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 redesigned 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross has comfortable seats and some easy-to-use tech features, but it isn’t as modern, refined, or upscale as many of its compact SUV competitors.
Pros Responsive infotainment controls Comfortable seats Great warranty Less expensive than its classmates
Cons Outmoded, low-rent interior Antiquated infotainment interface Subpar cargo capacity Less athletic than rivals
After skipping over the 2021 model year, Mitsubishi has given the Eclipse Cross a styling revision for 2022 that includes modernized front- and rear-end treatments. A sleeker-looking rear liftgate eliminates the odd split-rear window design of previous model years.
Pros Serene highway cruising, plentiful cargo space, long standard warranty coverage.
Cons Middling acceleration, disappointing fuel efficiency, base model is awfully basic.
Pros Long list of standard features Peppy city driving performance Easy-to-use infotainment system
Cons Subpar handling abilities Disappointing fuel economy