Honda
CR-Z
Mazda
CX-30
Honda CR-Z vs Mazda CX-30: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Honda CR-Z offers fuel economy, while the Mazda CX-30 excels at power instead. Choose the Honda CR-Z if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Mazda CX-30 if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
CR-Z
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and highly dependent on owner expectations. A dedicated, niche group of long-term owners express deep affection for the vehicle, praising its unique character as a fun, efficient, and engaging hybrid coupe. These owners highlight the satisfaction derived from its driving dynamics, describing it as a "great successor to the CRX" and a "fun momentum car" that is enjoyable on curvy roads, especially with suspension modifications.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Owner discussions reference both manual and CVT transmissions, with a clear preference for the manual transmission among enthusiasts for engagement.
Known issues
- ⚠Underpowered performance: described as "kind of slow" and lacking power, especially for highway merging or when compared to modern hybrids. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠CVT transmission reliability concerns: specific worry about long-term reliability, with one owner expressing anxiety and scheduling a fluid change at 80,000 miles. Frequency: isolated (but noted as a significant concern).
- ⚠Hybrid battery aging: concern about the original NiMH battery nearing the end of its usable life in older, high-mileage examples (e.g., 15 years, 170k miles). Frequency: recurrent.
CX-30
Overall
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment among owners, characterized by high satisfaction with driving dynamics, interior quality, and overall reliability. The vehicle is consistently praised for its responsive and fun-to-drive nature, with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines receiving commendation for good acceleration and power. The interior is frequently described as feeling premium and luxurious for its price point, with high-quality materials and a functional, button-centric layout.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a single consensus "best" trim. Feedback indicates high satisfaction across trims, from base models to top-tier Turbo versions.
Known issues
- ⚠Limited rear passenger and cargo space: very frequent mention of cramped rear seats, especially with child car seats, and limited trunk space.
The verdict
The Mazda CX-30 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Honda CR-Z, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Mazda CX-30 are a dealbreaker, the Honda CR-Z is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda CR-Z or the Mazda CX-30?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Mazda CX-30 than the Honda CR-Z. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Honda CR-Z or the Mazda CX-30?
The Mazda CX-30 seats more passengers than the Honda CR-Z on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Honda CR-Z is classed as a Coupe, the Mazda CX-30 as a SUV.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda CR-Z or the Mazda CX-30?
The Honda CR-Z is more fuel-efficient on paper: 5 L/100km combined versus 9.4 L/100km for the Mazda CX-30, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda CR-Z or the Mazda CX-30?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.