2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 had a design that was both praised and critiqued. During its development, a decision was made to cover its lower perimeter with thick gray plastic cladding, which was considered a misstep by some. This excessive cladding made the 18-inch wheels appear small and gave the vehicle a look of being perpetually elevated, as if on a service lift. Despite this, the CX-30's overall design was well-received, especially its interior, which exuded a luxurious feel above the cabin's midpoint. Below that, hard plastics were prevalent, but given the vehicle's price point, this was expected. The CX-30's pricing started at $21,900, with various trims offering additional features and upgrades, such as all-wheel drive and premium paint options.

In contrast, the 2021 Genesis GV80 was a fresh entry into the SUV market, unburdened by a legacy of design expectations. As Genesis' first SUV, it managed to blend innovation with the brand's emerging signature styling cues. The GV80 featured a long hood, a massive trapezoidal grille, and distinctive "Quad Lamp" LED headlights, establishing a unique look. The vehicle's design was further enhanced by its elegant two-box form, large wheel arches, and high-quality paint and trim. Inside, the GV80 boasted a sleek and uncluttered dashboard, with a focus on horizontal lines to emphasize spaciousness. The use of authentic materials like real wood, metal, and leather added to the luxury feel, making the GV80's interior a standout feature.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. While these figures were competitive, the vehicle'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 maximize the engine's output, and the optional all-wheel drive system included an off-road traction assist feature. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance, which was adequate for most small crossover SUVs. Despite its higher center of gravity and torsion beam axle rear suspension, the CX-30's driving dynamics were considered superior to many of its competitors, though it fell short of the sporty Mazda3.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an all-wheel drive option. The GV80 featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters and independent multi-link suspension. The 3.5T models included an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview, enhancing ride comfort. The GV80's fuel economy varied by engine and drivetrain, with the 2.5T achieving up to 23 mpg combined and the 3.5T AWD rated at 20 mpg combined.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered benefits such as higher ground clearance and easier entry and exit compared to the Mazda3. Inside, the CX-30 provided a comfortable yet snug driving environment, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, and the vehicle featured large, simple analog gauges. The base model came with cloth seating, while higher trims offered simulated or genuine leather. The rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom, and cargo space was modest at 20.2 cubic feet behind the back seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 was a sophisticated vehicle with a complex array of features. The center console and stack combined technology, design, and ergonomics, featuring a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious and comfortable, with available power seats and window shades. A third row was standard on certain models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, though it was not available on all trims.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30's technology suite included an 8.8-inch static display integrated into the dashboard, avoiding a touchscreen to maintain driver focus. However, the system's controls were not always intuitive, and users were advised to limit interaction while driving. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available on higher trims, along with a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sixth-generation Genesis UX infotainment system with a 14.5-inch HD screen and user-configurable displays. It supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with cloud connectivity for over-the-air updates and personalized driver profiles. The GV80 offered a digital key function for Android users, allowing keyless entry and vehicle configuration. Genesis Connected Services provided a range of features, including remote start, vehicle health reports, and navigation. Higher trims included a head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. It received high marks for crashworthiness, with a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS for models with Premium trim. The CX-30's safety technology operated seamlessly, with customizable settings for driver preferences.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. The GV80 came with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a range of advanced safety features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and forward collision-avoidance assist. It also featured adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist for automated parking.