Honda HRV VS the Mazda CX-30 comparison // Battle of the subcompacts

[@wompwompu]

I have the Red Mazda CX-30 Premium it was the best decision I’ve ever made for my brand new car. It handles everything super well, I have zero complaints on this car!! Loving it 🥰

[@eddiem22_]

picking up my cx30 premium tmrw in the dark gray. transitioning from a ‘14 ford escape titanium sport. i can’t wait

[@avetikharutyunyants9868]

Used to drive HR-V, and now have CX-30. Totally agree with all said!!!

[@janoycresnova9156]

If Mazda could just add a bit more room to their CUVs/SUVs they would be unbeatable. This CX30 just needs 2-3 more inches rear legroom and 5 more cu ft trunk space.

[@Warbeaver]

Yah, keep the proportions the same. But boost its overall size by 5% ish and it'd be amazing. I'm still buying one anyways. It looks and drives great.

[@kdomster9141]

So you drive extra 3 inches of room in trunk , I don't 😂 There is no comparison CX30 trumps it all over

[@guidosarduci6664]

Our choice was the Mazda CX30. Throw in the turbo and its a done deal. This car drives and handles very well. Cabin is well put together and quiet. Fit and finish is also top notch. I have owned it now 8 months as a commuter. My MPG is 30.3 average per the computer. I just keep my foot out of the turbo and only use it when needed. I am enjoying this vehicle and would recommend a test drive.

[@Stinger430]

The HRV is a good vehicle, but the Mazda will put a smile on my face every time I see it in my garage. CX-30 all the way.

[@andreaspencer9813]

Definitely super fun to drive, enjoy it!

[@dgthebee]

You guys! This is is SO helpful. Thank you!!! I test drove the CX30 a few weeks ago, but haven't test driven the HRV yet. I'm giving up a 2008 CRV after 15 years of superb driving and usefulness. I'm no longer carting around kids, so I want some fun but also a good solid car for out of town trips/vacations. Seems like I have my answer...and no armrest in the back seat, what?? I too was concerned about 2nd row leg room for when we have "guests" or a grown kid/elderly parent hopping a ride. It's too bad, but it's not a major problem. And, I loved the interior finishes. I saw it as a luxury feel for a competitive price. Now, let's see what happens when I try to order one in a colour I like!

[@thomobrien1854]

Mazda warranty in Canada is unbeatable … 5 year unlimited klm power train … my 2020 has had oil changes /tire rotation and nothing else at 43,000 klms … works like a charm!

[@kellingtonlink956]

I like all the perks of the Mazda. Handling, interior, quality feel, it’s price and most importantly… nothing else, from any angle, looks like them. My only criticism, and I am not alone, is that the belt line is just too high. These thinner windows create a bit of a claustrophobic sensation for many people, I believe. And they are a bit of a turn-off for those who like driving with their arm (elbow?) on the window sill. The Honda’s only advantage is a very average and common look with a great, albeit slow, engine with good reliability and huge interior (for it’s size). I probably go with the Mazda because it’s cheaper, more powerful, more unique and most importantly… fun to drive. Thanks for the comparison.

[@inodesnet]

Completely agree with you regarding high belt line. Adults can certainly see over it, but it ruins the visibility for kids. It's a fabulously well thought out vehicle where this one area (and the large amount of wheel trims), is form over function.

[@kellingtonlink956]

Agreed. I actually never considered children in the back, as my two just crossed over 6 feet (more than I). Great point. Cheers.

[@mcherylyn]

I drove an HR-V for seven years...couldn't wait for the redesign. I was monumentally disappointed. I think it's butt ugly, no improvement in horsepower and they removed the magic seats and the rear door handle in the body. I have purchased the CX-30, and so far, I love it. I don't need a backseat, or additional room of the HR-V, so it's working for me right now.

[@vinceo.7923]

Mazda CX30 hands down. The CX30 is a drivers vehicle. Handles great, feels solid, interior is tops. Get the turbo and its game over for the HRV. The CX30 has a much better look also.

[@kdomster9141]

"cheaper less sophisticated" is Honda for sure .... Mazda is a better product , design and quality , reliability and overall.

