The 2021 Honda HR-V comes with all wheel drive, and front wheel drive. Available transmissions include: continuously variable-speed automatic.Tinted rear glass now standard on Sport trim.
Pros Relatively roomy seating Versatile for carrying cargo Above-average fuel economy Excellent outward visibility
Cons Lackluster acceleration Palpable engine noise and vibration Touchscreen interface is difficult to use
The 2021 Honda HR-V leans into hatchback practicality, but its fuel economy and standard safety gear lag.
Pros Flexible seats Neat and tidy interior Fairly good ride quality
Cons Sluggish Busy styling Automatic braking missing on LX, Sport Touring trim’s too pricey
The 2021 Honda HR-V's #8 ranking is based on its score within the Subcompact SUVs category. Currently the Honda HR-V has a score of 7.3 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 32 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Sporty handling Stellar gas mileage Huge, practical cargo hold
Cons Underwhelming engine Short list of standard features Distracting infotainment and climate controls
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.