Hyundai Kona vs Mazda CX-3 Maxx Sport vs Kia Stonic Sport - Light/Small SUV Comparison Review

[@romzen]

I chose the CX-3. Best engine, clean cockpit, reliable, nicest design, no overload of electronics.

[@SurferKroky]

Cx3 is very nice , I’m going with the Kona as I prefer the more aggressive styling

[@Dobzie795]

Best engine? That of course depends where in the world you buy these cars as power and engine types differ greatly regionally.

[@JayGiuriati]

Finally someone who appreaciates the Stonic! 😄

[@classic287]

Before watching this, I was leaning towards the Mazda, but now Im leaning towards the Kia. Thanks for the heads-up 👍

[@teejaysalgado9819]

The Stonic and Kona are newer cars vs the mazda. If the interior quality is cheap, then the ride is most likely the same. I’ve test driven backto back the stonic and cx3. My goodness.. Still the cx3 is way better. I dont care about the space. Long drives in these mazdas are just… unbeatable. Way more comfy than the competition.

[@TheMattyman1010]

I'm waiting for delivery of my Stonic. Here in NZ the introductory pricing was $7k less than a Yaris Cross or 9.5k less than the Kona you tested!! Phenomenal value, perfect for a commuter car... and the base model even has wireless CarPlay!

[@dimos60]

Same jere, plus KIA gives you 7 years of warranty here. Are you satisfied with your purchase of the Stonic? Just put my delivery in yesterday

[@pankajrohaj]

How are you finding it?

[@TheMattyman1010]

@@pankajrohaj I love it. It really fit my lifestyle really well. Such an easy car to live with :)

[@pankajrohaj]

@@TheMattyman1010 thanks for the response. Much appreciated

[@kod2600]

Do you own the 1.4 engine one? How fuel efficient is it?

[@czechmate-youtube]

Thanks for releasing this video! I would choose the Kia Stonic Sport.

[@tomyo9800]

Kia Stonic Sport is a great car& good value. I have one and am very happy with it.

[@AvaDaddy100]

Do you still have your car ? If yes what’s your take on it ?

[@robertceroli3512]

Yes stonic is a smart looking compact SUV Kona looks cool too but the stonic is let down buy the lethargic eng 75kw doesn't sound exciting should have used the old 1.6 used in the previous Rio 100kw .Kona is let down by that CVT previously they used that brilliant 6sp TC auto used in the i30 .Il go with the cx3 decent 2lt na eng and 6sp TC auto

[@Rally4Life1982]

I have owned the Mazda 2 2015 and currently own a Kia Rio 2018. The Mazda had a nice peppy 1.5L and the Rio feels like I am dragging around an anchor (4 speed in 2018 probably didn't help). The Rio had a far better entertainment system then the Mazda, and at 6 foot tall the Mazda was too small for me (and as a result created blind spots in the mirrors). The Rio on the other hand is fine. I had an auto fail on the Mazda (at 35k) and the Rio has intermittent cruise control issues which is annoying as in 8 years of Ford ownership I have only had a single fault that cost $80 to fix (petrol flap lock motor at 150000km). In all honesty I think it is poor form by Kia not fitting the 1.0L 3cylinder turbo to all Stonic's. In all honesty I think you would all be better off buying an i30 if you have at least a little smarts!!!!

[@trevoranderson980]

The reviewer states tha there is no ventilation in the rear of the Kona ---Incorrect there two outlets under the front seats facing the foot wells in the rear, With regard to the economy detail I regularly 6.5 L per 100 k around town and 5.5 to 6.0 l per 100 k on highway driving ( Note Highway driving is sitting at 100 to 105 klms per hour), Yes I own the exact Kona that was reviewed . Many reviewers are obsessed with turbos on many cars but they don't factor in the service intervals averaging at 10000 klms for the turbo models and 15000 klms for the naturally aspirated cars. Also when the turbo fitted cars age and the turbo expires the replacement cost would be horrendous . I love the power out put on turbo cars but as stated the cost factor for the replacement of the turbo would be concerning to me when they age. The obsession with bottle holders and scratchy plastic beggars belief when items such as finish , panel fit, paint and the useless temporary spare tyre etc among things would be a greater concern My Kona has quite few areas under the engine bay were the final paint coat was missed .Coming from sedans and hatches I find the Kona a very comfortable and engaging car to drive.