[@A3A4Tom]

Although I currently own 2 Civics, Mazda's package is hard to beat. The classy interior and optional 2.5T engine in the CX-30 are simply fantastic in subcompact segment. HR-V's 2.0L is better than the outgoing 1.8L. But just barely. Its CX-30 a landslide winner in this class. However, I am interested in how the next Crosstrek with 1.5T is going to compete with them. Let's hope Subaru will make the 2.5 H4 as their base engine, in both Crosstrek and Impreza, which it is based on.

[@HG-Pilot]

CVT is the killer with subarus

[@quidipher]

As a Honda man, myself, it's hard to deny Mazda's appeal. The second anyone mentions the turbo, I have to start looking at Acura for anything comparable.

[@dsherb002]

My wife and I just test drove a 2024 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Preferred and a 2025 Honda HRV EX-L back to back today. What an eye opener! The CX-30’s 6-speed auto transmission sloppily surged pulling away from a stop, and its audio controller was super unfriendly to use. In contrast, the HRV had more comfortable seats, more features, a better ride, logical user friendly controls, and more interior space, all at a lower price.

[@JessicaLopez237]

This video decided the future of my first car in Canada, I was between buying a 2023 HRV or a 2023 CX-30 and thanks to this video yesterday I chose Mazda CX-30. I can't wait to have it with me now, I bought the GS version in Machine Gray Metallic color that will arrive in 4 weeks, I was thinking of the GX version but it is not easy for it to reach Canada because it is not very common. Mazda is definitely prettier, more elegant, more fun, it makes my eyes shine, the interior looks wow, different, not like another "mini truck" that nowadays all look like the interior of an airplane hahaha. Thanks guys!!!

[@superhydrocarbon]

Thank you so much for this comparison! These are the exact two cars I had been contemplating on and being in Canada, I'm leaning towards the Mazda.

[@upanbyudesign5323]

We have had one for a year, the driving and handing are a lot better, we got the X engine which has a supercharger not a turbo, it kicks of when you need it. If you do buy one there is a "magic button" that most people don't know about, including the cars dealers. If you want to go fast, push the accelerator all the way down, that will hit a button that will drop a gear and apply full pump pressure to the injectors. It will go fast. This feature in on all the Mazda's since 2014. We had the new 6 before our current car and that was the first Mazda to have it.

[@superhydrocarbon]

@@upanbyudesign5323 oh wow, I did not know about this! Thank you so much for sharing this! I just looked it up and indeed some have described it as a “kickdown switch”. This is the first time I’m interacting with someone who owns a CX-30. Could I ask if someone 5’10” could sit in the rear seat without hitting the front occupant seat with their knees? This is my only biggest concern since I’d want my parents to be comfortable in the rear.

[@jeremyfrancis39]

@@superhydrocarbon It may be a bit tight depending on who's in the front seat, we got the CX -30 as the 6 is too wide for where we live. There is more room than the 3 a you sit more upright.

[@superhydrocarbon]

@@jeremyfrancis39 ah, thank you so much! Mazda 3 is definitely a very beautiful car but I guess a CX30 would be relatively more practical. Most of my family is under 5’10”, so not too tall. I usually like to drive with my legs stretched out all the way. I’ll try to sit behind my ideal driving position at the dealer but the car definitely is perfectly sized for me (exterior dimensions at least).

[@ElmaEnaguas]

@@upanbyudesign5323how is cx 30? No issues so far? Any idea about price of spare parts in general? Is cx 30 cheaper than honda hr v parts?

[@serkanister3620]

As always nice to see you guys, Zack you and your lovely wife Andrea are amazing. This channel deserves much higher subs.

[@andreaspencer9813]

Wow, thank you so much, we appreciate the support 🙏

[@jcr6651]

great review...leaning to a CX30 because of lack of power of the HR v....also...love the guns! 💪

[@MrSBaker85]

Would love to see a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek vs 2022 Nissan Qashqai !

[@jessicaabukhamsin5048]

I just bought the 2023 cx 30 select I pick it up tomorrow. Machine gun grey.

