2025 Hyundai Kona Limited vs 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium

$4,680 less and 2 mpg better vs 37 more hp and 115 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $4,680 price gap, 190 vs 227 hp, 26 vs 24 MPG.

The short answer

The Kona Limited leads on $4,680 less, 2 MPG better. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium leads on 37 more hp, 115 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 6 specifications head to head.

$4,680
Price Gap
37 HP
HP Diff
2 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Lower price
2025 Hyundai Kona Limited
Starts at $33,600
VS
Higher price
2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Starts at $38,280

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.6L I4 Turbo
vs
2.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
190 hp
vs
227 hp
Torque
195 lb-ft
vs
310 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
26 MPG combined
vs
24 MPG combined
Curb Weight
3,505 lbs
vs
3,871 lbs

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 6 specifications.

MSRP
$33,600Kona Limited
$38,280CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Engine
1.6L I4 TurboKona Limited
2.5L I4 TurboCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Horsepower
190 hpKona Limited
227 hpCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Torque
195 lb-ftKona Limited
310 lb-ftCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticKona Limited
6-speed shiftable automaticCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
City MPG
24Kona Limited
22CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Highway MPG
29Kona Limited
27CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Combined MPG
26Kona Limited
24CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Fuel Tank
13.2 galKona Limited
15.3 galCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Curb Weight
3,505 lbsKona Limited
3,871 lbsCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Wheelbase
104.7"Kona Limited
106.2"CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Length
171.3"Kona Limited
180.1"CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Width
71.9"Kona Limited
72.6"CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Height
63.6"Kona Limited
66.3"CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
NHTSA Overall
4/5 starsKona Limited
5/5 starsCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Bumper-to-Bumper
5yr/60kKona Limited
3yr/36kCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Powertrain
10yr/100kKona Limited
5yr/60kCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Corrosion
7yr/unlimitedKona Limited
5yr/unlimitedCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Roadside Assistance
5yr/unlimitedKona Limited
3yr/36kCX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Hyundai Kona Limited2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
Pricing
MSRP$33,600$38,280
Powertrain
Engine1.6L I4 Turbo2.5L I4 Turbo
Horsepower190 hp227 hp
Torque195 lb-ft310 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2422
Highway MPG2927
Combined MPG2624
Fuel Tank13.2 gal15.3 gal
Annual Fuel Cost (EPA)$1,700/yrNo published data
Dimensions
Curb Weight3,505 lbs3,871 lbs
Wheelbase104.7"106.2"
Length171.3"180.1"
Width71.9"72.6"
Height63.6"66.3"
Safety
NHTSA Overall4/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardTSP+No published data
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper5yr/60k3yr/36k
Powertrain10yr/100k5yr/60k
Corrosion7yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/unlimited3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited and 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited starts at $33,600, $4,680 less than the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium at $38,280. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $82/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,680 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $135/year less on fuel.

Who should choose the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium is the stronger pick when the extra 37 hp matters for your commute or driving style.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited or 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited rates 26 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited or 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium produces 227 hp, 37 more than the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited at 190 hp. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium also leads in torque at 310 lb-ft vs 195 lb-ft. The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited runs a 1.6L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo.

Is the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited bigger than the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium is 8.8″ longer at 180.1″ vs 171.3″. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium has a 1.5″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.

How do the warranties compare?

The Hyundai Kona comes with 5yr/60k bumper-to-bumper and 10yr/100k powertrain. The Mazda CX-5 offers 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain. Longer warranty coverage can offset higher maintenance costs over time.

Explore more: Hyundai trims, Hyundai Kona trims, Mazda trims, Mazda CX-5 trims

Official sources

How the Kona and CX-5 Stack Up

Two subcompact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited ($33,600) and 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium ($38,280) solve similar problems in different ways. The $4,680 gap adds up to $82/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.

Powertrain: Kona vs CX-5

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited runs a 1.6L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium uses a 2.5L I4 Turbo. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium has 37 more hp (227 vs 190), enough to notice on highway on-ramps and when passing. The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium adds 115 more lb-ft of torque (310 vs 195), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.

What It Actually Costs to Own

The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited saves roughly $135/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $675. The 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.

Size, Space, and Daily Reality

The 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium weighs 366 lbs more. Heavier vehicles tend to feel more planted at highway speed but use more fuel and are harder to stop quickly.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited when you want to keep $4,680 in your pocket and the 2025 Hyundai Kona Limited covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium when the extra 37 hp matters for your commute or driving style. At $82/month more, the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Hyundai or Mazda or any dealership.

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