[@Tellyawhat4]

All new cars burn more fuel at the start. It can take up to a year to break them in and get the mileage advertised. How and where you drive them also makes a difference as does the frequency of servicing. This, based on my own experience. And oh, we're leaning towards the Mazda CX3. It's reliable with a good engine and the manual transmission is a pleasure to operate, been on the market for a while with the glitches sorted by now, great interior quality finish, good looks and big enough for our needs. I reckon they're good value and the price on the mid variants like the Maxx Sport (though seat finish is not practical) and STouring are a good choice and still reasonably priced since Mazda hasn't updated the design for a long while. Of course, it's not perfect with the 7' screen and those screen dials you need to use while driving and no wireless charging, but it has other bells and whistles that make up for the deficiencies. Thank you for the excellent review.

[@winter23987]

Great video. Enjoy this guys chilled vibe. Nice cars and good prices. My favourite is the Kia and 2nd choice the cx3.

[@chips1889]

A real handbrake......lovely.

[@leylabakir5833]

Lĺ..ll.

[@limpunsing224]

It's CX-3 Maxx Sport for me

[@TheLordofcod]

Kia Stonic is the best 2nd car! it has 18mm (7inches) of ground clearance, its easy to run, its nice looking, it has 7 years of guarantee and is very very cheap! its the best weekend car for that price!

[@Tellyawhat4]

180mm = 7 inches

[@eofalassion]

Mazda CX3 25k? Everywhere I see in the locally dealership even the Maxx is 30k.

[@achantw]

Confirmed! Same with the Kona - $30k min

[@australiainformationport2907]

@@achantw the price for Kona - is correct it's $26,525.60

[@australiainformationport2907]

@@achantw Stonic

[@trevoranderson980]

@@australiainformationport2907 Plus on roads may be--- In Australia-I just bought the base model auto in metalic Surfy Blue $29,500 DA

[@rafickjafferalli6225]

In Perth it's more expensive

[@yanfery]

A review video of the Seltos S line would be nice 😂

[@shanestone2349]

I’d choose the Hyundai Kona

[@aliasunknown6972]

My pick is the Mazda CX-3. I'm 6 feet plenty of room and fun to drive.

[@jaypeemelegrito7707]

I'd go for the Stonic 😍

[@silverdoe3658]

Just ordered my stonic, only have to wait 6 months for delivery :(

[@GG-ud8id]

@@silverdoe3658 Did you recieve it? Which model did you go for? I went for the base, I waited 6 weeks. Pick it up this week :)

[@silverdoe3658]

It arrived and I took it for a test drive ( I’d only driven the base model before) and I hated it. Ended up cancelling the sale and bought a Ford Puma instead

[@MiggyMndza]

Would probably go with the CX-3 if I were to base my purchase on how the local dealers here in our country(PH) do business. With the Mazda, not only you get a 5-year warranty but it also comes with free 5-years preventive maintenance service as well. Also noting the fact that it also consumed the least fuel in this test should prove how it easy it is to own one. Ride should be tolerable despite being stiff amomg the three and despite having smaller cabin space, subcompact crossovers are designed mostly for casual use only and not for hauling too many stuff and people. So if I were to buy one among the three, it would surely be the Mazda.

[@lyfeisfun]

do you work for Mazda? :):)

[@MiggyMndza]

@@lyfeisfun from Mitsubishi tho, here in the Philippines.

[@teejaysalgado9819]

@@lyfeisfun I’d go for the mazda as well. The build quality is just different. The attention to details… everything about these mazda cars are just way above the segment. From the mazda 2 to the cx5.. it’s just absolutely fun to drive. Oh and the only brand where I never feel tired going for a long drive. Even with their older models. I dont work for Mazda but I’ve driven them..

[@lyfeisfun]

@@teejaysalgado9819 how many hyundais have you owned? which models?

