Hyundai Kona vs Mazda CX-30
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular SUVs compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Kona starts from $32,500 before on-road costs, while the Mazda CX-30 opens at $29,990. That makes the Mazda CX-30 the more affordable entry point by $2,510.
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 $35,750 and $32,989 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
Both the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Adult occupant protection scored 80% for the Hyundai Kona and 99% for the Mazda CX-30.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Mazda CX-30 packs more ADAS features with 3 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Hyundai Kona.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona and 6 in the Mazda CX-30.
Feature Showdown
The Hyundai Kona features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda CX-30 gets a 8.8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
Drivetrain
The Hyundai Kona uses a Petrol producing 110kW and 180Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-30 responds with a Petrol making 114kW and 200Nm, paired to a automatic driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.9 seconds.
The Mazda CX-30 has the clear power advantage at 114kW vs 110kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Kona is 1.0s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Hyundai Kona measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 45mm shorter than the Mazda CX-30 at 4,395mm (2,655mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 350L in the Mazda CX-30, giving the Hyundai Kona a 11L advantage.
For towing, the Hyundai Kona leads with a 1,300kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 300kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.6m to 10.6m
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona and $1,710/year for the Mazda CX-30. That is a $171 annual difference in favour of the Mazda CX-30.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $1,710 (Mazda CX-30). The Mazda CX-30 saves you roughly $171 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda CX-30). Both match on warranty length.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You need more boot space, need stronger towing, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda CX-30 if: You want the lower entry price, prioritise performance, want lower running costs, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda CX-30 will save you roughly $171 a year in fuel. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Published by CarSorted Editorial Team · 20 April 2026
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