Infotainment Comparison – Toyota C-HR vs. Mazda CX-3 vs. Hyundai Kona

By Chad Lückhoff

We compare the infotainment units found in the latest compact SUVs, the Toyota C-HR, Mazda CX-3 and Hyundai Kona.

With the consumer trends shifting away from hatchbacks and sedans and SUVs becoming more popular, it's worth finding out which one offers what in terms of infotainment. This segment is the fastest growing segment worldwide and it only makes sense that they're kitted out with the best that the manufacturers have to offer.

We look at the three hard-hitting Asian offerings and compare their systems to each other.

Toyota C-HR

3/5

The C-HR is equipped with the Toyota/Display Audio system, a system that can be found on many of their higher-end offerings. It's a full touchscreen unit with connectivity for USB, Aux, HDMI and Bluetooth and the latest version supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Plus Show. This allows for streaming of audio and calls via Bluetooth or screen and app mirroring of certain applications when connected to the CarPlay or Android Auto functions.

The unit is devoid of tactile interfaces, aside from the steering-mounted controls, with only touch buttons available for volume control, track skip/tuning and menu shortcuts. This is our primary gripe with the Toyota/Display Audio infotainment system.

Updated models have an icon-based shortcut system that complements the tiled home screen page, allowing for easier access to the most frequently accessed functions.

Mazda CX-3

4/5

The Mazda CX-3 carries the robust and user-friendly MZD Connect infotainment system that is a personal favourite of the team. While somewhat lacking in features by current standards, like the omission of CarPlay and Android Auto, the unit still offers a host of connectivity including USB, Aux, Bluetooth and CD.

MZD is controlled through the touchscreen or the MZD Command interface, a rotary dial system situated in the centre console. In a similar vein to BMW's iDrive, the controller is used for scrolling, selecting and accessing shortcuts. A rotary volume control knob is also included. This complements the steering mounted switchgear that will control audio and telephone functions.

Higher-end models are supplemented by a Bose audio system for accurate sound reproduction.

Hyundai Kona

4.5/5

Hyundai's latest compact SUV offering brings with it their latest infotainment offering in the way of a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that pleasantly surprised us.

With a resoundingly similar look and feel to the KIA units (as is to be expected), the unit offers a tiled home screen layout with simple, easy to understand sub-menu progression. The unit supports USB, Aux and Bluetooth input for audio streaming and hands-free telephony but is devoid of a CD slot. It carries full tethered functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring.

Tactile buttons and rotary knobs flank the sides of the touchscreen for shortcuts and the most frequently used functions such as volume/power and tuning/scrolling. The addition of a customisable shortcut button allows you to access your favourite function with a single press. Steering wheel controls offer the usual fare of mode, volume, track/station and voice command.