Not only is the MX-30 an all-new model for Mazda, it marks the first time the Japanese automaker has experimented with an all-electric powertrain. It's similarly sized to the current CX-3 and the upcoming CX-30 crossovers, but borrows the MX nomenclature of the MX-5 Miata, giving us hope that it will be a performance-oriented option in the electric-SUV marketplace.
Another day, another electric vehicle. This time around it's from Mazda, and it blends all the hallmarks of a sporty city SUV with a fully-electric heart. The MX-30 debuts Mazda's pure-electric e-SkyActiv platform, along with a number of new interior technologies likely to filter through the rest of the Japanese brand's line-up in due course. The all-electric MX-30 is part of Mazda's plan to offer an e-SkyActiv (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or fully-electric) vehicle in each of its model lines by 2030. That includes everything from the Mazda 2 through to the dual-cab BT-50 replacement.
Mazda could have played it safe with this one but it didn't. Instead, it went bold. Rugged, in fact. All the more impressive is the fact that the all-new 2021 Mazda MX-30 is the Japanese automaker's first-ever all-electric vehicle. Going bold is something GM, for example, never would have done. Just look at the Chevrolet Bolt. The new MX-30, by contrast, has unique styling inside and out that may not be to everyone's liking. Mazda has been repositioning itself over the past few years as a more premium brand overall, and the MX-30's slightly more rugged look is not what everyone expected. But it also serves as the ideal gateway model for the brand as it takes its first step towards all-out electrification. The question is whether the MX-30 can successfully challenge the likes of the popular Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia Niro EV, and even the upcoming BMW iX3.
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox ranked #11 in Compact SUVs. Currently the Chevrolet Equinox has a score of 7.4 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 26 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Good gas mileage Solid handling capability User-friendly infotainment system
Cons Underwhelming base engine Low-rent interior Less passenger and cargo space than many competitors
The 2020 Chevrolet Equinox comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.Diesel engine is no longer available.Newly standard safety equipment.Slightly revised packages and options.
Pros Turbocharged 2.0-liter engine is quite powerful Smooth ride over most road surfaces Stable and precise handling
Cons Smaller cargo area compared to most competitors Wallet-friendly base L trim is special-order only The base engine doesn't feel very lively Interior materials quality is disappointing considering the price
Driver-assistance features find their way to the standard features list on the 2020 Equinox: automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlamps—all previously optional—are now on all models. Further to that point, adaptive cruise control is now included in the optional Driver Confidence II package. Elsewhere in the lineup, a Midnight Edition package is new on LT models which blacks out just about everything that can be blacked out, including the Chevy bow-tie logos. The 1.6-liter turbo-diesel engine is no longer available.
Pros Spry driving demeanor, relatively efficient for an SUV, plenty of space for people and cargo.
Cons Base engine lacks power, infotainment display is tilted too far back, high price among compact SUVs.
