The Mazda CX-30 is a relatively new competitor to the aging Honda HR-V. You can’t go wrong with either of these subcompact SUVs, but one is a better choice than the other for most drivers.
Let’s take a closer look at these SUVs and find the right one for you.
2022 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 is a class leader in subcompact SUVs. It’s fun to drive with either of its available engines, and its upscale interior makes you feel like you’re in a more expensive SUV. The CX-30 also has the benefit of standard all-wheel drive (AWD) on every trim. On top of all of that, it earns the coveted IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Pricing starts at $22,500.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
Available turbo engine: The optional turbocharged engine gives the Mazda CX-30 the performance of a hot hatchback. It makes up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel, which is a significant boost in power compared to the base engine in the CX-30 and the sole engine option in the HR-V. The Honda can’t match the Mazda when it comes to driving excitement.
Premium interior: Step inside the CX-30 and you’ll feel like you’re in a more expensive SUV. This elegant interior uses a pleasing design and upscale materials, especially in the upper trims. If you like the idea of a premium SUV without a premium price tag, you’ll love the interior of the CX-30.
Standard AWD: Mazda recently decided to make all-wheel drive standard on every SUV in its lineup. The standard i-ACTIV AWD system constantly monitors vehicle dynamics data to ensure optimal traction in all road conditions. It works in concert with G-Vectoring Control Plus to adjust power delivery and braking for the smoothest possible ride.
2022 Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is an economical and practical choice in subcompact SUVs. It has a spacious interior with the clever Magic Seat system, excellent fuel economy, and an affordable price tag. Keep in mind that the HR-V is in the final model year of its current generation. An all-new 2023 HR-V is on the way and looks like it will be worth the wait. Pricing for the 2022 HR-V starts at $21,870 for front-wheel drive (FWD) and $23,370 for AWD.
Honda HR-V Highlights
Flexible interior: The Honda HR-V has a massive interior for a subcompact SUV. There’s plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a family-friendly choice in this segment. The exclusive Magic Seat system makes it easy to optimize the space in your SUV. The bottoms of the rear seats can fold up to accommodate tall items, and the front passenger seat can fold all the way back to hold long items.
Excellent fuel economy: The HR-V isn’t as fun to drive as the CX-30, but the Honda is more fuel-efficient. It gets a combined fuel economy rating of 30 mpg with FWD and 29 mpg with AWD. That means the AWD model is about 10% more efficient than the CX-30 with the base engine, which adds up to serious fuel savings in the long run.
Available Honda Sensing: The Honda Sensing safety tech suite is standard on the EX and EX-L trims of the HR-V. This safety tech suite bundles handy features like a collision mitigation braking system, a road departure mitigation system, adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, and a lane-keeping assist system. These features are nice to have, and a similar list of driver aids comes standard on the CX-30.
Similarities
Standard 4-cylinder engine, similar sizing, similar pricing.
Conclusion
As much as we like the Honda HR-V, it’s getting long in the tooth compared to most competition. The Mazda CX-30 is a better SUV in almost every way. The Honda is more fuel-efficient and has the exclusive Magic Seat system, but the CX-30 has a more premium, high-tech interior, standard AWD, and an available turbo engine — all at a similar price point as the Honda.
| 2022 Mazda CX-30 | 2022 Honda HR-V | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | 1.8-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 186 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 141 hp @ 6,500 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 127 lb-ft @ 4,300 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | CVT automatic |
| Fuel Economy | 24 city/31 highway | 28 city/34 highway |
| Also Available | 2.5-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 102.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.0 inches | 170.4 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 69.8 inches |
| Height | 61.7 inches | 63.2 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.1 inches | 39.5 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.3 inches | 39.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.6 inches | 56.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 54.5 inches |
| Interior Volume | 114.3 cubic feet | 124.4 cubic feet |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2 cubic feet | 24.3 cubic feet |
Source: KBB Feed