2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 exhibited a dichotomy in its design language. Internally, Mazda had a brainstorming session regarding the thick gray plastic cladding enveloping the lower perimeter of the vehicle. Unfortunately, the decision to retain it was a misstep. Halving this cladding would have accentuated the CX-30's overall allure. As it was, the excessive cladding made even the 18-inch wheels appear disproportionately small and gave the SUV an awkward, lifted look reminiscent of a vehicle on a hydraulic lift awaiting service. Despite this, the CX-30's design shined through, especially in its luxurious interior, which rivaled those of premium brands above the cabin's midpoint. Below that, it was a different story, with hard plastics prevailing—a reasonable expectation given its price point.

Mazda CX-30 pricing started at $21,900. An additional $2,000 for Select trim was well spent, mainly due to features like dark-tinted rear privacy glass and 18-inch wheels, which complemented the design. Preferred trim came at a cost of $26,200, and Premium trim hit $28,200, with AWD being a $1,400 add-on. At the time, the destination charge was set at $1,100.

The test unit, a CX-30 Premium AWD, boasted extra-cost Soul Red Crystal paint, a navigation system, cargo mat, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, rounding the total to $32,120, including the destination charge. This configuration highlighted the CX-30’s visual and functional appeal while staying within a modest price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V presented a consistent and familiar face in the competitive crossover segment, blending seamlessly with its peers. Its design, while pleasing, echoed the comments of the 1950s when all cars looked the same. A keen eye could spot slight distinctions, such as the grille design and a few chromed accents, but these did not significantly set the CR-V apart. The color palette, though broad with eight choices, leaned heavily towards conservative shades; three variations of gray, alongside black and white dominated the range. Vibrant hues like Aegean Blue Metallic or Radiant Red Metallic were scarce on dealer lots, adding to the CR-V’s understated exterior presence.

Inside, the CR-V offered a modern, angular design with black, gray, and ivory color options depending on the trim level. Wood panels and chrome accents on higher trims lent an upscale feel. Competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, however, managed to outshine the CR-V with more distinct and adventurous styling choices. For prospective buyers in search of excitement in design, the CR-V was unlikely their first pick.

Mazda’s 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine powered the 2020 CX-30, delivering 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and an equal measure of 186 pound-feet of torque at 4,000 rpm. While these figures placed the CX-30 on par with competitors, its heft at 3,408 pounds made it somewhat less sprightly, especially with the lack of a turbocharged engine. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission stood out with its adeptness at maximizing the engine's output. Paddle shifters in the Premium trim inferred sportiness, though the overall driving experience was more conservative.

AWD models came with a handy off-road traction assist system, and although the ground clearance measured 8 inches, it wasn’t suitable for more rigorous off-road adventures. It handled regular paths just fine but felt more sluggish compared to the sportier Mazda3. Increased ride height and weight contributed to reduced handling precision, though the steering and braking remained responsive, keeping driving enjoyable. The CX-30 averaged 23.9 mpg in real-world tests, slightly below the EPA’s estimated 27 mpg combined.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, wasn’t built for swift acceleration or tight cornering but for reliable and steady performance. Every CR-V, regardless of the trim, featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Road tests recorded a zero to 60 mph time of 7.8 seconds—noteworthy but not exceptional. The CVT, while efficient, didn’t enhance driver engagement the way traditional automatic transmissions do. Vehicles like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson, with their 8-speed automatics, offered a more pleasurable driving experience.

The CR-V’s ride relied on a common suspension setup with a MacPherson strut in the front and a multi-link system in the rear, ensuring predictable handling and decent ride quality. AWD was an option, unlike standard equipment in the Subaru Forester. Overall, the CR-V wasn’t about sporty performance but provided reliable and smooth operation in everyday driving scenarios.

One of the 2020 Mazda CX-30’s prime benefits was its elevated ride height, facilitating easier entry and exit. Inside, the interior boasted a premium feel above its midpoint, with plenty of soft-touch materials enhancing comfort. The driver’s seat in Preferred and Premium trims offered 8-way power adjustment and heating, though ventilated seats were notably absent despite the need for better cooling. The rear seat, however, was cramped with limited legroom, best suited for children or shorter adults.

Cargo space was another drawback, with only 20.2 cubic feet available behind the rear seat and 45.2 cubic feet with seats folded—figures comparable to a Mazda3 Hatchback. The reduced cargo space positioned the CX-30 lower in its class concerning utility.

Conversely, the 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality as a priority. It offered a roomy 102.9 cubic feet of passenger space, surpassing the Toyota RAV4 by four cubic feet. Cargo capacity was equally impressive, with 75.8 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded down, accommodating considerable amounts of luggage or gear.

Accessing the cargo area depended on the trim level. Lower trims like the LX required manual operation of the tailgate, while higher trims like the EX-L and Touring featured power tailgates, with the latter boasting a hands-free operation—a convenience, though somewhat finicky in practice. Roof rails, useful for additional cargo, were standard only on the top-tier Touring trim, while Subaru provided them on most trims.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 emphasized essential technology without unnecessary frills, though its infotainment system had a steep learning curve. The 8.8-inch display, deliberately non-touchscreen, demanded learning various control methods via the center console, steering wheel, and voice commands. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto required selecting the Select trim, marking a significant upgrade decision.

Higher trims added features like satellite radio and a 12-speaker Bose sound system, with the Premium model offering a head-up display. Despite some user interface challenges, the tech package was robust once mastered.

The 2021 Honda CR-V’s base LX trim was Spartan with its 5-inch screen and limited connectivity. However, from the Special Edition trim upward, a 7-inch touchscreen became standard, incorporating Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging.

Audio systems varied, with the base trims having six-speaker setups, the EX-L upgrading to eight speakers, and the Touring featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The Touring was also the only trim with built-in navigation and wireless phone charging, presenting a clear tech hierarchy among trims.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety too, earning both the NHTSA’s 5-star rating and the IIHS’sTop Safety Pick award, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ due to its headlight evaluation and updated side crash test ratings. Honda's approach to safety was commendable, making its comprehensive Honda Sensing suite standard across all trims.

Features like a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, and road departure mitigation were standard. The only non-standard feature on the base LX was blind-spot monitoring, included from the EX trim onward.