Subaru XV vs Hyundai Kona vs Mazda CX-30: Here's our winner

The Subaru XV is unique among crossovers thanks to its off-road ability, however, both the Hyundai Kona and the Mazda CX-30  are tempting propositions at the same price point. As lifestyle crossover vehicles continue to proliferate within the local automotive realm, it's clear that consumers are looking for practicality, a raised ride height and unique styling, traits which all of the contenders in today's comparison possess. Which one would we choose, though?

Related: Everything you need to know about the Subaru XV

Subaru XV

Powertrain and performance

Powering the XV is a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 115kW and 196Nm of torque. The engine is paired with CVT that sends power to all four wheels, allowing for a 0-100km/h time of 10.4 seconds and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.3 L/100km.

Standard equipment

The Subaru, in ES guise,  gets 18-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, 7 airbags, outer rear ISOFIX child seat anchor points, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, a colour screen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality, a rearview camera, multiple USB ports, front and rear electric windows, keyless entry/start, front and rear electric windows, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitor, lane keep assist, leather seats and a sunroof.

Safety

The XV was crash tested by the Euro NCAP in 2017, achieving a 5-Star rating, including 94% for adult occupant safety, 89% for child occupant safety, 84% for pedestrian safety and 68% for its safety assistance systems.

Practicality

The Subaru boasts a 310-litre boot and an impressive 220mm of ground clearance along with all-wheel drive, making the XV genuinely capable off-road.

Price and value proposition

The Subaru is nearly identically priced to the two rivals in this comparison and looking at overall value, the XV appears to be a good proposition.

The competition

Hyundai Kona

The Kona features a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine that produces 146kW and 265Nm and is also paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels, allowing for a 7.7 second 0-100km/h time and a claimed fuel consumption figure of 7.5 L/100km.

The Kona is just R100 cheaper than the XV and has less specification, but only gets 6 airbags and lacks all-wheel drive, a sunroof, keyless entry/start and the semi-autonomous aids found in the Subaru. The Hyundai was also tested by Euro NCAP in 2017 and received 5-Stars. The Kona is smaller than the XV but offers a bigger boot at 544-litres. From a value perspective, the Kona offers the most performance and the biggest boot, making it comparatively good value. 

Mazda CX-30

The CX-30 features a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 121kW and 213Nm of torque and is paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox that sends power to the front wheels. The Mazda will sprint from 0-100km/h in around 10.6 seconds and will sip fuel at a claimed rate of 6.6 L/100km.

In the specification department, the CX-30 is nearly identical to the XV but loses out on the semi-autonomous driver aids, a sunroof and leather seats, but gets a head-up display. The Honda was crash-tested by Euro NCAP, where it achieved a 5-Star rating in 2020. Looking at the CX-30 from a value perspective, it is the most expensive, but not by much, making it a great value proposition too.

Facts and figures:

	Subaru XV 2.0i-S ES	Hyundai Kona 1.6T Executive	Mazda CX-30 2.0 Carbon Edition
Engine size (cyl/size)	4-cyl, 2.0-litre petrol	4-cyl, 1.6-litre turbo petrol	4-cyl, 2.0-litre petrol
Power/Torque	115 kW/196 Nm	146 kW/265 Nm	121 kW/213 Nm
CO2 emissions	168 g/km	143 g/km	160 g/km
Service plan	3 yr / 75 000 km (maintenance)	5 yr/ 75 000km	3 yr/unlimited km
Airbag count	7	6	7
Fuel tank capacity	50 litres	50 litres	51 litres
Ave Consumption *	7.3 L/100 km	7.5 L/100 km	6.6 L/100 km
Driven wheels	All	Front	Front
Boot volume	310-litres	544-litres	295-litres
Price	R531 000	R530 900	R532 200

* Manufacturer's claimed figures.

Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.

Verdict

Having looked at the figures, it is encouraging to see how good these products are in terms of specification, practicality and quality, all for nearly identical prices. As always, there can only be one winner, and that is the Subaru XV, which manages to offer the best combination of attributes for those looking for an adventure crossover.