2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 had a design meeting where the decision to use thick gray plastic cladding on its lower perimeter was made, which turned out to be a mistake. This excessive cladding made the 18-inch wheels look small and gave the vehicle an appearance of being on a hydraulic lift. Despite this, the CX-30's overall design was praised, especially its luxurious interior above the midpoint, although hard plastic dominated below that level. 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 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained a timeless and balanced design, combining rugged utility with upscale sophistication. This fourth-generation model continued to look impressive more than a decade after its debut. The Grand Cherokee's lineup ranged from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the luxurious Overland and Summit, and even included performance models like the SRT and Trackhawk. The Summit trim, in particular, featured premium materials and a stylish interior, although some elements showed their age. Pricing for the Grand Cherokee ranged from about $35,000 to nearly $90,000, with the Summit model tested costing $68,185.

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 and lack of a turbocharged engine option limited its performance. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was excellent, and the optional AWD system included an off-road traction assist system. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading. Fuel economy was a concern, with an average of 23.9 mpg during testing, and a smaller gas tank reduced the real-world driving range to just over 300 miles.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It could tow up to 6,200 pounds. An optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine offered 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,200 pounds. The V8 also featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it still averaged only 18.2 mpg during testing. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension provided excellent off-road capabilities, with ground clearance adjustable from 8.6 to 10.8 inches. The Grand Cherokee was speedy and responsive, though it could feel bouncy and wobbly on uneven surfaces.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its higher ground clearance. Inside, the interior was upscale and elegant, with comfortable but snug seating. The driving position was excellent, and the front seats were available with 8-way power adjustment and heating in higher trims. 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 back seat folded down, less than many competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit featured flat, firm, and supportive seats with a heated steering wheel. The Signature Leather-Wrapped Interior Package added luxurious materials, though it was an expensive option. Both front seats offered eight-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat was comfortable but had limited legroom for taller adults, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system could make it feel claustrophobic. Cargo space was more generous, with 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded down. Practical storage solutions included a recessed bin and storage around the spare tire.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 provided essential technology with an 8.8-inch static display, avoiding a touchscreen to improve driver focus. However, the controls were not always intuitive. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services with a free 3-year trial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available from the Select trim, and higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee used the Uconnect 4C with Nav system, which was user-friendly with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Jeep Skill for Amazon Alexa. SiriusXM services were also included, with various free trial periods. The Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. Despite its age, the Grand Cherokee's voice recognition technology worked well, and it offered essential tech features without overwhelming the user.

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 Jeep Grand Cherokee had mixed safety ratings. While it received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA for 4WD models, it performed poorly in IIHS small-overlap frontal-impact tests. The Grand Cherokee Summit included a comprehensive list of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assistance. However, its headlights received a "Poor" rating unless upgraded.