2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those with a penchant for black accents. Its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, combined with matte black body cladding, gave it a bold and distinctive appearance. Mazda claimed this design lent the CX-30 a light and agile look, as if it were floating over its wheels. This effect was consistent, making the CX-30 stand out from its Mazda3 hatchback roots, with a higher ground clearance that was both perceptual and real. Inside, the CX-30 shared its cabin design with the Mazda3, featuring quality materials and a sophisticated vibe, enhanced by stitched chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents. The GT trim offered black or white leather, adding to its upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V had a more conventional design, blending in with many other compact crossovers. Its styling was similar to its competitors, with few distinguishing features apart from the grille and some chrome accents. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were shades of grey, black, or white, with only a few options like blue and red standing out. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and a choice of materials depending on the trim. While it didn't stand out in terms of exterior design, the CR-V was practical and functional, focusing on comfort and utility rather than bold styling.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring smooth acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ AWD, with FWD available on lower trims. Its fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km in combined driving, though real-world tests averaged 9.6 L/100 km. The CX-30 Turbo's driving experience was characterized by effortless acceleration and a sophisticated feel, though its added height and weight made it less agile than the Mazda3. The vehicle's Off-Road mode and extra ground clearance made it suitable for light off-road adventures.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was powered by a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower. It offered smooth and steady acceleration, with a 0-100 km/h time of about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of some competitors with conventional transmissions. FWD was standard, with AWD available on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension setup included a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, offering decent handling and ride quality. While not a performance standout, the CR-V was reliable and predictable, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats as standard. The cabin's design was minimalist yet spacious, with high-quality materials contributing to an upscale feel. However, rear-seat space was limited, making it less ideal for adult passengers on long journeys. The CX-30 Turbo provided 572 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,280 litres with them folded, though the location of the wireless smartphone charger in the centre console limited storage options.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in interior space and practicality, offering more than 100 litres of additional volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. It provided ample cargo space, with 1,065 litres available with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's tailgate options varied by trim, with manual, power, and hands-free versions available. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its utility. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers and their gear, making it a versatile choice for families.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system's non-touchscreen interface could be cumbersome. The GT trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, along with a head-up display for added convenience.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included upgraded audio systems, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V also offered multiple charging ports throughout the cabin, with a wireless phone charger available on the Touring trim.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a full suite of safety features and advanced driving assistance systems. The GT trim added adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2021 Honda CR-V also received high safety ratings, though it fell short of the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to headlight and side crash test scores. Honda's Sensing system, standard across all trims, included a comprehensive suite of safety features, with blind spot monitoring available on higher trims.