’re incomparable in design. Masda looks like produced 20years ago

Pretty much for me it’s the decision between the driving experience and luxury, or the features/functionality and practicality. For my lifestyle, i am going with the Kona. I agree the interior is more luxurious in the Mazda, but for the price point the Kona offers way more features, tech and most importantly space. It also just feels more fun and sporty, whereas the Mazda is more traditional and refined - Both are great cars but for me the choice is all about the lifestyle you have.

bad review, cx 30 ftw any day of the week

Hyundai all the way! Korean cars already took over Japanese cars. Also when you say Hyundai means safety, design, warranty and technology.

I don’t trust Hyundai, Japan all day for me.

Mazda is a car for a grown man. Hyundai is for kids, who get excited with tinsels and trinkets. I’ve got my CX-30 for nearly 2 years now and find it the best car I ever had or drove. That is pure pleasure.

The Kona is ugly and won't age well.

Not even mention that Mazda reliability shits on any korean brand!

CX30 is pure luxury without the luxury price. MAZDA low-key luxury . Kia is cheap and feels cheap too.

Here in the USA, all Mazda's have AWD

Kona ❤

Even though you have selected the Mazda CX30 with the 2.5L engine the comparison probably should have been with the Hyundai 2.0L, in my opinion. Otherwise quite a good comparison.

Hyundai improved but overall mazda all the way. Reliability 100% and will age well for sure

Kona is just too busy for me. The CX30 more refined, more upscale looking and that is why I purchased it over any other vehicle. I have the turbo model, which is great on the highway but I’m not speedster.

The interior does seem more hi-tech, but it also looks very cheap and plastic compared to the Mazda.

CX-30 !

50,000 $ are you joking or stupid.