2026 Mazda CX-9 vs. 2026 Hyundai Kona EV
Quick Summary
The 2026 Mazda CX-9 delivers three rows of gas-powered seating built for larger families, while the 2026 Hyundai Kona EV offers a compact, all-electric footprint suited to shorter commutes and smaller households. The CX-9 wins on passenger capacity and cargo room, and the Kona EV wins on running costs and a quieter, electric driving experience. Buyers who need seating for six or seven lean toward the CX-9, and those focused on electric efficiency and a smaller footprint often choose the Kona EV.
The 2026 Mazda CX-9 and 2026 Hyundai Kona EV sit in very different corners of the SUV market, though shoppers exploring their next vehicle sometimes compare the two.
The CX-9 offers three rows of seating and a turbocharged gas engine, designed for families who need space for passengers and cargo regularly. The Kona EV takes a compact, all-electric approach with two rows and a smaller footprint, designed for buyers who prioritize running costs and a quieter driving experience over maximum interior space.
Shoppers weighing these two models often want clarity on how much space and capability separate a three-row gas SUV from a compact electric crossover. This comparison breaks down design, technology, safety, and performance to help you determine which vehicle fits your lifestyle and driving habits.
Design & Style
The CX-9's exterior follows a sculpted, low-slung profile with clean surfacing and a wide stance that gives it a commanding road presence. Inside, the cabin uses stitched leatherette or leather surfaces on upper trims, along with wood-tone or aluminum accents that create a cohesive, upscale feel throughout the dashboard.
The Kona EV takes a distinct, angular shape with pixel-style lighting accents and a smooth front fascia that reflects its electric powertrain. Its cabin features a dual-screen digital display and a clean, minimalist layout that highlights the vehicle's tech-forward positioning.
Passenger capacity marks the clearest gap between the two, since the CX-9 seats up to seven occupants across three rows while the Kona EV seats five across a single row of rear seating.
Technology & Safety
Mazda equips the CX-9 with a standard 10.25-inch center display, wireless smartphone integration, and a full driver-assist suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring across most trims. Higher trims add a head-up display and a premium Bose audio system.
Hyundai fits the Kona EV with a panoramic dual-screen display that combines the instrument cluster and infotainment into one continuous unit, giving the cabin a modern, digital-forward feel. Standard safety technology includes forward collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, and driver attention warning, with higher trims adding a surround-view camera system.
Both vehicles support smartphone app connectivity for remote vehicle access and status checks. The Kona EV adds electric-specific features like remote charge monitoring and battery preconditioning, capabilities the CX-9's gas powertrain doesn't require.
Performance
The 2026 Mazda CX-9 runs on a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 227 horsepower on regular fuel or 250 horsepower on premium fuel, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup gives the CX-9 confident power for merging, passing, and carrying a full load of passengers and cargo.
The Kona EV runs on an electric motor paired with a battery pack, delivering instant torque and a quiet, smooth driving character that stands apart from any gas-powered SUV. Charging times vary depending on the equipment used, and the Kona EV's range covers most daily commutes without requiring a stop for fuel or a charge.
Running costs favor the Kona EV significantly, since electricity typically costs less per mile than gasoline, while the CX-9 delivers more towing capability and a familiar refueling routine that some drivers still prefer.
The Bottom Line
Choosing between these two vehicles comes down to a fundamental question about how you drive and what you haul. Buyers with kids, frequent passengers, or regular cargo demands get far more practical value from the CX-9's three rows and gas-powered flexibility.
Drivers who mainly commute shorter distances and want to minimize fuel costs through electric power often find the Kona EV a smart fit for daily use. Both vehicles hold up well in safety testing, so the deciding factor typically comes down to seating needs, charging access, and total driving range.
Shoppers ready to compare current pricing and available inventory can browse new inventory to see what's on the lot today.
Schedule a Test Drive Today
The 2026 Mazda CX-9 gives families three rows of seating, a refined cabin, and a capable turbocharged engine in one well-rounded package. Its combination of space and driving comfort makes it a strong choice for buyers who need room to grow.
Empire Mazda of Green Brook carries a full lineup of CX-9 trims, and the sales team can walk you through pricing, financing, and current incentives in person.
Schedule a test drive today and see how the CX-9 fits your family's needs.
FAQs
Does the 2026 Mazda CX-9 offer more passenger space than the Kona EV?
Yes, the CX-9 seats up to seven passengers across three rows, while the Kona EV seats five across a single row of rear seating. Families needing extra seating capacity find the CX-9 a significantly better fit.
Which vehicle costs less to run, the CX-9 or the Kona EV?
The Kona EV generally costs less to run because electricity is typically cheaper per mile than gasoline. The CX-9 offers more towing capability and a familiar gas-powered refueling routine.
Is the 2026 Mazda CX-9 available at Empire Mazda of Green Brook?
Availability depends on current inventory and model-year allocation. Contact the sales team directly for up-to-date stock information and trim options.