2021 Hyundai KONA vs. 2021 Mazda CX-3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Hyundai KONA and 2021 Mazda CX-3 contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Hyundai KONA and the 2021 Mazda CX-3.
When comparing the 2021 Hyundai KONA's and the 2021 Mazda CX-3's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Hyundai KONA has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and interior volume. The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Hyundai KONA's and the 2021 Mazda CX-3's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Mazda CX-3 is a better car than the 2021 Hyundai KONA.
Pricing: A used 2021 Hyundai KONA ranges from $15,336 to $23,795 while a used 2021 Mazda CX-3 is priced between $17,524 to $22,997.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Hyundai KONA loses 34.1 percent of its value and the 2021 Mazda CX-3 loses 32.1 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Mazda CX-3 retains 1.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Hyundai KONA.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Hyundai KONA is 8.1 out of 10 while the Mazda CX-3's quality rating is 8.2 out of 10. This results in the Hyundai KONA being ranked 4 out of 20 Best Subcompact SUVs and the Mazda CX-3 being ranked 2 out of 20. Out of 67 Best Crossover SUVs, the Hyundai KONA is ranked 32 and the Mazda CX-3 is ranked 26.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Hyundai KONA is 5.9 out of 10. For the Mazda CX-3 the reliability rating is 6.1 out of 10. This gives the Mazda CX-3 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Hyundai KONA.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Hyundai KONA’s base engine makes 147 horsepower, and the 2021 Mazda CX-3 base engine makes 148 horsepower. The KONA is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 436 miles. The CX-3 is rated to deliver an average of 31 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 432 miles.This gives the 2021 Mazda CX-3 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Hyundai KONA the advantage in maximum range. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/subcompact SUVs, the 2021 Hyundai KONA has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, and cargo space. The 2021 Mazda CX-3 has the advantage in the areas of front leg room and rear leg room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the 2021 Hyundai KONA and the 2021 Mazda CX-3 have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$20,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$22,058
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$18,750 - $29,100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$20,790
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$22,058
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$18,750 - $29,100
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$19,067
Price Range:
$15,336 - $23,795
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$21,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$17,501 - $28,440
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
468
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
53,437
# Good or Great Deals:
99
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$20,352
Price Range:
$17,524 - $22,997
Category Avg Price:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$21,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
$17,501 - $28,440
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
29
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
51,745
# Good or Great Deals:
9
Hyundai KONA Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.1 / 10
Reliability:
5.9 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
Mazda CX-3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
6.1 / 10
Retained Value:
8.5 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Hyundai KONA
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
7.3 - 11
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Mazda CX-3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
10.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Subcompact SUVs)
9.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Subcompact SUVs)
7.3 - 11
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
15.6%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.3
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.5 - 10
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Subcompact SUVs)
0.5 - 10
Hyundai KONA Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
4 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 16Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 59Ranking
19 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
32 out of / 67Ranking
38 out of / 67Ranking
40 out of / 67Ranking
41 out of / 67Ranking
42 out of / 67Ranking
43 out of / 67Ranking
55 out of / 67Mazda CX-3 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
2 out of / 13Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
8 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 20Ranking
15 out of / 20Ranking
17 out of / 20Ranking
18 out of / 20Ranking
19 out of / 20Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
37 out of / 67Ranking
59 out of / 67Ranking
62 out of / 67Ranking
62 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Ranking
63 out of / 67Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Hyundai KONA Trim Levels
Limited, NIGHT, SE, SEL, SEL Plus, Ultimate
2021 Mazda CX-3 Trim Levels
Sport
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
10 years / 100000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque:
132 foot-lbs @ 4500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.051 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
148 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
146 foot-lbs @ 2800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
27 / 33 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
356 / 436 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
29 / 34 / 31
Range (city/hwy):
368 / 432 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Heated Seats
N/A
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
N/A
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Pedestrian Detection:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.5 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.5 inches
Cargo Space:
19.2 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
45.8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
113.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
53.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.2 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
50.4 inches
Cargo Space:
17.8 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
42.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
105.4 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2890 lbs
Width:
70.9 inches
Height:
61 inches
Length:
164 inches
Wheelbase:
102.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2851 lbs
Width:
69.6 inches
Height:
60.7 inches
Length:
168.3 inches
Wheelbase:
101.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
6.1 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/60R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P215/60R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Ultra Black
Blue
Surf Blue
Gray
Galactic Gray / Thunder Gray
Red
Pulse Red
Silver
Sonic Silver
White
Chalk White / Lunar White
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Blue
Deep Crystal Blue Mica / Eternal Blue Mica
Gray
Ceramic Metallic / Machine Gray Metallic
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Snowflake White Pearl Mica
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Gray/Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Gray
Not available
