![]() ![]() The CVT is fine enough in isolation, but the Mazda’s presence shines a spotlight on its lack of refinement. Around town, the Crosstrek can squirt into traffic openings with ease. Passing on the highway no longer requires a scheduled event. It produces 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. It’s here that Mazda’s minimalism goes too far: passengers should have the option to use a touchscreen.Ĭrosstrek: We can’t stress enough how the 2.5-liter improves the Crosstrek experience. Your location will determine how important that is in a snowy Canadian field in January, the answer for us was “very.”īottom Line: It’s a decisive win for the Crosstrek, with a more user-friendly suite of tech. The seat and wheel heaters are useful, but can’t match the intensity of the Crosstrek’s. ![]() The Mazda has more powered adjustability for its driver seat, extending its lead in the comfiness category. The rest of the CX-30 experience is nicer. Smartphone mirroring is just as frustrating with the dial.SEE ALSO: 2021 Kia Seltos Turbo SX Review: When Power Corrupts My fiancée simply gave up trying to use the central rotary dial, and would hop straight to my phone for Spotify picks. Passengers will be less enthused, however. Mazda has explained the lack of touchscreen capability is to minimize driver distraction. Kshitij also notes child seat installation is tougher here: the seats need to be folded to remove the headrests.ĬX-30: We’re beating a deceased equine here, but the CX-30’s biggest mis-step is the 8.8-inch infotainment. The hatch opening is curvier than the Crosstrek’s as well, limiting what it will swallow. The gap grows when operating in hauling mode, however: it’s just 45.2 cubes (1,280 L) with the second row folded. Cargo space is essentially a wash with the seats up, measuring 20.2 cubic feet (572 liters). The high shoulder line and closer C-pillar conspire to make the rear row feel tight. It’s not terribly noticeable from behind the wheel, but every other seat in the house is just a little more cramped than in the Crosstrek. It’s a nice touch that adds to the calm within the Mazda.SEE ALSO: 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Review: First DriveĪs we covered in the CX-30’s last comparison, the lux-feeling cabin does place a premium on space. It’s a small feature, but I love the soft fade of the turn signal repeaters, both on the instrument panel and the taillights. The volume knob, located down and to the right of the shifter, is also an odd one, more so for passengers than the driver, who has wheel-mounted controls. The sliver of metal across the dash partially obscures the handful of physical buttons below it for the driver. There are a few ergonomic foibles, though. The wheel is the right size and thickness-I’d go so far as saying Mazda makes the best steering wheels of any mainstream brand-and the seats are more supportive than the perches in the Crosstrek. The CX-30’s interior is a place you genuinely enjoy spending time in. Mazda’s march upmarket is put in stark contrast here, with a smooth blue-and-cream color scheme that would shame an offering from German rivals costing $10k more. "As a result, you get a crossover SUV that's both confident in the corners and comfortable cruising down the highway.CX-30: Stepping into the CX-30 feels like a whole different class of car. "Overall, the CX-5's suspension, chassis, and steering are beautifully tuned," our review said. The chassis is well balanced, while the steering is crisp, with good feel. Mazda will address our complaint about engine power in 2019 by making 250 horsepower turbocharged engine available on Grand Touring Reserve and Signature trim levels.Īs far as handling goes, the CX-5 is quite impressive. The transmission is generally very quick to "drop down" a couple of gears to get the engine back into the heart of its power band. However, the CX-5's powertrain wasn't without fault - since it functions without the additional torque provided by a turbocharger, the Mazda struggles a bit under hard acceleration. It's perky off the line and delivers more than adequate power around town." ![]() "The SkyActiv four-cylinder meshes perfectly with the six-speed automatic. "The Mazda CX-5 is a joy to drive," we said in our review. Account icon An icon in the shape of a person's head and shoulders. ![]()
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