2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

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 attractive styling. The excessive cladding made the 18-inch wheels appear undersized and gave the CX-30 a perpetually lifted look, as if it were on a hydraulic lift awaiting service. Despite this, the CX-30's design was generally well-received, especially its luxurious interior, which featured high-quality materials above the cabin's midpoint. However, hard plastics were prevalent below this line, which was expected given the vehicle's price point.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 started at $21,900, with the Select trim available for an additional $2,000, offering features like dark tinted rear privacy glass and 18-inch wheels. Preferred trim was priced at $26,200, and Premium trim at $28,200, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available for an extra $1,400. The destination charge was $1,100. A test vehicle, a CX-30 Premium AWD with additional features like Soul Red Crystal paint, a navigation system, a cargo mat, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, totaled $32,120, including the destination charge.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the 2015 model, received updates in 2017 that carried over into 2021. The 2017 model introduced standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the 2020 model saw an infotainment system update. For 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS trim included 16-inch painted aluminum wheels, remote keyless entry, cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats, dual front USB ports, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, was standard. A $495 package added tinted windows and cruise control.

The LT trim added features like heated, power-adjustable side mirrors, rear window tint, roof rails, LED head- and taillights, remote start, cruise control, chrome belt-line moldings, and silver-painted skid plates. It also included upgraded cloth and leatherette seats, a cargo security cover, and a 120-volt AC power outlet. The LT trim offered styling packages like the Redline Edition, Sport Edition, and Midnight Edition. The Driver Confidence Package added driver assistance features, and the LT Convenience Package included a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and keyless open and start.

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 figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds made it relatively heavy. It lacked a turbocharged engine option, which could have improved performance at higher altitudes. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission was excellent, making the most of the available power. Premium trim included paddle shifters, though they didn't significantly enhance driving pleasure. The transmission powered the front wheels unless the optional AWD system was specified, which included an off-road traction assist system.

Mazda claimed the CX-30 had 8 inches of ground clearance, less than a Jeep Compass Trailhawk or Subaru Crosstrek but more than most small crossover SUVs. The CX-30's driving dynamics were satisfactory compared to other small SUVs, feeling speedy and sprightly. However, compared to the sporty Mazda3, the CX-30 felt slower and less agile. The higher center of gravity and torsion beam axle rear suspension contributed to exaggerated ride motions and body lean. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30's steering, braking, and driver communication remained sharp, aligning with Mazda's "feel alive" brand messaging. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg in combined driving for the AWD model, but real-world testing yielded 23.9 mpg. The AWD model's gas tank was smaller, at 12.7 gallons, resulting in a driving range of just over 300 miles.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax featured a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission routed power to front-wheel drive (FWD) or available all-wheel drive (AWD). The engine was adequate for city driving but struggled to provide additional power for highway speeds or passing, making plenty of noise in the process. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over potholes and bumps. Its tight turning radius offered solid maneuverability in tight spaces, making it a sensible choice for city dwellers. However, rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable rides and were more enjoyable to drive. Chevrolet planned to introduce a retuned engine for the 2022 Trax, making 155 horsepower while maintaining 177 pound-feet of torque.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered benefits like blizzard-battling ground clearance and ease of entry and exit due to its height. Inside, the upscale and elegant interior provided a comfortable, if snug, driving environment. Soft padding on the center console, door armrests, and front upper door panels improved comfort. The driving position was excellent, with large, simple analog gauges for quick reference. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather in Select and Preferred trims, and genuine leather in Premium trim. Preferred and Premium trims included 8-way power-adjustable driver's seats and heated front seats. However, ventilated seats were not available, and Mazda's air conditioning struggled in hot weather. The rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom, suitable for younger children and shorter adults. Cargo space was 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded down, less than many competitors and closer to the subcompact segment.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax offered respectable headroom and legroom in both rows. The front seats were supportive, but the rear seats had poor bolstering, making them uncomfortable for long distances. The front featured multiple storage trays in each door, and the low cupholder placement accommodated large water bottles without interfering with the driver's elbow. The Trax provided 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 48.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat to accommodate larger items. These cargo figures were mid-pack for the subcompact SUV segment. However, there was no option for a power liftgate or a hands-free power liftgate.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered essential technology, though the infotainment system had a steep learning curve. The 8.8-inch static display was integrated into the dashboard design, avoiding a touchscreen to improve driver focus. However, the controls' center console, steering wheel, and voice commands were not always easy to use or intuitive. Standard equipment included Bluetooth calling and music streaming, text messaging support, HD Radio, a Pandora internet radio app, and Mazda Connected Services with a free 3-year trial subscription. WiFi service was available with Mazda Connected Services, along with remote engine starting and a car finder function. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available with Select trim, making it a worthwhile upgrade. Preferred and Premium trims included satellite radio and a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. The CX-30 Premium also featured a head-up display.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, a highlight of the Trax. The system had easy-to-follow menus, vivid graphics, and was complemented by hard buttons and dials surrounding the screen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered a generous list of standard advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) and impressive crash-test ratings. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a reversing camera, a driver monitoring system, automatic high-beam LED headlights, rain-sensing automatic wipers, and a 911 automatic emergency notification system. Select trim added a blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning system. Premium trim included adaptive front lights for better visibility around curves and corners at night. The ADAS technology operated seamlessly, with adjustable sensitivity levels and customizable functions. The CX-30 received a 5-star rating in every crash test from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the CX-30 a Top Safety Pick rating with Premium trim.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but did not earn a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Standard safety features included an array of airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. However, the Trax lacked many standard driver safety features found in rivals, such as forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning, which were not available even as options.