[@Wigglythegreat2]

I was looking at these cars and went with the CX-30. I like the looks and power of the Mazda over the Honda.

[@herbertwedermanjr239]

Great review guys👍🏼

[@timphillips4147]

Another great comparison Andrea and Zack, the Mazda looks great in red. Always a striking car. Zack loves his torque on a car. Think I'm leaning towards the Mazda. If I'm being picky I'd like it lowered off the wheels a bit more.

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@timphillips4147]

@@andreaspencer9813 Definitely enjoyed it Andrea!

[@AnderMc60]

Just bought a new hrv...... Absolutely love it!!!!!

[@snkr_em]

What hrv u got?

[@AnderMc60]

Exl, awd

[@blown9646]

You don't miss the touchscreen. It's nice not cleaning fingerprints while enjoying the extra comfort controlling the system.

[@calmway5444]

Thank you so much for this review😃

[@johnwong6902]

What ever happened to the live show?

[@serkanister3620]

I was about to ask same

[@Motormouth...]

Back on Sunday

[@sgrant9814]

I find the cx30 mpg figures as given in the video low. I have a non turbo premium and have avg'd 31.5 mpg overall in the two years of ownership. I regularly get about 27 mpg city and have gotten as much as 36.0 mph hwy, tho 33-34 mpg is more normal

[@caseyboutkan7496]

How was access to the HRV. A couple of years ago my son and I were looking and he could not get behind the steering wheel. He is 6-1 and slender. Has this changed?

[@differencemaker242]

The Honda is not a sub compact. By what standard does it qualify? I saw this thing. It's bigger than the CX5

[@neilcharles2520]

I bought the 2021 CX30 Base model because i don't need the rear seats,i am retired and prefer to fly instead of driving long trips,if i have to.I paid $23,500 OTD cash brand new...i live in Florida so no need for AWD and all the bells and whistle...I did test drive The HRV and was not impressed...So anyone that buys the CX30 and complain about the space in the rear,has to be a fool...it's not a vehicle for long family trips...

[@isaiasvilla21]

What are your thoughts on the Euro Hrv? I was honestly shocked Honda didn't bring that much classier Hrv to North America...

[@iamthedutchbro]

You can fit humans in the back seat of the HR-V. You can fit small parcels in the back seat of the CX-30.

[@TheAvgCanadian]

Reminds me of my 2016 CX-3. No armrest for the front seats. It was available as an accessory for about $150 if i recall correctly and when installed, it blocked access to the cup holders! Im sure Honda will add the cupholders mid cycle or as an optional accessory. Nothing will fix the anemic engine though unless they add in a turbo 1.5 and increase the price which is already sky high for this vehicle. Anyways subscribed!

[@vnucka]

We don't have the choice of Mazda cx30 250hp in the uae... If you had a choice between mazda cx30 150HP and Honda Hrv, which one would you go for?

[@jorlas1234]

i think honda missed the mark with the HRV. i believe that a lot of people shopping this segment of vehicle are looking for lower price, better fuel economy, and decent practicality. at the canadian price point of the HRV, you may as well go into the compact segment. my 2019 subaru forester premier (top trim) was just under $40k MSRP, gets better fuel economy, and is a larger and more practical vehicle. so now the other main question is whether size matters. i’m sure majority of buyers would prefer a larger vehicle, to a certain extent. i don’t see where honda is heading with the pricing of the HRV unless they plan to price the next gen CRV to almost $50k and then the passport/pilot to $60k+.

[@gopes23]

A loaded up 2022 Civic is pushing 40K, bonkers

[@jorlas1234]

@@gopes23 yep, my dad’s 2012 loaded civic was 25k or 29k in today’s money. granted, the new civic is much nicer, but idk if 11k nicer.

[@HG-Pilot]

I know people complain about the cladding on cx30 but it is not even close to how ugly the front end of hrv is. It looked bad on the ford and it looks even "worser" on the hrv.

