Chandler Mazda Drivers Comparison of
The 2020 CX-3 vs 2020 Hyundai Kona
In the growing market of subcompact SUVs, the 2020 Mazda CX-3 stands out, thanks to to its attractive styling, nimble handling and perky engine. Customers at the Chandler area Mazda dealership tell us they also appreciate the CX-3’s outstanding fuel efficiency. Perhaps most importantly, the CX-3 is fun to drive, something you can’t say about most rivals.
One competing subcompact that SUV buyers may be considering is the 2020 Hyundai Kona. If you’re wondering how the Kona stacks up against the CX-3, read on as we put both models through their paces and see which one emerges as the winner.
Cost
The 2020 Mazda CX-3 and the 2020 Hyundai Kona have a similar starting Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). The CX-3 has a starting MSRP of $20,640 at dealerships like the Mazda dealer near Chandler, while the Kona starts at $20,300. But the Mazda CX-3 is ultimately a better value. It comes loaded with premium features that are only available as options on the Hyundai Kona, including automatic climate control and a head-up display.
Additionally, the CX-3 costs less for scheduled maintenance for 50,000 miles. It’s also less expensive to repair the CX-3, including $235 less for a muffler, $186 less for a water pump, $48 less for a timing belt/chain and $19 less for a starter.
Chandler Mazda Commuters Performance and Savings
CX-3 buyers will get better performance than those who choose the Kona with its standard unit. The CX-3 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 148 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. The Kona’s base 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine only puts out 147 hp and 132 lb-ft.
The CX-3 comes with several other economic advantages. According to “The Car Book” by Jack Gillis, the CX-3 costs less to operate than the Kona. According to IntelliChoice, five-year ownership costs for the 2020 CX-3 are between $811 and $6,945 less than the Hyundai Kona.
Chandler Mazda Shoppers Compare Styling and Safety
Although the Mazda CX-3 is a small crossover, it offers ample space for families to ride in comfort. The CX-3 has more front legroom and more rear legroom than the Kona.
Both vehicles are safe, but the CX-3 has the edge in this category. The CX-3 has standard whiplash-reducing headrests, which are designed to protect the vehicle’s occupants from whiplash. While both the CX-3 and Kona received the highest score of Good in all IIHS crash tests, the CX-3 received the top rating of Top Safety Pick+, while the Kona was only named a Top Safety Pick.
Compare Fuel Economy
The Mazda CX-3 gets better fuel economy than the Hyundai Kona. The CX-3’s standard powerplant gets an EPA-estimated 29 mpg city/34 mpg highway with front-wheel drive.* The Kona’s base four-cylinder engine with front-wheel drive only returns 27 mpg city/22 mpg highway.
Conclusion
Although the 2020 Hyundai Kona is a good compact crossover, it doesn’t compare with the 2020 Mazda CX-3. The CX-3 comes out ahead in several important categories, including cost of ownership, performance, fuel economy and safety.
* All vehicle mileage based on 2020 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary, depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.
