2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

During the 2020 Mazda CX-30's development, a decision was made to cover its lower perimeter with thick gray plastic cladding. This choice was widely considered a misstep, as it detracted from the vehicle's otherwise appealing design. The excessive cladding made the 18-inch wheels appear undersized and gave the impression that the CX-30 was perpetually on a hydraulic lift. Despite this, the interior design was praised for its luxurious feel above the midpoint of the cabin, although hard plastics were prevalent below that line. The CX-30's pricing started at $21,900, with various trims and options pushing the cost up to $32,120 for a fully loaded model.

In contrast, the 2020 Honda CR-V had a more familiar and softer design, resembling Honda's sedan lineup. Its curvy, car-like lines made it a modern family vehicle, leaning more towards a station wagon than an SUV. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of high-quality materials and low-grade plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier models were upgrades of a basic car. The base CR-V started at $26,270, with four trim levels available, each offering different features and options. The CR-V's design and interior were functional and family-friendly, though not particularly luxurious.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a smooth and refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. Despite its competitive power figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option limited its performance. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was excellent, making the most of the available power. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance and an optional AWD system with off-road traction assist. While its driving dynamics were less sporty compared to the Mazda3, the CX-30 still ranked high among small SUVs for its handling and responsiveness. Fuel economy was a downside, with an average of 27 mpg in combined driving and a smaller gas tank reducing its real-world driving range.

For the 2020 Honda CR-V, Honda simplified the lineup by replacing the base engine with a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which provided a smooth and responsive driving experience. The CR-V's car-like road manners, nimble handling, and low curb weight of 3,337 pounds contributed to its excellent performance. Fuel economy was a strong point, with FWD models achieving 30 mpg combined and AWD models 29 mpg. The CR-V's light weight and efficient powertrain made it one of the top performers in its class for fuel economy and driving dynamics.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered benefits like higher ground clearance and easier entry and exit compared to the Mazda3. Inside, the CX-30's interior was upscale and elegant, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, and the front seats were comfortable, though the rear seats were cramped with limited legroom. Cargo space was also limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down, making it less spacious than many competitors.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and clever storage solutions. Its cabin was roomy, with good head- and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The CR-V's excellent seating position and low cowl provided great visibility. The cargo compartment was spacious, with a two-position load floor and a total of 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's door pockets and center console offered ample storage, making it a practical and family-friendly vehicle.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 provided essential technology features, though its infotainment system had a steep learning curve. The 8.8-inch static display was not a touchscreen, requiring the use of center console controls, steering wheel buttons, and voice commands. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available starting with the Select trim, while higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a head-up display.

In comparison, the 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age. The base LX trim had a 5-inch screen with limited features, while higher trims had a 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with the larger screen, but the integration was not seamless. The CR-V did offer plenty of USB ports and a wireless phone charger in the Touring trim, providing good connectivity options for passengers.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was well-equipped with safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Select trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, while Premium trim included adaptive front lights. The CX-30 received high marks for crashworthiness, with a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS for models with Premium trim.

The 2020 Honda CR-V also offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the Honda Sensing system standard across all trims. This included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, road-departure mitigation, and adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. EX trims and above added blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic monitoring. The CR-V earned a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, though only the Touring trim had LED headlights that performed well in testing.