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2020 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2020 Hyundai Kona: Which One Should You Buy?

Automakers crank out subcompact crossovers by the bushel, but you cant accuse them of copying each other. Proof: the Mazda CX-30 and Hyundai Kona . Although similar in price and size, each offers distinct performance and attributes that successfully position it against the other. There are plenty of reasons to choose one over the otherhere are five for each. Get the Mazda CX-30 for A luxurious ambiance : Belying its price point, the CX-30 does an excellent impression of a luxury car. The interior is gorgeous , covered in premium soft-touch materials; theres hardly a brittle plastic surface to be found. Its comfortable with a compliant ride that insulates harshness without feeling floaty. Ergonomics are a focus, given the supportive seats and intuitive placement of controls. Even at highway speeds, its devoid of wind noise. In comparison, the Konas cabin is bland and basic with plenty of tire roar making its way inside. Better infotainment : The Konas touchscreen may initially be more intuitive, but it doesnt take long to figure out the CX-30s infotainment controller knob. Once you do, the Mazda s system is superior. Menus are logically arranged and offer more options to set the car up how you want. Integration with popular smartphones is likewise natural after the dials short learning curve. All the while the screen is nicer to look at with brighter colors and higher resolution. And, unlike our long-term Kona Ultimates 8.0-inch screen positioned atop the center stack, the CX-30s dashboard-mounted 8.8-inch screen falls naturally in your line of sight, helping you keep your eyes on the road. Adaptive cruise control : Merge onto the highway, set the CX-30s speed, and take your feet off the pedalsfull-speed adaptive cruise control accelerates and brakes for you. It makes sitting in traffic so much easier. Adaptive cruise is standard across the entire CX-30 lineup. Yes, the Kona has it, too, but only on the range-topping Ultimate trim. Sharper handling : The CX-30s steering is amazingly sensitive. Theres practically no numbness in the wheel; minute inputs change the direction youre moving. It provides a sense of connection and control, supported by suspension that deftly prevents body roll. Meanwhile, the Konas tiller has a dead spot on-center, and it requires more commitment to change where the front wheels are pointing. Resultantly it doesnt feel as responsive as the Mazda . Superior style : Style is, admittedly, subjective. And we, admittedly, think the Kona looks kinda funky cool. But its nowhere near as attractive as the CX-30. The Mazdas elegant flowing body panels are balanced by just enough sharp creases to give it a slightly aggressive presence. The CX-30 looks bold and distinctive without resorting to polarizing novelty like the Kona does. Get the Hyundai Kona for Quicker acceleration : On paper, the Kona Ultimates 175 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque doesnt seem so different from the CX-30s 186 hp and 186 lb-ft. From behind the wheel, though, the Hyundai feels far quicker. Its turbocharged 1.6-liter I-4 provides torque low in the rev range to give ample thrust. The quick-shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission helps with that. Although the CX-30 doesnt feel underpowered, its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines delivery is comparatively relaxed. Results from the test track dont lie: We measured our Kona Ultimates 060 mph acceleration at 6.6 seconds, ahead of the all-wheel-drive CX-30s 7.8-second run . Lane keep assist : On freeway stretches, the Kona helps its driver with lane keep assist. Standard across the range, it feels like theres an extra hand on the wheel, maintaining a central position in the lane. Around sweeping bends, its almost as if the car is steering for you. The Konas lane keep assist takes some effort out of highway driving. Its standard on the CX-30, too, but Mazdas calibration is subtle to the point of being undetectable unless you drift out of the lane. Better off-road ability : Look, no ones pretending that either of these little crossovers is ready for rock crawling. But lets say your favorite hiking trail is at the end of a rutted gravel road, or you wake up some mornings to ice on the ground. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Kona feels more confident off-pavement. Its suspension has decent articulation, and the all-wheel-drive lock button helps ensure confident traction. The CX-30 can be had with Off-Road Traction Assist mode, but simple dirt dips and undulations quickly overwhelm its composure. Improved visibility : Youll like looking at the CX-30s interior more than looking out of it. As nicely appointed as it is, outside visibility isnt good. A high beltline and sizable D-pillar combine to make it difficult to see whats going on around you, especially when looking over your shoulder to change lanes. The Konas D-pillar isnt as bulky, and its larger window openings make it easier to monitor traffic around you. Hotter seats : On those frigid mornings, seat heaters are a cars most important asset. Fortunately the Konas three-level butt warmers heat right up, and in their highest setting feel plenty toasty. Whatever your preference, they get hotter, faster, than the CX-30s. Whereas seat heaters are included on all but the base-level Kona, they only come on the two highest CX-30 trims. The post 2020 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2020 Hyundai Kona: Which One Should You Buy? appeared first on MotorTrend .

http://www.motortrend.com/news/2020-mazda-cx-30-vs-2020-hyundai-kona-one-buy/

 

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