2021 Hyundai Kona vs Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3

Hyundai Kona vs Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3: Engine Capabilities

The engine is the heart of your vehicle, so it only stands to reason that you want to have a pretty robust powertrain at your disposal. These three SUVs really give it their all. To show them at their peak power, we compared the best engine that each of these vehicles has to offer.

To start, we have the Mazda CX-3, which impresses us with its Skyactiv®-G 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. This powertrain has been fine-tuned to provide up to 148 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque.

With so much power, you may be wondering how the other vehicles could possibly beat it.

Well, the Mazda CX-3 certainly tops the Honda HR-V, which only provides a 1.8L inline 4-cylinder engine. This powertrain offers up to 141 horsepower and 127 lb-ft of torque. This vehicle has the least amount of pep among our competitors, which makes it a less fun ride.

Finally, we have the 2021 Hyundai Kona, which is designed with some serious performance, with its 2.0L MPI 4-cylinder engine providing 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft of torque, comparable to the CX-3. However, if you really want to take your commute up to the next level, opt for the 1.6L turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine. This engine will really get you going, with up to 175 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.

If you really want to experience a fun ride, the Hyundai Kona is equipped to provide it.

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Hyundai Kona vs Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3: Transmission Options

The transmission is one of the most important parts of your vehicle. This component helps to make the most of your engine’s power, so you can enjoy smooth acceleration and more on demand. With the 2021 Hyundai Kona, the Honda HR-V, and the Mazda CX-3, you’ll find multiple transmissions represented, so you can choose the performance that’s right for you.

In the Mazda CX-3, we find a fairly classic design, with a standard Skyactiv®-Drive 6-speed automatic transmission. This system has six gears at its disposal, offering a smooth drive and comfortable shifting.

This transmission is topped by the other options in the Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Kona though.

Drivers who choose the Honda HR-V will be treated to a standard Continuously Variable Transmission. This transmission is designed to provide a spectrum of shift points by maximizing efficiency over the full RPM range. This is a common transmission used to enhance your fuel economy.

As for the Hyundai Kona crossover, you’ll find this vehicle has a lot to offer for performance enthusiasts and economical drivers alike. This crossover has an available 7-speed EcoShift® Dual Clutch Transmission. By utilizing a dual clutch design, this transmission is responsive, while still remaining fuel efficient. This transmission offers the smooth performance you want on your way to work.

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Kona vs HR-V vs CX-3: Fuel Economy

In addition to output, another important component of engine performance is efficiency. When it comes to MPG, these three crossovers are actually fairly evenly matched:

Vehicle	Engine	EPA-Estimated Fuel Economy
Hyundai Kona	2.0L 4-cylinder 1.6L turbo 4-cylinder	27 city/33 highway MPG¹ 28 city/32 highway MPG¹
Honda HR-V	1.8L 4-cylinder	28 city/34 highway MPG
Mazda CX-3	2.0L 4-cylinder	29 city/34 highway MPG

As you can see, any one of the engines in these rides will help you cruise right on past the gas station on your way to work.

However, if you’re looking to travel further and benefit the environment at the same time, opt for the Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Motor in the 2021 Hyundai Kona. This electric powertrain provides you with an EPA-estimated 132 city/108 highway MPGe for up to 258 miles of gas-free driving.¹

If you’re interested in an electric ride, the Kona is your only option, since the HR-V and the CX-3 are only available with gas engines.

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2021 Kona vs 2021 HR-V vs 2021 CX-3: Safety

Today’s vehicles are more advanced than ever before and it’s all due to active safety. This technology is designed to help modern vehicles avoid collisions by enhancing your reaction time with alerts. Sometimes, vehicles can even enable emergency maneuvers to prevent accidents altogether.

One of the standout features that we find aboard the Hyundai Kona, the Honda HR-V, and the Mazda CX-3 is an automatic emergency braking feature. This system uses sensors along the body of your vehicle to detect when a collision is likely. If you’re coming up quickly on another vehicle, your car can actually engage the brakes to bring you to a stop automatically.

Another feature aboard these crossovers is a Lane Keeping Assist system. This feature can watch the lane markers on the road to detect when you’re starting to drift from your lane. If you begin to drift, these cars can automatically steer you back into your lane.

Both of these systems come standard on the Hyundai Konda and the Mazda CX-3 to ensure every trim level is safe and secure. However, to make them available on the Honda HR-V, you’ll need to opt for a higher trim level, since they don’t come standard.

If you want to find a feature that’s wholly unique to the 2021 Hyundai Kona, you need only look to the standard Driver Attention Warning. This feature carefully monitors your driving for signs of fatigue or inattentiveness. If, for example, you start to swerve, your vehicle will send you a warning, urging you to pull over and take a break.

Unfortunately, in the HR-V and the CX-3, you’ll need to monitor your own driving to know when it’s time to take a break or to stop for coffee.

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2021 Hyundai Konda vs Honda HR-V vs Mazda CX-3: Entertainment Systems

As you kick back and relax in your ultra-safe crossover, you’ll choose your desired listening experience from a center infotainment system.

In the Mazda CX-3 and the Hyundai Kona, the base display is super easy to read, since they measure seven and eight inches, respectively. The Honda HR-V, on the other hand, comes standard with a much smaller 5-inch screen, so usability won’t be as simple on the fast-paced road.

Additionally, the larger systems in the 2021 Kona and the CX-3 come with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Simply plug your compatible device into the USB port and you’ll be instantly connected to an array of entertainment applications, such as your favorite streaming services and your podcast library.

Once again, the HR-V doesn’t offer these amenities as standard. You’ll need to upgrade to the larger 7-inch infotainment system to make them available.

If you really want to maximum your screen size for the most user-friendly experience, you’ll want to choose the available 10.25-inch high-resolution touchscreen in the Kona.

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Kona vs HR-V vs CX-3: Available Audio Technology

For many people, music enhances your connection to your ride, so you can enjoy your car’s performance to the fullest. That’s why these three vehicles offer audio systems that bring out all those little details in your favorite songs.

To start, the Honda HR-V brings us an available 180-watt audio system with six speakers. This is a solid sound system that fills your cabin with your favorite music. However, you won’t pick up on all those details as you will with some of the other vehicles in this comparison.

On to the Mazda CX-3, where we see only one audio system available. This vehicle provides a standard AM/FM audio system, with Automatic Level Control and six speakers.

If you really want to enjoy your music, though, you’re going to want to upgrade to the 2021 Hyundai Kona.

In order to really bring out those little details, the Hyundai Kona tech package offers drivers an available Infinity® Premium Audio system, with Clari-Fi™ Music Restoration Technology. This feature includes eight premium speakers placed throughout the cabin. If you’re an audiophile, be sure to take a look at the capabilities of the Hyundai Kona for your next road trip.