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 Nissan Kicks is a quirky and cute crossover that’s inexpensive, but some of the details just feel cheap..
Pros Low price Spacious cargo area Good 7.0-inch touchscreen Standard active safety features Funky looks
Cons Cheap interior Cramped backseat Ergonomic quirks Anemic engine
Nissan doesn't make any significant changes to the 2020 Kicks lineup.
Pros Perky in-town power, adult-sized back-seat space, unexpectedly large cargo capacity.
Cons Lacks highway passing power, noisy under heavy throttle, no underfloor storage in cargo area.
The 2020 Nissan Kicks comes with front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.Driver assistance features added to the base model.
Pros Strong estimated and real-world fuel economy numbers Larger cargo capacity than many subcompact SUVs Inexpensive compared to rivals
Cons Accelerates leisurely No optional all-wheel drive Lacks some desirable features
