2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

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 regarded as a mistake, as it detracted from the vehicle's otherwise appealing design. The excessive cladding made the 18-inch wheels appear too small 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, especially above the midpoint of the cabin, where soft-touch materials were prevalent. The base price for the 2020 Mazda CX-30 started at $21,900, with various trims and options pushing the price up to $32,120 for a fully loaded Premium AWD model.

In contrast, the 2021 Buick Enclave harkened back to Buick's glory days with its large, impressive design. The Enclave was the largest of Buick's four SUVs, offering a spacious and comfortable interior. The Avenir trim, in particular, added a unique grille pattern, extra brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels, enhancing its premium appearance. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured soft, perforated leather seats, a minimalist approach to controls, and tasteful polished accents. However, the wood trim was not genuine. The Enclave's pricing ranged from just over $41,000 to nearly $55,000, making it competitive with both mainstream and luxury three-row SUVs.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a smooth and refined 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 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, especially at higher altitudes. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was praised for its ability to make 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 the CX-30's handling was not as sharp as the Mazda3 on which it was based, it still ranked highly among small SUVs for driving dynamics. Fuel economy was a downside, with an average of 23.9 mpg during testing, and a smaller gas tank reducing the real-world driving range to just over 300 miles.

The 2021 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower at 6,800 rpm and 266 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a maximum tow rating of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Enclave's ride and handling were exceptional, thanks to the premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping included in the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave's steering and braking were well-calibrated, though quicker steering response would have been appreciated. Fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg in combined driving, with a real-world range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered the benefit of higher ground clearance and easier entry and exit compared to the Mazda3. The interior was upscale and elegant, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, and the analog gauges were easy to read. However, the rear seat was cramped, and cargo space was limited to 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 2021 Buick Enclave, on the other hand, was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample room for six or seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured 12-way power-adjustable front seats with massaging functions, heated and ventilated leather seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Enclave's third-row seat was genuinely useful, with easy access through the large rear doors. Cargo space was generous, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 58 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 97.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 provided essential technology features, though the infotainment system's learning curve was steep. The 8.8-inch 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 with a 3-year trial. 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.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations but fell short in screen size and high-end audio components. The largest available touchscreen was 8 inches, and the 10-speaker Bose sound system was underwhelming compared to competitors. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a premium sound system, navigation, wireless charging, and a surround-view camera. The rear camera mirror was a notable feature, providing a live video feed of the rear view.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, with a comprehensive list of standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and impressive crash-test ratings. Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The CX-30 received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS with Premium trim.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were less comprehensive, with many advanced systems restricted to higher trims. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the Essence trim, while the Driver Confidence Plus Package, including forward-collision warning and low-speed automatic emergency braking, was standard on Premium and Avenir trims. Adaptive cruise control was only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but did not earn a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS due to Marginal headlight performance.