2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Hyundai Venue

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those who appreciated a bold black aesthetic. Its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, combined with matte black body cladding, gave it a distinctive look. Mazda's design philosophy aimed to create a light and agile appearance, making the CX-30 seem as if it was floating over its wheels. This effect was consistent, giving the vehicle a unique stance compared to the Mazda3 hatchback it was based on. Inside, the CX-30 offered a premium feel with quality materials and a sophisticated cabin design, featuring stitched chocolate brown surfaces and a choice of leatherette or leather upholstery depending on the trim level. The price range for the CX-30 Turbo was between $31,000 and $35,000, with the Premium Plus trim reaching $35,745.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue, on the other hand, was a stylish little crossover that seemed timeless in its design. Its upright stance, horizontal roofline, and steep tailgate gave it a substantial appearance despite its compact size. The grille was well-proportioned, and the Venue's design included roof rails and distinctive lighting elements. The Venue's exterior updates for 2021 included new alloy wheels across trims. The top-line Denim trim was particularly eye-catching with its unique paint job and white roof. Inside, the Venue was practical, with a focus on functionality over luxury. The materials were budget-friendly, but the design was modern, with plenty of light entering the cabin. The Venue's price point was around $20,000, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel's octane rating. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring strong acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive (AWD). Its fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 24.1 mpg. The CX-30 Turbo's driving dynamics were refined, with Mazda focusing on delivering a satisfying driving experience rather than outright speed. The vehicle's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and AWD system provided excellent traction and handling, although the added height and weight compared to the Mazda3 made it less agile. The CX-30 Turbo also offered an Off-Road mode for light off-road adventures.

In contrast, the 2021 Hyundai Venue was powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. It was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive (FWD) as the only drivetrain option. The Venue's performance was adequate for city driving, with its lightweight construction allowing for nimble handling in urban environments. However, it lacked the power for more spirited driving or highway overtaking. The Venue's drive mode included a setting for snowy conditions, but it did not offer an AWD option. Overall, the Venue's performance was modest, aligning with its role as an economical and practical urban vehicle.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment and heating, while the Premium and Premium Plus trims added a heated steering wheel. The cabin's design was minimalist yet spacious, with high-quality materials contributing to an upscale feel. However, the rear seats were cramped for adults, and the cargo space was limited to 20.2 cubic feet with the seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded. The placement of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin was a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue provided ample headroom and legroom in the front seats, with practical storage solutions like a tray ahead of the gear selector. The back seat was tighter, suitable for short trips for adults, but offered plenty of headroom. Cargo space was limited, with 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Venue's cargo capacity was less than many competitors, but its hatchback design allowed for more versatility than a sedan. The Venue's interior was functional, with basic cupholders and a small center console bin.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display controlled via physical controls and voice commands. While not a touchscreen, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium and Premium Plus trims added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue boasted an 8-inch touchscreen with a user-friendly interface. Physical buttons provided quick access to media and settings, and the system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Venue's infotainment system allowed for driver profile customization, making it ideal for families. The high-resolution screen and thoughtful design details added to its appeal.

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 rollover rating. It came with a comprehensive suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS, including adaptive front lighting and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 system provided emergency assistance.

The 2021 Hyundai Venue included standard safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. The SEL and Denim trims added blind-spot monitoring. The Venue received four-star ratings in NHTSA's front collision and rollover tests. Its ADAS were well-integrated, minimizing driver distraction.