Perhaps we need to stop calling these cars SUVs, because the new Mazda CX-30 is really just a Mazda 3 on stilts, and all the better for it.
Pros Excellent dynamics Interior fit and finish Audio and infotainment system Active safety features Exterior and interior design, practical, makes more sense than a Mazda 3
Cons Ride felt a tad firm (European spec) Expected price premium over the Mazda 3 Infotainment housing a little old school Fits four adults at best
Slotting into the Mazda SUV lineup in the narrow space between the subcompact CX-3 and the compact CX-5 is the new—and curiously named—CX-30. Why isn't it called CX-4? We asked Mazda: It's kind of a long story. Regardless, we like the way it looks. Mazda's designers gave it a more severely forward-canted rear window and chunkier black-plastic body cladding to help differentiate the 2020 Mazda CX-30 from its other crossover siblings.The 2020 CX-30 shares much of its mechanicals and platform with the all-new Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback, so we expect it to have a 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and either front- or all-wheel drive. It's possible that Mazda's new gasoline-powered compression-ignition engine—which the company calls Skyactiv-X—is likely to be available in the CX-30 at some point down the road.
Good car, the Mazda CX-30. Handles well, looks smart and has a lovely interior. But as is always the case with crossovers – the conventional car on which it’s based (in this case the Mazda3 hatchback) is the sensible buy.
Pros Good-looking, decent to drive, lovely interior.
Cons Cramped rear, old-fashioned auto.
Jaguar updates the 2021 E-Pace lineup with some fresh styling inside and out, as well as several newly available features. The exterior cues include a revised front bumper with more prominent apertures, a reshaped grille with a snazzier mesh design, and new LED headlights with "double J-blade" daytime running lights. Inside, a larger 11.4-inch curved touchscreen running Jaguar's new Pivi Pro infotainment system is now available. Likewise, a digital rearview mirror joins the option sheet.
PROS Charming and sporty appearance, playful handling behavior, improved interior appointments.
CONS Pricier than its competitors, small back-seat space, heaviness hinders acceleration versus competitors.
For 2021 Refreshed exterior styling.300 Sport engine now uses mild hybrid technology.New infotainment system.Revised trim level lineup.
PROS Ample power from turbocharged engine Relatively spacious inside Appealing mix of standard and luxury features Striking design
CONS Ride quality suffers with larger optional wheels Rear seats lack headroom
The 2021 Jaguar E-Pace is unranked in Luxury Subcompact SUVs due to missing safety data. Currently, the Jaguar E-Pace's overall score is not available, though its Critics' Rating, Performance score, and Interior score are based on our evaluation of 22 pieces of research and data.
PROS Straightforward infotainment system Elegant cabin Spry handling Great predicted reliability rating
CONS Poor fuel economy estimates Stiff ride Tight rear seats
