2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo presented a bold aesthetic with its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design choice gave the vehicle a distinctive, floating appearance, setting it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. The elevated stance of the CX-30 was immediately noticeable, offering a higher ground clearance that was both perceptual and real. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3’s, featuring quality materials and a sophisticated vibe with stitched chocolate brown surfaces. The interior changes were minimal, with a chrome accent around the engine start button and a frameless rearview mirror. The CX-30 Turbo’s pricing ranged from about $31,000 to $35,745, depending on the trim and options.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the Lexus UX and RX, maintained a familiar yet sharp design with its streamlined profile and aggressive front. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid’s underpinnings were based on the older Toyota RAV4 platform, making it less advanced than its sibling. The test model featured a striking Grecian Water blue paint, contrasting with dark-finish 18-inch wheels. Inside, the NX’s design felt dated, with a stepped center console and plastic switchgear. The F Sport package added unique touches like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery, but the overall material quality didn’t match the luxury brand’s reputation.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower based on fuel octane. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring strong acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo’s fuel economy was rated at 25 mpg combined, with a real-world average of 24.1 mpg. The vehicle’s i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced driving dynamics, distributing power effectively to the rear wheels. Despite its height and weight, the CX-30 Turbo offered a sophisticated driving experience, though it didn’t handle as sharply as the Mazda3. Off-road capabilities were bolstered by an Off-Road mode, providing confidence in challenging conditions.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, generating a total of 194 horsepower. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The NX Hybrid’s sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering felt numb. Drive modes like Eco and Sport offered minimal impact on performance. The NX Hybrid’s drivetrain struggled with seamless power delivery, affecting its responsiveness in traffic. Despite these issues, the NX Hybrid maintained a comfortable ride, balancing agility with comfort.

The Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable driver’s seat with eight-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The cabin’s design emphasized spaciousness, though rear-seat space was limited. Cargo capacity was 20.2 cubic feet with seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with seats down. The wireless smartphone charger’s placement in the center console limited storage options.

The Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the least in its class. The front seats provided good support, with 10-way power adjustment and available heated and ventilated options. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered rear visibility. Cargo space was 16.8 cubic feet with seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with seats down, less than the gasoline model. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display controlled via physical controls and voice commands. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the system’s complexity was a drawback. Premium trims added a Bose audio system and head-up display, enhancing the tech experience.

The Lexus NX Hybrid’s infotainment system included an 8-inch display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use, and the system felt outdated. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover rating. It included a comprehensive suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS features, with additional safety tech on higher trims.

The Lexus NX Hybrid also received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a robust set of driver aids. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.