The Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai KONA often appear on the shortlists of car buyers looking for a small SUV. These models offer easy drivability, a comfortable and spacious cabin, and a generous list of tech and safety features catering to driver needs. While they’re both exceptionally well-made vehicles, they have distinct differences. Our team at Bountiful Mazda put together this comparative guide to the 2024 Mazda CX-5 and the 2024 Hyundai KONA to help you determine which vehicle best suits you.
Specifications and Features
The standard engine for the 2024 CX-5 is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 187 horsepower. With this powertrain, the Mazda accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds, which is respectable in the crossover SUV segment. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive come standard on every model.
If you plan to do some spirited weekend driving, consider the optional 2.5-liter turbo-four that generates 227 horsepower with regular gasoline and 256 horsepower with premium gas. This engine is considerably quicker than the standard version, sprinting from zero to 60 mph in an impressive 6.1 seconds.
Similarly, the 2024 Hyundai KONA has two engine options. Lower trims house a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that generates 147 horsepower and pairs with a continuously variable transmission. Stepping up to the N Line or Limited gets you a 1.6-liter turbo four-cylinder with 190 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Even with this setup, the Hyundai SUV takes 7.5 seconds to go from zero to 60 mph, making it significantly slower than the turbocharged CX-5. All KONA trims come standard with front-wheel drive and offer all-wheel drive as an option.
While it’s the clear winner in terms of power and acceleration, the Mazda CX-5 is less fuel-efficient than the Hyundai KONA. Its standard engine returns 24 mpg city/30 mpg highway, while the Hyundai earns up to 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway.
When it comes to handling, few compact SUVs can match the CX-5. This Mazda crossover strikes the perfect balance between driving fun and comfort. It has responsive and precise steering that enables you to easily negotiate confined spaces and a finely tuned suspension that absorbs bumps and dips remarkably well. It also feels sure-footed and enthusiastic around corners and on curvy roads, making driving a blast. If you frequently venture off-road, check out the adventure-ready Mazda CX-50, which shares many similarities with the CX-5.
The Hyundai KONA is also easy to maneuver and demonstrates good composure around turns, but it isn’t as athletic and fun to drive as its Mazda rival. While it rides comfortably in most situations, uneven surfaces can shake things up a bit.
Trims and Dimensions
The 2024 Mazda CX-5 comes with an eight-trim lineup that comprises the entry-level 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, distinctive-looking 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 S Premium Plus, 2.5 S Carbon Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and the range-topping 2.5 Turbo Signature. The 2.5 S Select has a starting MSRP of $29,300, while the starting MSRP for the well-appointed 2.5 Turbo Signature is $40,600. Our Bountiful Mazda dealership in Utah offers new vehicle specials that provide great savings, so check them out before making your purchase.
For 2024, the Hyundai KONA is available in four trims: the SE, SEL, N Line, and Limited. The MSRP for the entry-level SE model is $24,250, and the Limited has a starting MSRP of $31,800, making it more affordable than the CX-5. The KONA also comes in hybrid and all-electric versions.
While they compete in the compact SUV segment, the Mazda CX-5 is larger than the Hyundai KONA. The CX-5 is 180.1 inches long, 72.6 inches wide, 66.3 inches high, and sits on a 106.2-inch wheelbase. The KONA, on the other hand, is 172.6 inches long, 71.9 inches wide, and 63.6 inches high. Its wheelbase measures 104.7 inches long. The bigger exterior dimensions of the Mazda translate to a more spacious interior, which offers 104 cubic feet of passenger volume. That’s 5 cubic feet more than the Hyundai.
Safety and Technology
If you’re looking for a crossover that provides excellent connectivity and entertainment on the road, you won’t go wrong with the 2024 Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai KONA. Both SUVs have an intuitive and responsive infotainment system that’s easy to use, but the KONA offers several additional tech features.
The CX-5 comes standard with a 10.25-inch touch-screen display, a six-speaker audio system, front and rear USB ports, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and HD Radio. The KONA SE has all these features plus a larger 12.3-inch touch screen and satellite radio. Upgrades such as wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, navigation, a head-up display, and a premium audio system are available on both crossovers.
The Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai KONA provide plenty of driver-assistance technologies to prevent collisions and keep you safe behind the wheel. Standard features on the two SUVs include automated emergency braking, automated high-beam headlamps, pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and a rearview camera. While every CX-5 model has adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, it’s optional on the KONA. However, driver-attention monitoring is standard on the Hyundai and an available upgrade on the Mazda.
Test-Drive the 2024 Mazda CX-5 at Bountiful Mazda Today
While the 2024 Mazda CX-5 is more expensive than the 2024 Hyundai KONA, it’s well worth the extra money. It offers more powerful engines, standard all-wheel drive, and sportier handling. If you want to experience the latest Mazda CX-5 firsthand, visit us at Bountiful Mazda. Our dealership in Bountiful, Utah, offers all CX-5 trim levels in various colors and with a range of packages, so you can rest assured you’ll find a model on our lot that ticks all your boxes. Browse our new Mazda inventory now, and contact us to schedule a test drive.
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