2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, reminiscent of Honda's sedan lineup. The CR-V's design leaned more towards a station wagon than an SUV, setting a standard for modern family transportation. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials that didn't always harmonize. While higher trims featured upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery, these clashed with some lower-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the pricier CR-V models were essentially upgraded versions of a commodity car.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo introduced a bold design with its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This gave the CX-30 Turbo a distinctive, agile appearance, as if it were floating over the wheels. The styling set it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback, on which it was based, with a higher ground clearance that was both perceptual and real. Inside, the CX-30 Turbo's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, offering quality materials and a sophisticated vibe. The interior featured chrome accents and a standard frameless rearview mirror, with black or white leather available in the GT trim, where the turbocharged engine became an option.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), this powertrain was well-suited to the CR-V. Despite the CVT's reputation for sluggishness, Honda's implementation was commendable, offering a responsive and quick driving experience, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's road manners were excellent, with a car-like demeanor, nimble handling, and minimal body roll. Its lightweight design contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. Torque ranged from 310 to 320 pound-feet, providing effortless acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres combined, with a real-world average of 9.6. Mazda's focus on driving satisfaction was evident, with the i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhancing handling. The CX-30 Turbo offered a sophisticated driving experience, though its added height and weight slightly compromised handling compared to the Mazda3. However, its 5 centimetres of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode made it suitable for off-highway adventures.

The 2020 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. Its excellent seating position and low cowl provided good visibility, while clever storage solutions, like the deep centre console and two-position load floor, enhanced usability. The CR-V's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,110 litres available with the rear seats folded. Even the door pockets were spacious, making the CR-V a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo prioritized driver comfort with its eight-way manual adjustment and driver-focused interior layout. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on GS and GT trims, though ventilated seats were absent. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism created a sense of spaciousness, but rear-seat accommodations were cramped for adults. The CX-30 Turbo offered 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded, though its storage solutions were less versatile than the CR-V's.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. The system lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. Higher trims offered a wireless phone charger and additional USB ports, but the overall infotainment experience was lacking.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, enhancing the audio experience. An Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, improving safety and convenience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite, including forward-collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS, though lower trims had marginal headlights. A recall affected a small number of vehicles for a rear subframe issue.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. It included a comprehensive suite of safety features, with the GT trim adding adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.