Which SUV to choose: 2020 Hyundai Kona Essential vs 2020 Mazda CX-30 GX
March 25 2020,
The sub-compact SUV segment is growing at a rapid pace, and the vehicles in it are fighting hard and doing everything in their power to stand out from the competition. The all-new 2020 Mazda CX-30 is no exception to this rule and brings the level of competitiveness in this category up a notch! The CX-30, unveiled for the first time in North America at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2019, will meet the needs of buyers looking for a versatile, high-performance crossover. What is more, it has nothing to envy the competition, including the 2020 Hyundai Kona, the first model of which made its debut on the market in 2018.
Design
Similar to the Mazda3 sedan in many ways, the 2020 CX-30 is larger than the latter, but more compact than the CX-5. This Mazda SUV—we are examining the 2020 Mazda CX-30 GX here—boasts a very dynamic profile with Honda's signature grille, all-LED headlights, daytime running lights and taillights—unlike the 2020 Kona Essential, which only has LED headlights—wheels of 16 to 18 inches as well as a wide choice of body colours.
In terms of dimensions, the CX-30 has a wheelbase of 2,652 mm (as opposed to 2,600 mm for the Kona), a height of 1,580 mm (compared to 1,565 mm) as well as generous front and rear legroom of 1,058 and 921 mm, respectively.
Technical Specs
Under the hood, the base Mazda CX-30 offers you a Skyactiv-G 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine developing an output of 155 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque. A 186-horsepower, Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine is also available on the higher-range versions. The 2020 Kona, on the other hand, has a less powerful engine, namely a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder that generates 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque for the entry-range model, while a 175-horsepower powertrain is offered on more expensive models.
The CX-30 also offers a 6-speed automatic transmission, as well as front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. Finally, depending on whether you choose the 2WD or 4WD version, your Mazda SUV will have respective highway fuel economy ratings of 7.1 and 7.7 L/100 km.
Interior Features
The spacious interior of the CX-30 can accommodate up to 5 occupants and their luggage, thanks to its rear trunk that can hold up to 572 litres, compared to 544 litres for its rival at Hyundai. And if you fold down the rear seats, the CX-30 will offer you a cargo volume of 1,280 litres.
Numerous commodities could be found on board your CX-30, even in the entry-range model. For example, the latter offers features like the Mazda Connect system with an 8.8-inch display—compared to a 7-inch screen for the base Hyundai Kona—Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a trip computer, push-button start, cloth upholstery, heated front seats, air conditioning with manual climate controls and much more. On top of all that, this vehicle is navigation-ready; just add the SD card and you're done!
Safety features are also plentiful aboard the base CX-30, with technologies such as Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (both absent from the entry-range Kona), an electronic parking brake, a rearview camera, an engine immobilizer theft-deterrent system and so much more.
And with a starting price of only $23,950, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 represents incredible value for money. To find out more about this Mazda SUV, its features and benefits compared to the Hyundai Kona, or to book a test drive, don't wait any longer and come see us soon at Spinelli Mazda, your Mazda dealer of choice on the West Island! We are located not far from downtown Montreal and Laval.