[@teejaysalgado9819]

@@lyfeisfun do I need to own one? Or a lot of them just to prove something? Or you’re just a troll and ask nonsense questions?

[@geoffdrew5207]

I took a turbo Stonic for a drive and was not impressed at all, probably the worst car in the class that I have driven. I also took the Kona for a drive, both the 2 ltr and the 1.6t, the 1.6 was the standout but the price was prohibitive. The Mazda is a solid reliable car but anyone in the market for a car like this should take an MG ZST for a drive, for the price it offers a lot and is a better drive than these three cars.

[@jasonparker1454]

i agree about the Stonic. was mb even the worst car i drove in my life. Hyundai was fine to me.

[@james6969]

south koreans looking good as the kia and the hyundia both came top 2

[@letsseeif]

Yes. The Hyundai Group (Hy/Kia) are onto something precious. It's about everything good, and minimal bad.

[@james6969]

@@letsseeif yeah true but there's another country car brand flowing the similar story with the South Koreans and that is the made in China cars

[@asadyounas460]

Am bit confused between CX3 & Kona both amazing 🤩

[@felicia_rm]

I feel the same but Mazda is better, in terms of looks and interior. I love the leather

[@jamie74gemini87]

How is the Kona the size above? Literally the sister car to the Stonic..

[@timeconstrained2400]

the sister car to the Stonic would be the VENUE.

[@jamie74gemini87]

@@timeconstrained2400 we don’t have the Venue in the UK, but the size and pricing of the Stonic and Kona are neigh on identical.

[@timeconstrained2400]

In Australia the Stonic Auto 1.4 (this model) is $26,500 whereas the Kona Active mid spec is $31,850. These are drive away prices. Bigger car, bigger engine.

[@jamie74gemini87]

@@timeconstrained2400 actually , fair play the Kona is 2k dearer than the Stonic! My bad there, but the size is way closer. The Venue however is way smaller than either of these.

[@HughRussell06]

The seltos is the sister car to the Kona

[@suvirsatyendra493]

So what’s the verdict???

[@mrgurulittle7000]

On paper I'd agree! But, in reality, Mazda is the winner. Hyundai KIA is OK but Hyundai is pure ugliness and KIA is not reliable and not very valuable to resell. Hyundai has a lot of reliability scandals too. JD power recommends them but I think their just biased. Mazda is reliable, comfortable, affordable, luxurious, and economical although getting a bit old!

[@tvb4227]

No need to watch full video. Mazda is always number 1 in my heart

[@roslechte]

Really?

[@adoreslaurel]

Don't knock the hand brake lever, that's a plus, the el cheapo push button job is a crap manufacturing cost saver, not a bonus.

[@fenegroni]

Now owning a UK spec Kia Stonic GT-Line S (top spec), I can confirm that the handbrake feels as effective as the electronic ones. I do sometime wish for the electronic version because it would free up some space between the front seats, but in my experience it engages solidly with a short pull.

[@adoreslaurel]

@@fenegroni Well think of this [could be anywhere but lets say down a steep hill] the electrics ALL electrics cut out, engine dies [auto trans, no manual to keep up engine revs,] no power steering, and once you pump the brakes, little or no power brake assist and you don't have [on average] leg power to stop a 4 disc braked vehicle in a panic stop [or for that matter,any distance] so you are now out of control, you push the EPB button, but it goes through the now non functioning computer, you are now in an uncontrollasble, unguided missile. look for something cheap or soft to stop the vehicle because you cannot. This is a potentially lethal, cost cutting device.

[@fenegroni]

@@adoreslaurel Don't get me wrong, I like it as it is! As far as I'm concerned the benefit of having electronic assistance within the handbrake is to make sure it is indeed secure enough on a steep hill. I also always put the car in-gear once parked.

[@adoreslaurel]

@@fenegroni Well i stand by the fact that a non functioning computer means no park brake, and if you do have enough distance to retard ther car to an eventual stop then if it is on a hill and an automatic, you are relying on the sprag in the gear box to hold it, and if it is a manual, you would have a retarding effect by using reverse. only other option is if there is a kerb stone handy you can butt up against that, I don't want people to be killed or injurrd, but one day, knowing that electronics are not 100% reliable and with so many vehicles having nothing but an EPB between a positive stopping device or oblivion, one day these lethal devices are going to kill people.

