Hyundai Kona vs Mazda CX-30

Verdict: Hyundai Kona vs Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 emerges as the more reliable choice compared to the Hyundai Kona, based on concrete reliability metrics. With an average reliability score of 0/100, the CX-30 surprisingly outperforms the Kona's 65/100 due to having fewer recalls (10 vs. 16) and a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 5.7 per 10,000 sold compared to the Kona's 13.4. While the Kona struggles with issues in multiple areas such as the engine and electrical system, the CX-30 has no commonly identified problems, making it a more dependable option for buyers prioritizing reliability.

Reliability problem analysis

The Hyundai Kona presents a significant number of complaints, predominantly in its engine and electrical system, with 264 and 193 complaints respectively, including crash-linked incidents. It also shows notable issues in the vehicle speed control and service brakes, both categories having multiple crash-linked complaints, indicating potential safety concerns. In contrast, the Mazda CX-30, while having fewer total complaints at 218, lacks detailed data on specific problem areas, making a direct component-level comparison difficult. However, the absence of detailed crash-linked data for the CX-30 suggests it may have fewer critical safety issues compared to the Kona.

Which one to buy

If you prioritize reliability and fewer issues, the Mazda CX-30 might be the better choice despite its low reliability score of 0/100. It has fewer recalls (10) and owner complaints per 10,000 sold (5.7) compared to the Hyundai Kona. While the CX-30's reliability score is concerning, the absence of identified top issues suggests that it might not have significant underlying problems affecting its performance.

On the other hand, if you're willing to accept some potential reliability risks for potentially better features or performance, the Hyundai Kona could be suitable. With a reliability score of 65/100, it faces more recalls (16) and owner complaints (13.4 per 10,000 sold), particularly with issues related to the engine and electrical system. However, if these issues have been addressed in recent models, the Kona might offer a satisfying experience for those who value these aspects.