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 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan is a well-rounded crossover SUV, just don’t expect to use its third row for anyone bigger than the family dog.
Pros Spacious digs Classy, conservative design Good standard tech Lots of crash-avoidance gear
Cons Comical third row So-so fuel economy Can get expensive with options R-Line’s just a tease
The current-generation Tiguan launched for the 2018 model year, and it's received only superficial changes since. For 2020, the Tiguan adds a Wi-Fi hotspot, which is now standard, as is additional safety content including forward-collision alert with automatic braking and a blind-spot warning system. There's a new SE R-Line Black trim that packages 20-inch dark wheels, sunroof, fog lights, and parking-alert sensors. Volkswagen is also shortening its warranty on all of its 2020 models from a standout 6 years/72,000 miles down to a more typical 4 years/50,000 miles. But two years of complimentary maintenance is now included.
Pros Refined driving experience, available third row, excellent fuel economy.
Cons Not as quick as its rivals, ride gets firm with large optional wheels.
The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with front wheel drive, and all wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.Safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on all models.Volkswagen's Car-Net telematics system standard; Wi-Fi available with subscription.SEL model includes heated steering wheel and rain-sensing wipers.
PROS Ample space for passengers and cargo Three-row seating is useful in a pinch Intuitive tech interface Offers longer warranty period than most competitors
CONS Subpar acceleration and responsiveness Ranks low in fuel economy for the class Optional larger wheels make for a bumpy ride