[@tomyo9800]

Great vid!

[@letsseeif]

Is Mazda in 2021, NVH still an issue?

[@hledu]

No, it’s been upgraded in 2018 on that point. And there is a touchscreen, when car is stopped.

[@Ben-jq5oo]

I like the CX3 but I want three things on my next car when it is time to change our very reliable ASX. 1. Manual handbrake. 2. Ignition Key (had problems with my last Mazda 2 which had the start button) . 3. Daytime running lights (which aren’t included on the Mazda at this grade). Therefore in this test it would be the Hyundai for me. I like having the non turbo engine although I think the Stonic looks very good. Owner reviews of the Mazda are very mixed but it still has the best residual value at three years I think.

[@murrayhyde4902]

I think your prices are under .... 2022 models used in 2024 are all about 26k 2nd hand.

[@adoreslaurel]

My son has a 2017 Kona and I would like a higher drivers seat, it's like sitting down [almost like a "higher" sedan] a bit far, but it has a 6 speed torque converter trans which I prefer to any CVT and a genuine hand brake. no mention of spare wheels here, a big disappointment with modern cars.

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

Here service intervals for the Mazda are 20.000km

[@buggersofoz]

Here means probably Europe? Australia has unfortunately the crappiest fuel quality of all developed countries, hence the shorter service intervals for all cars...

[@buggersofoz]

Just realised how utterly absurd of a value proposition Kona is! N-Line tops at $47k, the price of too spec Forester or a demo Pathfinder with zero mileage!!!

[@neogeoking]

Kona please!

[@hianyen]

I would choose Honda HRV

[@1969cmp]

....really....they are lifted hatches....

[@madhardcorenick]

Yep a Kia Rio on stilts vs a Hyundai i30 on stilts vs Mazda 2 on stilts with a Mazda 3 engine.

[@robertceroli3512]

Yeh but they have jacked up suspension cost no more to get higher spring made but they charge a 4 to 5k premium for it maximum profit for bigger springs and a few cosmetic touches

[@haneby1114]

@@madhardcorenick I think you mean i20

[@buggersofoz]

@@haneby1114 no, it's actually the i30 platform like Matt said in the video. But it makes it such a wasted opportunity that they paid for completely redeveloping the body and yet made it so incredibly tight inside! Stonic IS just a RIO on stilts and makes it the most sensible choice of anyone that HAS to have this SUV style for the better view or neighbours 'jelous looks' 🤣

[@timeconstrained2400]

...or for easier entry and egress. When you get to sixty six you will understand what I'm talking about. I don't give a rats about higher driving height...as long as I can enter and exit the vehicle comfortably.

[@markacevedo5866]

Kona

[@foxmd9410]

Kia are rubbish! I unfortunately have one, it's been using coolant since day one and requires top ups between services. The scumbags at Kia say there is no problem with the vehicle even though I caught them putting head gasket additive in the cooling system! My next car will be a Tesla I do not want anything further to do with Legacy car makers or Stealerships........

[@johnvandeven2188]

As an Aussie, you should know better than to mispronounce "Hyundai" as you did. It is correctly pronounced "hee-un-day" not "hun-day". Please get it right as it is insulting to the Korean people as "hun-day" means something rude.

[@gde1989]

not once did he pronounce it that way, he pronounced it "hi-un-die" as most aussies pronounce it

[@frankmilo4805]

What a letdown! Why didn't you give me your professional opinion on which car is the best; it's easy: 1, 2 and 3! That is your job as a connoisseur, to give us, the customers, your honest and straight opinion about the product, so we can be well inform, we don't need political correctness in this marketplace. What a disappointment.

[@sammyt3514]

He did.

[@kevinprince89]

what are you on about?? that was the most professional assessment of 3 cars

[@asphalthedgehog6580]

Nonsense. I would prefer the Mazda while my wife would certainly prefer the Hyundai. You can't give a verdict as a sum of qualities. Vague steering: not my car.