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.
No significant changes for the 2021 Tucson.
Pros A wealth of features for your money Easy-to-use infotainment system Comfortable ride on rough roads
Cons Slow acceleration with the base engine Less cargo space than top rivals Lower fuel economy than class leaders
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson soldiers into a sixth model year with excellent safety and value.
Pros Strong value Rides smoothly Interior’s quiet Long standard warranty Standard infotainment
Cons Now smaller than some rivals Not many options Sluggish acceleration Tight for three in row two
The 2021 Hyundai Tucson's #9 ranking is based on its score within the Compact SUVs category. Currently the Hyundai Tucson has a score of 7.7 out of 10, which is based on our evaluation of 29 pieces of research and data elements using various sources
Pros Balanced ride and handling Many standard features Long warranty
Cons Sluggish acceleration
Hyundai is gearing up for an all-new Tucson to bow for the 2022 model year, so in the meantime it's making almost no changes to the 2021 model. In fact, the only thing that's different this year is color choices. Black Noir Pearl has been replaced by Ash Black, Gemstone Red has been replaced by Red Crimson, and Sage Brown has been replaced by Coliseum Gray.
Pros Upscale styling, simple interior layout, smooth ride.
Cons Not particularly spacious, not particularly efficient, lengthy warranty not transferrable.