[@obhatti]

Great review you two! So much competition in this class, glad you mention the Taos, Corolla Cross and the Seltos - all great competitors! I found the fully loaded Taos to be overpriced in Canada for its lackluster interior (compared to the Mazda) but it does have all the features (mins heated rear seats - as a single guy, I don't care about that). Hard to decide on a next vehicle - especially when you throw in the compact segment! CR-V vs. CX-30 vs. Rav4 vs. CX-5 vs. Taos vs. HR-V vs. Tiguan vs. Corolla Cross vs...... the list goes on and on!!

[@andreaspencer9813]

Yes, we found the top trim of the Taos to be high as well, we mentioned that in our review of the Taos. But, it is still less than the top trim of the HR-V and it has more features. You are right, so much competition in this class, it's fierce.

[@obhatti]

@@andreaspencer9813 That really tells you that Honda's pricing is way out to lunch, when the top trim HR-V costs more than the top Taos, which has more features but still feels too pricey! Thanks for your reply, love that you connect so directly with your audience. Can't wait to see your next comparison review!

[@curlytop242923]

Would love to see you guys do a review of a Honda Ridgeline ??

[@Motormouth...]

We have it this week!

[@10OF9OFBORG]

I think it’s ridiculous to know the price a little high and it’s missing some features. Great video guys! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@andreaspencer9813]

Yes, I agree, strange price point for Canada on the Honda HR-V. It probably works well for Honda right now because there is no inventory but when things get back to normal, it will be interesting to see how this plays out.

[@vagabond1776]

Love the CX-30! Need more space then get the CX-5….plenty of trims that will overlap the CX-30 and CR-V in price.

[@Lifewithjavs]

Anyone notice how small the tank is for the cx30? I have the cx30 and the small tank and the no room in the back is my only problem with this car

[@Flying-Fox19]

No rear AC vents for the HRV which is now more of a family vehicle. Kids are going to complain :( Mazda CX 30 has it which is more important than those heated/vented seats.

[@neilcharles2520]

My 2021 CX30 does not have rear AC vents...

[@Flying-Fox19]

@@neilcharles2520 AC vents in the high er trim apparently, sorry.

[@jackiekhoapham7804]

CX 30 wins it for me.

[@archstanton9703]

Which of the two is more reliable? We keep are cars for 10 years. Cheers!

[@Cali_12024]

I love my mazda!!

[@andreaspencer9813]

I can understand why, I am a big Mazda fan, such great handling vehicles.

[@MCW1955]

One thing you didn’t mention about Honda’s engine. It’s a regular port injected motor, not GDI. Let’s take a look at the Mazda in 10 years. I’ve owned both brands. A few less HP? No big deal.

[@archstanton9703]

Is the Honda HRV’s engine more reliable than the Mazda Cx-30’s? We have an Element and are looking for a new car. The Element has been pretty reliable, but it’s time for a new vehicle.

[@Offensively-normal]

Honda blew it big time on this one. I just got the Civic sport touring. It's great. I think the HRV is over priced. Maybe that's why it did not come in a touring trim. They are still going to sell. If for no other reason it's a Honda.

[@matt-be8lc]

HRV is literally the CRV size from 10 years ago.. these SUVs just jump sizes then they introduce a new smaller model

[@bradleybprentice1497]

We are very close to ordering the CX30 top spec here in Thailand. However, the only engine available in this market is the 2.0 litre. I am concerned I will regret my purchase with this engine. It will be mostly City driving (horrible traffic) with the occasional up country road trip. Do you have any comments on the 2.0 litre?

[@bobbe7910]

You won't. It's very peppy..is it the X or the G?

[@jennifersherrick7195]

What SUV does Zach and Andrea own?

[@ycplum7062]

The HRV is a utilitarian vehicle. It gets you from A to Z reliably and economically. The CX-30 is about the drive between A and Z. There is no wrong choice. They are both great cars. It just depends on what you want.

[@jayjanyh2932]

Prior to 2002 Honda was the one to beat. Not anymore. Hondas are soooooooo overpriced.

[@landofahhs_1]

I'd like to comment on the lack of offering a white exterior or requiring the higher package or charge for a white vehicle...both Mazda and Honda make having a basic white car more expensive, that is inexcusable IMHO. I'm leaning towards Subaru, because you can get a white SUV under 26k! White should be offered at no extra cost on all manufacturers vehicles!

