2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 turned heads for both the right and wrong reasons. During its design phase, a questionable decision was made to cover the lower perimeter in thick gray plastic. This cladding overshadowed the otherwise sleek styling, making even its 18-inch wheels appear small. The excessive plastic panels gave the vehicle a perpetual look of being suspended, akin to a car on a hydraulic lift.

However, when you looked beyond the overdone SUV disguise, the CX-30’s overall design was remarkable. The interior, in particular, was a testament to Mazda’s eye for luxury, provided you kept your gaze above the midpoint. Below it, the materials transitioned to hard plastics. This was expected given its price starting at $21,900. The Select trim, costing an additional $2,000, brought dark tinted rear privacy glass and 18-inch wheels, which slightly curbed the over-cladded appearance. Preferred trim was $26,200, while the Premium trim cost $28,200. All-wheel drive (AWD) was an available upgrade for $1,400. Our test model, a CX-30 Premium AWD, totaled $32,120 with extras like Soul Red Crystal paint, a navigation system, cargo mat, and a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a smooth operator that appeared poised even at a standstill. Its streamlined design avoided sharp creases and chiseled features, taking a sophisticated route that set it apart from the common angular designs. Exterior distinctions among the CX-5 trim levels were minimal. The base Sport model sported automatic on/off LED headlights, 17-inch gray metallic aluminum alloy wheels, a rear roof spoiler, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.

The Touring version elevated style and functionality with rear privacy glass, leatherette seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, rear USB ports, and auto-leveling LED headlights. The 2021 Touring Preferred SV Package added superior sound and comfort features like a 10-speaker Bose system and leather seats. The Carbon Edition boasted unique Polymetal Gray paint, gloss black door mirrors, and 19-inch black metallic wheels combined with red leather seats for a bold interior look.

The Grand Touring model featured dual heated mirrors and leatherette trim, while the Grand Touring Reserve added luxurious touches like ventilated seats and heated rear seats. The top-tier Signature trim, which we tested, showcased premium Caturra Brown Nappa leather seats, genuine wood trim, and a black headliner.

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 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. These figures, while competitive, couldn't completely offset the vehicle's weight of 3,408 pounds. A turbocharged option was notably absent, which could have enhanced performance, especially at higher altitudes.

Fortunately, the 6-speed sport automatic transmission made the most of the available power. Premium trim models came with paddle shifters, hinting at a more engaging driving experience. Although the CX-30's FWD was standard, AWD was an option, including an off-road traction assist system. Despite its 8 inches of ground clearance, the CX-30 struggled with handling issues due to its higher center of gravity and torsion beam axle rear suspension from the Mazda3. This led to exaggerated ride motions and body lean, but compared to other small SUVs, it remained relatively agile and spirited, ranking highly for driving dynamics alongside models like the Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos, and Subaru Crosstrek.

Fuel economy was a mixed bag, with the CX-30 AWD offering an EPA-rated 27 mpg combined, which we found hard to achieve, extracting only 23.9 mpg during our testing.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission, came standard with FWD, with AWD as an option. The Carbon Edition provided a choice between the base engine and a more robust 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder that delivered 320 lb-ft of torque.

Both the Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trims were powered exclusively by the turbo-four engine and came with AWD. The turbocharged engine provided ample power, especially in Sport mode, making the CX-5 engaging to drive on winding roads. However, its suspension was stiff, which was a drawback compared to premium brands.

Fuel efficiency was decent across the models. The naturally aspirated engine with FWD offered 25 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, while the turbo engine with AWD achieved 22 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. The CX-30's overall agility was superior, but the turbocharged CX-5 delivered a more spirited performance.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 boasted a higher ground clearance and easier entry and exit compared to the Mazda3. While the interior was upscale, it provided a snug and intimate driving environment. Soft padding on the center console and door armrests enhanced comfort, and the driving position was excellent. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated and genuine leather options available on higher trims. Despite its premium look, the rear seat was cramped, and cargo space was limited to 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was less than many competitors.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered a comfortable design suitable for families. The seating position and accessibility to the center stack were typical of an SUV, but rear-seat legroom was limited. The CX-5 had two full LATCH connections, straightforward climate controls, and a traditional gear shifter, which occupied space compared to modern electronic shifters. Cargo space was slightly more accommodating, with 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.6 cubic feet with them folded. However, it still lagged behind competitors like the Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4, which offered significantly more space.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with essential technology. Its infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch static display, avoiding a touchscreen to minimize driver distraction. However, the control center, steering wheel, and voice commands were not always user-friendly. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available from the Select trim, while the Preferred and Premium trims offered a 12-speaker Bose system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen. While the screen size was impressive, Mazda's operating system was not user-friendly. The central console knob was cumbersome for tuning or scrolling through the stereo. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were convenient workarounds, but the system's lack of intuitive controls was a letdown for an otherwise premium vehicle.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 prioritized safety, offering a robust suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Standard features included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. Select trim added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while Premium trim provided adaptive front lights. The CX-30 received high marks from NHTSA and IIHS, earning a five-star rating and Top Safety Pick designation.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 also boasted a comprehensive list of standard safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Optional features included a head-up display, reverse automatic emergency braking, driver attention monitoring, a surround-view camera, and traffic sign recognition, though the latter was occasionally unreliable. The CX-5 earned IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ and NHTSA's five-star rating, reflecting its strong safety credentials. Mazda backed every new CX-5 with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.