Hyundai Kona Electric vs Mazda CX-5

The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $40,500 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-5 opens at $39,990. That makes the Mazda CX-5 the more affordable entry point by $510.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $44,550 and $43,989 respectively.

The Hyundai Kona Electric qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mazda CX-5, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Mazda CX-5 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. Both models are evenly matched with 5 out of 10 key ADAS systems.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 6 in the Mazda CX-5.

The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-5 gets a 12.9-inch display and 10.3-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging and heated front seats that you will not find on the Mazda CX-5. The Mazda CX-5 counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Hyundai Kona Electric runs a pure electric powertrain producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.

The Mazda CX-5 lines up making 132kW and 242Nm, paired to a automatic driving all four wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 8.7 seconds.

The Mazda CX-5 has the clear power advantage at 132kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Mazda CX-5 is 1.2s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 225mm shorter than the Mazda CX-5 at 4,575mm (2,700mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda CX-5 generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 522L in the Mazda CX-5, giving the Mazda CX-5 a 161L advantage.

For towing, the Mazda CX-5 leads with a 2,000kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 700kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 5 years (Mazda CX-5). Both match on warranty length.