2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

During the 2020 Mazda CX-30's development, a decision was made to cover its lower perimeter with thick gray plastic cladding. This choice was widely regarded as a mistake, as it detracted from the vehicle's otherwise attractive styling. The excessive cladding made the 18-inch wheels appear too small and gave the impression that the CX-30 was perpetually on a hydraulic lift. Despite this, the interior design was praised for its luxurious feel above the midpoint of the cabin, although hard plastic dominated below that line. The starting price for the CX-30 was $21,900, with various trims and options pushing the cost up to $32,120 for a fully loaded model.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, priced at $42,083 with almost every option, did not visually distinguish itself from a standard rental car RAV4. The trim level deserved larger wheels and perhaps an Adventure trim like the non-hybrid version. Despite this, the RAV4 Hybrid had a tough look, needing only bolder wheels to complete the aesthetic. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and some hard plastics. However, a rattle from the license plate on the tailgate was noted during the test.

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, equipped with paddle shifters in the Premium trim, made the most of the available power. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance and an optional AWD system with off-road traction assist. However, its higher center of gravity and torsion beam axle rear suspension affected handling, making it feel slower and sloppier compared to the Mazda3. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 27 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded only 23.9 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided instant torque, making the RAV4 Hybrid feel lively despite its weight of up to 3,780 pounds. The EPA rated the RAV4 Hybrid at 40 mpg combined, and testing confirmed an average of 39.7 mpg. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension, along with Active Cornering Assist, provided a comfortable ride, although the all-season tires lacked grip. The RAV4 Hybrid handled well on roads but was not particularly fun to drive.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered ease of entry and exit due to its high ground clearance. Inside, the cabin was upscale and elegant, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, and the gauges were large and simple. Cloth seating was standard, with simulated leather in Select and Preferred trims, and genuine leather in Premium trim. 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 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. Rear-seat legroom and foot space were decent, with a reclining backrest and heated rear cushions. The dashboard was well-organized, with large climate control knobs and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Storage was ample, with useful shelves and a roomy 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area, expandable to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

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

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and various connected services. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Select trim added blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning, while Premium trim included adaptive front lights. The CX-30 received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS with Premium trim.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and lane-centering assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on all but the Hybrid LE trim, and rear automatic braking was available on the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a 5-star rating from NHTSA and top marks from IIHS, except for its headlights.