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 Volvo XC40 comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Leather upholstery replaced by a cloth and faux-leather combo on base trim.More standard features for the R-Design and Inscription trims.
PROS Pleasing interior with premium materials Clever small-item storage and cargo solutions Plenty of standard and available safety features
CONS Steep learning curve for touchscreen interface Cargo area is small for the class
As with other 2020 Volvo models, all XC40s come standard with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Cloth seats replace the previously standard leather on the base Momentum model, though it remains available as an option; leather remains standard on the R-Design and Inscription models. The Momentum now features power child locks for the rear doors, an automatically dimming rearview mirror, and heated windshield wiper blades. A panoramic roof is standard on the R-Design. The ability to power fold the rear seats has evaporated from the XC40 lineup.
Pros Fun and funky styling, refined interior, technologically advanced features.
Cons Coarse engine sound, unexceptional fuel economy, slow-to-respond infotainment system.
The 2020 Volvo XC40 ranked #3 in Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Volvo XC40 has a score of 7.9 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 14 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Solid engine options Nice interior Roomy seating Long list of standard features
Cons Subpar cargo capacity Some tricky infotainment functions
