Hyundai Kona vs Mazda MX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular cars 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.
Hyundai Kona
From $32,500
SUV
Petrol
Petrol
110kW
6.6 L/100km
4★ ANCAP
361L
Mazda MX-5
From $31,990
Convertible
Petrol
1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G)
96kW
6.1 L/100km
5★ ANCAP
130L
Mazda MX-5: we're still completing seat count, 0-100km/h and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
The Hyundai Kona starts from $32,500 before on-road costs, while the Mazda MX-5 opens at $31,990. That makes the Mazda MX-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 $35,750 and $35,189 respectively.
Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.
Safety Rundown
The Mazda MX-5 holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Hyundai Kona.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Kona packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 0 in the Mazda MX-5.
Both include the essentials: core safety systems. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona and 4 in the Mazda MX-5.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Hyundai Kona stands out with Apple CarPlay that you will not find on the Mazda MX-5. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
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 MX-5 responds with a 1.5 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (SKYACTIV-G) making 96kW and 150Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) driving the rear wheels.
The Hyundai Kona has the clear power advantage at 110kW vs 96kW. 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, 435mm longer than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai Kona generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona and 130L in the Mazda MX-5, giving the Hyundai Kona a 231L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m 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 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,881/year for the Hyundai Kona and $1,739/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $142 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Estimated annual total: $1,881 (Hyundai Kona) vs $1,739 (Mazda MX-5). The Mazda MX-5 saves you roughly $142 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 3 years (Mazda MX-5). The Hyundai Kona has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Hyundai Kona if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want the lower entry price, 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 MX-5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $142 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai Kona has a clear edge. The Hyundai Kona adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Hyundai Kona and Mazda MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $31,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the Hyundai Kona by $510.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.1L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
The Mazda MX-5 has the highest ANCAP rating at 5 stars.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai Kona has the largest boot at 361L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai Kona has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,300kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Hyundai Kona has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai Kona makes the most power at 110kW.
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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.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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