[@mykolashatkovskyi8817]

Great video

[@hq21]

Yeah, everyone keeps saying how great the new Civic looks. But I for one am glad the '22 Insight we bought last year kept the previous generation's Civic design. The new Civic exterior looks like it's trying to incorporate the worst design aspects of several Toyota models. And that cage thing on the dash looks like some cheesy '50s retro look or something. And enough with the boring black and silvery gray leather already. That off white leather in the Mazda looks WAY better, and so do the ivory seats in our Insight for that matter. That being said, at least the HR-V's exterior looks are much improved.

[@mm-w5462]

Interesting looking from Australia "thick black cladding" in the review appears to be matt, this can age badly and needs to be treated frequently, the model I have been looking at is Piano Black which may with normal care be more durable. The HRV which I am also considering due to a happy decade of driving Hondas, that is Civic Hatch and Honda Accord Euro (Acura TSX for North America). However the killer for the Honda is the introduction of a tire repair kit rather than a spare wheel, even a space saver which on our crappy roads would get me out of trouble. This is the deal breaker because a damaged wheel is a tow job.

[@oligarchy-usa]

Neither the Honda HR-V or Toyota Corolla Cross are even in the same league with the Mazda CX-30 IMO, despite being in the same basic size/price segment.

[@davidp.4727]

The dog at 2:11 seems quite impressed by the HRV.

[@andreaspencer9813]

Haha, he's pretty cute too!

[@paulotoole1508]

I have been wanting to test drive a Mazda CX-30 for a while now, harder to find than hens teeth.

[@andreaspencer9813]

Yes, it's a tough time for inventory right now.

[@NickD-mm4xg]

Have owned a couple Honda cars from new. Very dependable vehicles. First one was a Civic with a manual transmission the 2 an accord with a a traditional automatic transmission. I will not buy a vehicle with a CVT. Have driven a couple and absolutely hate them. CVT is ok for ATV;s but not on road vehicles. Ill likely be buying a Mazda 3 with a manual or a MX-5 manual. A CX-30 is not out of the question though, I test drove one and it is a nice vehicle minus the plastic cladding which looks like crap.

[@BLVCKxvSCVLE]

i feel like powered seats should be the standard for every car now. i have the cx30 carbon edition and only the driver's seat is automatic. it's ridiculous tbh.

[@grantboucher2696]

why bother go up to the larger rav4

[@moeanthony9308]

@@matthewalexis Then go Corolla Cross or the stylish chr

[@moeanthony9308]

@@matthewalexis not really. Its actually peppy if you know how to apply gas and or use sport mode through auto stick

[@mcherylyn]

@@matthewalexis I am single and retired...the sub-compact suv's are the perfect size for me. I really don't need a backseat, but live in the Midwest, so I need all wheel drive for snow. Currently going from an HR-V to CX-30...I don't like the HR-V redesign ( it looks like a Ford to me) and they removed the "magic seats" in the rear. I think the CX-30 appeals more to women...I saw a guy in one, and he looked a bit squished...lol.

[@moeanthony9308]

@@naveenthemachine maybe for you. Clearly you dont speak for everyone. Book that.

[@christosbalampanis8418]

Hello,i recently bought(before 2 months)this car Mazda cx-30 in Greece and i am not satisfied.It΄s color, while it is visually good, has no quality and pops easily, also does not have good quality materials(it's materials wear out easily).I had a Hyundai i30 before and i was more satisfied.I also sent an e-mail to the Greek Mazda dealership and they didn't pay attention to me(didn't reply me).Too bad because i thought Japanese cars have very good quality but.......................How can i contact with Mazda Japan, is there an e-mail?

[@tommyb2332]

Nice job in design Honda but it’s not really exciting, I’d go for the Mazda especially offering the turbo with more power.

[@inctru]

Honda has mastered the art of purposely mediocre styling.

[@kenphillips7594]

Honda Canada seems to be more in tune with the marketplace than Honda Australia.

