The 2021 Acura RDX satisfies sport-sedan drivers and crossover needers alike with strong performance and scads of space.
Pros Smart style Strong turbo-4 Warm, inviting cabin Tech-savvy AWD Above-par ride and handling
Cons Infotainment touchpad Needs better rear seats Meh on the gas mileage Cliché-free; cachet-free, too?
The 2021 Acura RDX's #5 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Compact SUVs category. Currently the Acura RDX has a score of 8.1 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 24 pieces of research and data elements using various.
Pros Long list of standard features Roomy cabin Balanced ride Athletic handling
Cons No engine upgrades available Clunky infotainment system Below-average predicted reliability rating
No significant changes for 2021.Part of the third RDX generation introduced for 2019.
Pros Roomy cabin and cargo area Sharp steering and handling Well-trimmed cabin Lots of available tech for much less than competitors
Cons No choice of powertrain Options are bundled solely into packages Touchpad controller can be difficult to use
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.
