Compared: 2023 Honda HR-V vs. 2023 Mazda CX-30

It comes down to flash and fun vs. space and comfort between these two subcompact SUVs.

James Tate | 

Nov 29, 2023 | 3 min read

Honda | Mazda

The 2023 Honda HR-V is an all-new version of Honda's subcompact SUV, with the company highlighting its standard interior space and driver-assist features against a crowded field of competitors. Among those is the 2023 Mazda CX-30, an SUV developed from the popular Mazda3 compact sedan and hatchback. Much like other Mazdas, the CX-30 has earned a reputation for being surprisingly fun to drive and comes well equipped for a vehicle in its price range. Drivers will have to choose if the extra cargo and passenger room of the Honda outweigh the more exciting styling and technological conveniences of the Mazda.

Mazda CX-30 Starts Off Lower but Tops Out Higher

Mazda CX-30 trims with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower range from the base 2.5 S at just over $24,000 to about $33,000 2.5 S Premium. A 250-hp turbocharged version of the same engine is found in the $35,000 2.5 Turbo Premium and $36,500 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. All 2023 CX-30s get all-wheel drive (AWD) and an automatic transmission.

The Honda HR-V is available in three trim levels, each with the same 158-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder and automatic transmission. The front-wheel-drive (FWD) base LX starts at just over $25,000, the mid-level Sport at $27,000, and the range-topping EX-L at around $29,000. Add $1,500 to any trim if you want AWD.

Honda

Honda HR-V Comes Out on Top in Size

The CX-30 has an 8.8-inch touchscreen and voice-command capability. Non-turbo trims feature an eight-speaker sound system with a 12-speaker sound system found in turbo-equipped trim levels. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, larger wheels (18 inches from 16), dual-zone climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are included when stepping up from the base 2.5 S. Higher trim levels add cruise control with a moonroof, and heated front seats. Premium trims include a leather interior, navigation system, and power liftgate, while Turbo Premium Plus includes a 360-degree monitor, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a garage door opener.

The 2023 HR-V counters with larger 17-inch wheels in the base LX compared to the base CX-30. While only offering up to eight speakers and a smaller 7.0-inch touchscreen on the LX and Sport, the EX-L comes with a 9.0-inch touchscreen and wireless phone charging. All HR-V trims feature adaptive cruise control, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control.

With 24 cubic-feet with the seats up and 55 cu-ft with the seats down, the Honda easily outpaces the Mazda's respective 20 and 45 cu-ft. Passengers also have more room in the HR-V, which offers 99 cu-ft to the CX-30's 94 cu-ft of overall volume.

Mazda

Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30 Match in Fuel Economy

The EPA ratings for the CX-30 and HR-V are similar when the Mazda is powered by its non-turbocharged engine.

The Mazda comes in at 24/31/26 mpg city/highway/combined, whereas the Honda is rated higher at 26/32/28 mpg with FWD and 25/30/27 with AWD. The turbocharged engine deals a blow to the CX-30's efficiency, getting 22/30/25 mpg.

All vehicle pricing includes MSRP plus destination charges (set at the time of publication), and will be rounded to the nearest thousand.

James Tate

James Tate has been writing about cars professionally for 15 years and he remains obsessed with them. He enjoys digging into the incredible technology of new vehicles as much as he likes the tactility and the driving experience of yesterday’s cars. He has written for a variety of legacy automotive magazines and websites.