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 Porsche Macan comes with all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed automated manual. Turbo returns to the lineup with revised engine, more power.Offers optional upgrade to tungsten carbide-coated brakes.
Pros Quick acceleration regardless of engine choice Most athletic and engaging SUV in the class Surprisingly comfortable and composed ride Easy to customize thanks to a long list of individual options
Cons Less rear legroom and cargo capacity than many competitors Options and packages can add up quickly
Porsche facelifted the regular Macan for 2019 and chose to skip a model year before releasing the updated Turbo version for 2020. Along with the massaged appearance and slightly revised interior that debuted with the 2019 Macan, the Macan Turbo receives a slew of newly standard features and an all-new engine. Its twin-turbo V-6 is downsized from 3.6 liters to 2.9, yet horsepower increases from 400 to 434. Porsche claims these performance updates make the 2020 Macan Turbo quicker and faster.
Pros Ridiculous performance, fine interior, myriad personalization options.
Cons Compact cabin space, meager cargo area, costs a pretty penny.
The 2020 Porsche Macan is unranked in Luxury Compact SUVs due to missing safety data. Currently, the Porsche Macan's overall score is not available, though its Critics' Rating, Performance score, and Interior score are based on our evaluation of 39 pieces of research and data.
Pros Responsive steering and lithe handling Upscale interior Excellent predicted reliability rating User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Below-average fuel economy High base price for the class Tight rear seats and undersized cargo space
