New tough-looking Everglades and high-performance Raptor variants debut for 2022
Pros Impressive all-terrain capability Pleasant on-road steering and comfort Helpful technology features for off-roading Offers extraordinary level of customization
Cons Lots of wind noise at highway speeds Lackluster fuel economy
Now that the all-new 2022 Bronco Raptor has been officially revealed, we can't wait to test it side-by-side with the 470-hp Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. Ford says deliveries will begin this summer, and anyone who already has an existing order for the regular Bronco is able to change it to the Raptor.
Pros A blast to drive off-road, generous standard equipment, virtually lag-free turbocharging.
Cons Abysmal fuel economy, F-150 Raptor is more powerful, feels considerably wider on the road than the standard Bronco.
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.
