The Mercedes-Benz GLA merges hatchback size with crossover functionality and luxury appointments, with better-than-average results.
Pros Zippy to drive Nimble handling Practical hatchback shape AMG GLA45 is downright sporty
Cons Cramped rear seats Interior doesn't impress So-so visibility AMG gets expensive with a quickness
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class ranked #5 in Luxury Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class has a score of 7.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 28 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Engaging handling User-friendly features
Cons So-so acceleration with base engine Unforgiving ride Some low-rent interior trim Small back seat and trunk
The 2019 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 7-speed automated manual.
Pros One of the most entertaining crossovers in the class Returns respectable mileage considering its performance High clearance and optional all-wheel drive lend some all-weather capability Long list of available tech and safety features on the AMG GLA 45
Cons Firm ride quality can grow tiresome on rough roads Automatic transmission operates sluggishly in stop-and-go situations Not much legroom, headroom or cargo room Road and wind noise could be better tamped down
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.
