2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2020 Mazda CX-5

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's commitment to premium quality, offering more than just a claim of luxury. It featured captivating style, compelling substance, and continual product improvement, which were evident in its enhanced standard equipment, revised cabin instrumentation, and noise reduction modifications. The turbocharged engine received a torque boost, and AWD models gained an off-road traction assistance feature. With prices ranging from $27,950 to $41,900, the CX-5 offered various trims, including the luxurious Signature trim with premium Nappa leather and real wood accents, although the Caturra Brown leather lacked contrast against the predominantly black interior.

In contrast, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo introduced a bold design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design aimed to give the CX-30 a light and agile appearance, setting it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. The cabin mirrored the Mazda3's quality materials and textures, with stitched chocolate brown surfaces adding an upscale vibe. The CX-30 Turbo's interior featured a chrome accent around the engine start button and a standard frameless rearview mirror, with black or white leather available in GT trim. Prices ranged from $24,700 to $36,400, with the test vehicle priced at $38,827, including fees.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 offered a standard 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode. Front-wheel drive was standard on lower trims, while AWD was optional. The GT Turbo and Signature trims featured a turbocharged engine delivering 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular. Despite its 1,734-kilogram curb weight, the CX-5 Signature accelerated with authority, though it was less efficient, averaging 10.6 L/100 km. The G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving engagement, but excessive body motions and a high centre of gravity affected its handling.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre engine, producing 227 to 250 horsepower depending on fuel octane, with torque ranging from 310 to 320 lb-ft. The six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ AWD system, standard on higher trims, contributed to its performance. The CX-30 Turbo averaged 9.6 L/100 km, with a maximum driving range of approximately 500 kilometres. Mazda's focus on acceleration g-force aimed to enhance driving satisfaction, resulting in effortless acceleration. The revised GVC-Plus technology and i-Activ AWD system managed torque distribution effectively, though the CX-30's added height and weight affected its handling compared to the Mazda3 Turbo. The Off-Road mode provided confidence in challenging conditions, while the torsion-beam rear suspension design occasionally led to pronounced bounces.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 aimed to compete with luxury SUVs by offering an upscale cabin and generous standard equipment. However, its interior was more cramped compared to mainstream competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The CX-5 featured stylish gauges, metallic accents, and heated front seats as standard. GS trim added power-adjustable seats and a heated steering wheel, while GT trim included ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. The Signature trim offered Nappa leather and genuine wood trim. Cargo space measured 875 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,687 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way manual adjustment and a driver-focused interior layout. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on GS and GT trims, though ventilated seats were unavailable. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, despite the CX-30's small size. Rear passengers faced cramped accommodations, but rear-seat air conditioning vents improved comfort. The CX-30 offered 572 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded. The optional wireless smartphone charger location limited storage space in the centre console.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 featured a Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen on GX trim, responding to touch only when stationary. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. GT trim added SiriusXM satellite radio, a Bose premium sound system, and navigation, while GT Turbo included an 8-inch touchscreen. Signature trim enhanced technology with a surround-view camera system. The system required acclimation, with controls on the centre console, steering wheel, and voice recognition technology, which was not ideal.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's 8.8-inch infotainment display was not a touchscreen, operated via physical controls and voice commands. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, but the process of changing radio stations was cumbersome. GT trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, with an Active Driving Display projecting useful data onto the windshield. The system required acclimation, and the lack of a touchscreen was a drawback.

The 2020 Mazda CX-5 excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard ADAS included smart city brake support, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. GS trim added adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist. The CX-5's structural engineering and crash-test performance contributed to its high safety ratings.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo also earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. Standard safety features included a full collection of ADAS, with GT trim adding an adaptive front lighting system, front and rear parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking. The CX-30's safety features were effective and non-intrusive.