Turbocharged four-cylinder engine added to the lineup.Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard.12-speaker Bose stereo available with Premium Package only.
PROS Upscale interior design and build quality Advanced safety features come standard Poised handling and refined ride quality
CONS Transmission can be slow to downshift Significant rear blind spots Below-average fuel economy
For the CX-30's sophomore year, Mazda's made virtually no changes to it other than making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto both standard features. Mazda also announced the addition of an optional turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that makes 250-hp.
PROS Eager driving dynamics, near-luxury interior trimmings, plenty of standard tech goodies.
CONS Could stand a few more horsepower, offers little added practicality over the Mazda 3 hatchback, occasional transmission stumbles.
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is great-looking, spacious, and more polished and fun-to-drive than other compact competitors, but it’s a step behind in value and features.
PROS Great proportions and styling Polished powertrain Standard active-safety suite Spacious interior layout.
CONS More expensive than alternatives Frustrating options packages Lacks a touchscreen
The 2021 Hyundai Kona Electric is hard to find in some U.S. markets, but it's one of the best affordable long-range electric vehicles.
PROS Fun to drive Strong active safety tech Range rating of 258 miles Possibly around $30k after incentives Excellent feature set
CONS All-wheel drive isn’t an option Busy styling Difficult availability
Hyundai has made exactly zero changes to the Kona Electric for the 2021 model year.We'd recommend the mid-range Limited. It adds a host of desirable features, including a sunroof, leather upholstery, LED exterior lighting, automatic high-beam headlamps, a wireless smartphone-charging pad, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
PROS Playful handling, long driving range, fantastic standard warranty.
CONS Small back seat, front-wheel drive only, cold temperatures sap battery capacity.
The Kona Electric carries over unchanged.
PROS Driving range of 258 miles Quick acceleration and sharp handling make it fun to drive Comfortable and quiet cabin Plenty of standard tech features
CONS Tight rear legroom Availability limited to a handful of states
