2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 had a design that was both praised and critiqued. While its interior was noted for its luxurious feel above the midpoint of the cabin, the exterior was marred by excessive gray plastic cladding that detracted from its overall aesthetic. This cladding made the 18-inch wheels appear undersized and gave the vehicle a lifted appearance, as if it were perpetually on a service center lift. Despite this, the CX-30's interior was considered upscale, with soft-touch materials in key areas, though hard plastics were prevalent below the cabin's midpoint. The pricing for the CX-30 started at $21,900, with various trims offering additional features and upgrades.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX carried forward the brand's familial design, with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior that echoed the styling of its Lexus siblings. The NX F Sport variant added sporty elements like a honeycomb grille and 18-inch wheels, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the NX offered a well-crafted interior with quilted NuLuxe sport seats exclusive to the F Sport model. The fit and finish were excellent, typical of Lexus, though the gauge cluster design felt dated compared to newer competitors. The NX's interior was comfortable, with ample room for front and rear passengers, and it offered a range of color schemes and materials to suit different tastes.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. 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 was praised for its efficiency, and the optional AWD system included an off-road traction assist feature. The CX-30's driving dynamics were generally well-regarded, with sharp steering and braking, though its higher center of gravity and torsion beam axle rear suspension affected handling on uneven roads. Fuel economy was a concern, with real-world testing yielding 23.9 mpg, below the EPA's combined estimate of 27 mpg.

The 2021 Lexus NX, particularly in its F Sport variant, was equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This allowed the NX to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. The standard six-speed automatic transmission was adequate, though not as smooth as newer multi-speed options. The NX's AWD system could transfer up to 50% of torque to the rear axle, enhancing traction. Fuel economy for the NX was moderate, with the AWD model achieving 24 mpg combined. The NX offered a smooth and comfortable driving experience, with three drive modes to tailor performance, though its steering feedback was limited.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered the advantage of higher ground clearance, making entry and exit easier compared to the Mazda3. The interior was elegant and comfortable, with soft padding on key touchpoints. However, the rear seat was cramped, and cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded. These figures were less than many competitors, positioning the CX-30 closer to the subcompact segment.

The 2021 Lexus NX provided a comfortable and upscale interior, with ample room for front passengers and decent legroom for rear occupants. Heated and ventilated seats were available, enhancing comfort. The NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, making it one of the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology was available, adding convenience.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 featured an 8.8-inch static display for its infotainment system, which was not a touchscreen to encourage driver focus. While the system included essential features like Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services, its operation was not always intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available from the Select trim, and higher trims offered a Bose premium sound system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a 10.3-inch version available in the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the Lexus system itself was not user-friendly. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Navigation package added features like predictive traffic information and a Mark Levinson audio system was available on higher trims. The Lexus Enform Remote app allowed for remote vehicle control and monitoring.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Select trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 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 Lexus NX featured Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included lane-departure warning, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with park assist and adaptive headlights as options. The NX received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, and it came with Lexus Enform Safety Connect for emergency assistance.