l If you’re in the market for a new crossover, consider adding the 2023 Mazda CX-30 to your shortlist. This Mazda is consistently one of the most highly rated models in the compact SUV segment, and for good reason. It’s an incredible all-rounder that provides a great blend of style, performance, ride comfort, and feature content, making it appealing to a wide range of drivers. However, it faces tough competition from the 2023 Honda HR-V, which is also an extremely well-made vehicle. Let’s find out how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against the Honda HR-V in this head-to-head comparison.
Trim Levels and Prices
Mazda CX-30 2.0 V 2021 by RL GNZLZ is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is a highly customizable SUV that comes in a whopping seven trim levels: the base 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and the top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. With a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $22,950, it’s one of the most affordable compact crossovers on the market.
If you opt for the Honda HR-V, you have only three variants to choose from: the entry-level LX, Sport, and the range-topping EX-L. The Honda model has a higher base price than the CX-30, costing at least $23,800.
Power
If performance is one of your main considerations, you’d be better off getting the 2023 Mazda CX-30. This Mazda model has a lively 191-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder base engine that pairs with a smooth-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. This combination is good for a zero-to-60-mph time of 7.5 seconds. The CX-30 also comes standard with all-wheel drive for improved traction and stability in adverse weather conditions.
For a more spirited driving experience, go for the optional 2.5-liter turbo-four engine that serves up 250 horsepower. With this power mill, the CX-30 can sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in a mere 5.8 seconds, making it one of the quickest mainstream compact SUVs.
In contrast, the 2023 Honda HR-V only offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 158 horsepower. That’s significantly less powerful than the CX-30’s base engine. Equipped with a continuously variable transmission and standard front-wheel drive, the Honda takes a leisurely 11 seconds to hit 60 mph.
Handling
When it comes to driving dynamics, the Mazda CX-30 has a slight upper hand over the Honda HR-V. Both crossovers perform well in an urban environment thanks to their small dimensions and excellent maneuverability. They also ride smoothly and comfortably over uneven surfaces and feel comfortable at highway speeds. However, the Mazda is more fun to drive due to its athletic handling. Its brisk acceleration makes passing maneuvers a breeze, while its outstanding body control enables it to tackle sharp corners and winding roads with aplomb. Additionally, it has strong brakes that inspire confidence in all situations.
Fuel Economy
For the 2022 model year, the Mazda CX-30 displayed poorer fuel economy than the Honda HR-V. However, the current model has received upgrades that improve the efficiency of its standard four-cylinder engine, resulting in an impressive rating of 26/33 mpg (city/highway). That’s fantastic for an all-wheel-drive crossover. The Honda, on the other hand, earns 26/32 mpg with front-wheel drive and 25/30 with all-wheel drive.
Interior
On the inside, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 punches well above its price point with an impeccable fit and finish and an abundance of premium materials and soft-touch surfaces. Its interior quality is comparable to that of some entry-level luxury vehicles. The 2023 Honda HR-V also has a solidly built and refined cabin, but it isn’t as upscale as the Mazda.
Despite being relatively small, both the CX-30 and HR-V have a spacious interior. They offer ample legroom and headroom in both rows of seats to comfortably accommodate adults. Also, the seats are supportive and well-padded enough to provide all-day comfort. However, the HR-V has a larger cargo area than the CX-30.
Infotainment Features
Whether you’re stuck in crawling traffic or cruising on the open road, you can count on the Mazda CX-30 to provide an enjoyable ride with its feature-loaded Mazda Connect infotainment system. This Mazda SUV comes standard with a large 8.8-inch touch-screen display, two USB ports, a Wi-Fi hot spot, Bluetooth, HD radio, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and an eight-speaker sound system. For an enhanced experience, you can opt for available features such as navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system.
The Honda HR-V is less generous in terms of its standard tech features. It offers a 7-inch touch-screen display, three USB ports, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a four-speaker sound system. You have to choose the top trim to get a 9-inch touch-screen display, HD radio, and an eight-speaker audio system.
Safety Features
If you want a safe and confident driving experience, you can’t go wrong with either the Mazda CX-30 or Honda HR-V. These two SUVs offer a long list of standard driver-assistance technologies to help prevent collisions and keep you safe on the road.
Every model of the CX-30 comes with forward-collision alert, automated high-beam headlamps, adaptive cruise control, forward automated emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, rain-sensing windshield wipers, lane-departure alert, lane-keep assist, a rearview camera, and driver-attention monitoring. The models also come with many available features to provide extra protection, such as blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic warning, road-sign recognition, adaptive headlamps, reverse automated braking, parking sensors, a 360-degree parking camera system, and a head-up display.
The standard active safety features of the HR-V include forward-collision warning, forward automated braking, road-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, lane departure alert, automated high-beams, adaptive cruise control, driver-drowsiness detection, a rearview camera, and a rear-seat reminder. As for optional features, it only offers blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic warning, and parking sensors.
Overall, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 is a better value proposition than the 2023 Honda HR-V. Despite its lower starting price, it has an edge over its rival in terms of its power, handling, fuel efficiency, interior quality, and technology. If you’re planning to buy a new SUV in Bountiful or Salt Lake City, Utah, we invite you to drop by Bountiful Mazda to test drive the amazing Mazda CX-30. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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