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 2019 Subaru Crosstrek's primary draw is its jack-of-all-trades nature. Like a lot of other similarly priced cars or crossover SUVs, it has a roomy interior for both people and cargo, a smooth ride quality, and a long list of available advanced safety features.Revised feature availability.The Starlink telematics system gains a few new features.
Pros Spacious interior for a hatchback of its size Offers optional safety features not typically found in the class High ground clearance for enhanced off-road capability Comfortable ride quality
CONS Slow acceleration on the highway Handling isn't as precise as that of some rival cars Lower EPA mileage numbers compared to typical crossovers
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek ranked #8 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Subaru Crosstrek has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 29 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Lots of cargo space User-friendly infotainment system Well-built interior Smooth ride
Cons Seats could use more support Lethargic acceleration Rivals handle better
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is as plucky as ever, but with more available safety gear this year.
Pros Great overall package Off-road capable, on-road comfortable Plucky feel Quiet, refined demeanor Lots of safety tech
Cons Mediocre acceleration Interior is just OK Manual transmission no thriftier, nor faster than CVT Loaded models aren’t as good of a value
