2020 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 had a design that was both praised and critiqued. While its overall styling was considered attractive, the excessive gray plastic cladding around its lower perimeter was seen as a misstep, making the vehicle appear as if it was perpetually on a lift. Despite this, the interior was lauded for its luxurious feel, especially above the midpoint of the cabin, where soft-touch materials were prevalent. The lower half, however, was dominated by hard plastics, which was expected given the vehicle's price point. The CX-30's pricing started at $21,900, with various trims offering additional features and upgrades.

In contrast, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that enhanced its exterior with new LED headlights and a hexagonal grille, giving it a more muscular look. The rear featured a new all-LED taillamp that spanned the width of the vehicle. Inside, the Pacifica offered a premium feel, especially in the Pinnacle trim, which included quilted leather seats and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and innovative storage solutions, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Despite its competitive power figures, the CX-30's weight of 3,408 pounds and lack of a turbocharged engine option limited its performance, especially at higher altitudes. The 6-speed sport automatic transmission, however, was praised for its ability to maximize the engine's potential. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance, making it suitable for light off-roading. While its driving dynamics were not as sharp as the Mazda3, the CX-30 was still considered one of the better-handling small SUVs in its class.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a traditional 3.6-liter V6 engine with 287 horsepower and a hybrid version with a combined output of 260 horsepower. The hybrid model provided an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, with an impressive 82 MPGe. The Pacifica's AWD system was a new addition, offering on-demand activation for improved traction. The V6 model achieved 22 mpg combined, while the AWD version saw a slight decrease in fuel efficiency. The Pacifica's performance was tailored to provide a smooth and efficient driving experience, particularly for family use.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 offered a comfortable yet snug interior, with soft padding on the center console and door armrests. The driving position was excellent, and the analog gauges were easy to read. However, the rear seat was cramped, with limited legroom, making it more suitable for children or shorter adults. Cargo space was also limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it closer to the subcompact segment.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family functionality in mind, offering spacious seating and innovative storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space, while the second and third rows offered sufficient legroom for children and adults. The Pacifica's Stow 'n Go seating system allowed for easy conversion of passenger space into cargo space, even in AWD models. The cargo area was generous, with best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display integrated into the dashboard, controlled via a center console, steering wheel, and voice commands. While the system was designed to minimize driver distraction, it was not always intuitive to use. Standard features included Bluetooth, HD Radio, and Mazda Connected Services, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto available on higher trims. The Premium trim offered a 12-speaker Bose sound system and a head-up display.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was praised for its modern design and responsiveness. It included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional second-row entertainment system. The Pacifica offered a range of audio systems, including a 20-speaker Harman Kardon option. The Pinnacle trim featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view and zoom-to-seat functionality.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS with Premium trim. The CX-30's safety systems operated seamlessly, providing a reassuring driving experience.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated the model at the time of publication.