[@Ceeflowers]

Thank you it’s a toss between the two

[@rdm925]

Thanks, As a Mazda fan and owner I prefer the Mazda. Plus, I don't like the new design of the Honda. It makes the front end look "Homely!"🤣

[@mikyl-fo8rh]

No cvt for me me me. Touch screens 😟

[@kingkong81icloud]

My dads getting 23 plate on march 1st Mazda CX 30 , we had to Mazda 3 but I crashed it,

[@paulhenry913]

Excellent points. I would skip the hrv and possibly go for a 22 or 23 crv ex The only Honda I like is the new MDX and even that has that hideous infotainment set-up. Let's see what they do with the new pilot

[@tzetong9958]

I think you forgot about the currency exchange rate, after you multiply us dollar by 1.3, you will found cars are cheaper in Canada.

[@wakanda8429]

That's unfair for Canadians. I'll buy in USA and Import in Canada.

[@andreaspencer9813]

Yes, pricing is quite competitive in the US but in the Canada, not so much.

[@Kingthin]

Mazda All The Way!!!

[@johnpereira6934]

Personally I don't like the front end of the HRV. The overhang is too great. My major complaint is the engine. Too anemic for the size of the HRV. The HRV is also missing certain options that I find important. Plus, it's too expensive for what it offers. As for the CX-30 it loses out on the interior space. Don't care for the beam rear suspension - can we say cost cutting? Also, a little too much cladding, although I'm not as offended by it as some are. I would get the CX-30 Turbo over the HRV any day of the week especially as the top trim for the HRV is priced at nearly the same price as the CX-30. The Toyota Corolla Cross is a better option than the HRV considering price. I would also consider a CX-5 over the HRV. My two cents worth.

[@digitaldoc100]

I own both a CX5 with the multilink rear, and the CX30 with the torsion beam. While it is cost cutting, and had the same concern, I will say that I think my CX30 handles better and more neutrally than the CX5, so I would not worry about it as the reason to not buy. While I don't drive either on a track at the limits of handling, on a twisty back road the CX30 is an absolute pleasure. Even with the higher gas prices, I seek out opportunities to take the long way home to enjoy the CX30.

[@hamerplayer1229]

The HRV is trash next to the CX30. in the states the top of the line CX30 goes to 60 in sub six and gets over 30 MPG on the highway. It costs 35k and is a small luxury vehicle. The Honda is a cheap POS with a CVT that is underpowered and doesn't even have a rear armrest. Honda is really sucking lately

[@jmahizzle]

Totally agree. There is nothing competitive about this HRV against everybody else in this segment besides passenger space.

[@NewYork_NJ]

Honda. You need to rethink the price to beat competitive model.

[@iamthedutchbro]

HR-V 10/10 times.

[@robertcruz1463]

You all right, but the Mazda is a car for two person, toooo small in the Back….. I will like more room instead e armrest…

[@richardharker2775]

I looked at the new HRV here in Australia and was gobsmacked to find it only comes with a thrashy 1.5 litre engine. No thanks. Later it will come with a Hybrid drivetrain for an extra $10,000. Still no thanks. It does have the rear seats that fold each way. But no.

[@souls3029]

That new HRV is no longer in the sub compact class that thing is huge might even be bigger than the cx-5

[@Brysengus]

It's not a SUV, it's a Crossover lol 🤷🏽‍♂️😆

[@ForgotToMentionThat]

Unfortunately the Honda already looks outdated, am I wrong?

[@GusGus1996]

The civic and hrv looks anonymous……boring!!

[@mmichaelnowell1512]

Had a new hrv .😢was not happy at all Honda has really gone down hill,total crap!!!!!!!!!!

[@devilsmetsfan6393]

The Honda is a dog, same as the Subaru Crosstrek.

[@gopes23]

HRV - overpriced and underpowered CX30 - competitive pricing and 3 engine options

[@andreaspencer9813]

I just don't get the pricing of the HR-V in Canada, so expensive for what you get.

[@ag4eng]

Honda HR-V looks dumpy and cheap.

[@Steven-en6uu]

Two people with zero automotive engineering or design background parroting what one another says. Does she ever smile?

[@neilcharles2520]

She does smile,what video are you watching?

[@1975brett]

The HRV is UGLY@!