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.
The 2019 Ford EcoSport wants for safety and styling that match even the lowered standards set by its price.
Pros Spacious enough Available all-wheel drive Decent fuel economy Upmarket audio option
Cons Heavy for its size Also sluggish Poor safety profile Cabin’s poor fit and finish
The 2019 Ford EcoSport is competitively priced among subcompact crossovers. Unfortunately, its fuel economy scores aren't as good as those of top-tier rivals, and there aren't any advanced safety features aside from blind-spot monitoring.
Pros Above-average cargo space for the class All-wheel drive can be ordered at every trim level Widespread availability of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Sync 3 infotainment interface is fast and easy to use
Cons Aside from blind-spot monitoring, advanced safety aids aren't available Below-average fuel economy Base engine might struggle while carrying passengers and cargo Choppy, jittery ride on most road surfaces
The 2019 Ford EcoSport ranked #15 in Subcompact SUVs. Currently the Ford EcoSport has a score of 6.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 17 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Good amount of cargo space Tall driving position User-friendly available infotainment system
Cons Poor acceleration with base engine Easily unsettled ride Large window pillars hinder forward visibility Limited available advanced safety features
