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.
The 2020 Chevrolet Trax ranked #10 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Chevrolet Trax has a score of 6.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 41 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Easy maneuverability User-friendly infotainment system is standard
Cons Interior quality is a mixed bag Lackluster engine Stiff ride
The 2020 Chevrolet Trax comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic. Midnight Edition package no longer available.
Pros Appealing passenger space for its size Plenty of features for the price
Cons Ride quality is choppy on the freeway Slow acceleration from the underpowered engine Less cargo space than some rivals Fuel economy falls short for the class
There's no shortage of small SUVs in the subcompact class and, among them, the 2020 Chevrolet Trax is one of the least compelling. Yes, it's comfortable and spacious, especially in regard to headroom. It stops, goes, and turns. And it comes standard with a healthy load of features, including touchscreen navigation and a Wi-Fi hotspot. But its weak turbocharged engine delivers painfully slow acceleration and its chintzy cabin materials and uninspired design, both inside and out, make for rental-car ambience.
Pros Excellent outward visibility, plentiful standard infotainment features, capable enough handling.
Cons Anemic engine, rental-car interior trappings, minimal active-safety tech.
