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.
For 2021 Redesigned cargo area adds more capacity.New Black Line Special Edition package limited to 1,000 units.Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are now standard.
Pros High fuel economy Lots of standard and optional safety tech Maneuverable around town thanks to small dimensions
Cons Infotainment interface can be difficult to use Tepid acceleration Limited rear legroom Cargo area has a high liftover height
The 2021 Lexus UX taps design verve to hawk its cozy interior space and its middling performance.
Pros Good looks outside Inside, too Frugal UX Hybrid Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, gratis
Cons Drivetrain can drone Short on acceleration Gets pricey for its size Cramped rear seat
The 2021 Lexus UX Hybrid's #9 ranking is based on its score within the Luxury Hybrid and Electric SUVs category. Currently the Lexus UX Hybrid has a score of 7.4 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 17 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Generous standard features list Relaxed ride Above-average fuel economy
Cons Limited cargo space Fussy infotainment controls Lethargic acceleration