2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was subtly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs debuted for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. Our test vehicle, a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, was priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim added perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces, giving the Odyssey a more luxurious feel.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo stood out with its exclusive shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, side mirror housings, and thick matte black body cladding. Mazda's design aimed to give the CX-30 Turbo a light and agile appearance, making it look like it was floating over the wheels. The CX-30 was higher off the ground than the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based, providing a perceptual and real sense of elevation. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3’s quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, giving it an upscale vibe. Changes to the cabin included a chrome accent around the engine start button and a standard frameless rearview mirror. Prices for the CX-30 Turbo ranged from about $31,000 to around $35,000, with our Snowflake White Pearl Mica test vehicle, equipped with Premium Plus trim and Black leather, priced at $35,745, including a $1,175 destination charge.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. The drivetrain included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. Our testing loop averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), a disadvantage compared to competitors offering AWD. However, Honda added a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response, supporting the adaptive cruise control's stop-and-go capability. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. However, the brakes showed signs of fade during intense use, indicating a need for a braking component upgrade.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. Torque measured 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm or 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission, standard i-Activ AWD, and revised G-Vectoring Control Plus technology contributed to its performance. The CX-30 Turbo had an EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving, with our testing averaging 24.1 mpg. Mazda's approach to tuning focused on delivering more power and response for greater driving satisfaction. The CX-30 Turbo provided effortless acceleration, with the AWD system actively distributing power to the rear wheels. The SUV's added height and weight affected its handling compared to the Mazda3, but it excelled in off-road conditions with its 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode. The torsion-beam rear suspension design occasionally resulted in a pronounced bounce, but overall, the CX-30 Turbo offered a rewarding driving experience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. The 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, standard in all but the base LX trim, was comfortable with inboard adjustable armrests. The Elite trim added a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with impressive long-distance support and a driver-focused interior layout. Both front seats were heated, with a heated steering wheel available in Premium and Premium Plus trims. The cabin’s organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seat was cramped for adults. Storage space was generous, but the optional wireless smartphone charger’s location in the center console storage bin limited its usability. The CX-30 Turbo offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey, starting with EX trim, featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added navigation, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system in Touring and Elite trims included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo’s 8.8-inch infotainment system display was not a touchscreen, operated via physical controls and specific voice commands. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided access to digital assistants, but the process of changing radio stations was cumbersome. The CX-30 Turbo included three free years of Mazda Connected Services, with remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function, and a trial period for the 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Premium and Premium Plus trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. The Active Driving Display in Premium and Premium Plus trims projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety with standard Honda Sensing on all trims, expanding its capabilities with a new radar unit. The system included low-speed follow capability for adaptive cruise control, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning was available from EX trim. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The CX-30 Turbo included a full suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS, with Premium trim adding adaptive front lighting and Premium Plus trim adding front and rear parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system was standard.