2026 Hyundai Kona Limited vs 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium
$4,130 less and 2 mpg better vs 37 more hp and 115 more lb-ft torque. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $4,130 price gap, 190 vs 227 hp, 26 vs 24 MPG.
The Kona Limited leads on $4,130 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 5 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.
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.
| Spec | 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited | 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $34,150 | $38,280 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.6L I4 Turbo | 2.5L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 190 hp | 227 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 27 |
| Combined MPG | 26 | 24 |
| Fuel Tank | 13.2 gal | 15.3 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,700/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 3,871 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 104.7" | 106.2" |
| Length | 171.3" | 180.1" |
| Width | 71.9" | 72.6" |
| Height | 63.6" | 66.3" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | TSP+ | No published data |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 10yr/100k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 7yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/unlimited | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited and 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited starts at $34,150, $4,130 less than the 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium at $38,280. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $73/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited is the stronger pick when you want to keep $4,130 in your pocket and the 2026 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 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited or 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium?
The 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited rates 26 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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 2026 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
How the Kona and CX-5 Stack Up
Two subcompact SUVs, two different takes on daily versatility. The 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited ($34,150) and 2025 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo Premium ($38,280) solve similar problems in different ways. The $4,130 gap adds up to $73/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 2026 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 2026 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 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2026 Hyundai Kona Limited when you want to keep $4,130 in your pocket and the 2026 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 $73/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.