2027 Honda HR-V vs 2027 Mazda CX-30
| 2027 Honda HR-V | vs | 2027 Mazda CX-30 |
| $26,600[a] | MSRP | $28,000 |
| 55.1 cu.ft. | Cargo Space | 45.2 cu.ft. |
| 5 | Passengers | 5 |
| 26/32[b] | MPG city/hwy | 24/31 |
Crossover shoppers who are looking for a strong commuting and travel vehicle on a budget have likely found themselves choosing between two models. The debate between the 2027 Honda HR-V vs 2027 Mazda CX-30 comes down to a pair of proven brands and what they offer in a small, affordable SUV.
While full specs for the 2027 Mazda CX-30 haven’t been officially released, it is expected to largely carry over from the 2026 model, with only minor cosmetic updates. Meanwhile, the 2027 Honda HR-V has already found its way to dealerships, instantly giving it a leg up. But is it worth waiting for the CX-30 to finally see the light of day before you buy a vehicle?
For most drivers in Union County and Greater Newark, the answer is no. If the 2027 CX-30 turns out to be all it's been hyped up to be, it will certainly be the flashier crossover. Nevertheless, those seeking a practical, efficient, well-rounded, and reliable vehicle will be drawn to the 2027 Honda HR-V.
Performance
A typical subcompact SUV owner isn’t looking for anything fancy from their powertrain. It shouldn’t be sluggish, but fuel economy and smooth handling often matter more than raw power. The 2027 Honda HR-V is ready to deliver what matters to the average driver.
The 2027 HR-V Is More Efficient
Honda has confirmed it will continue using a 2.0L inline four-cylinder engine that has been at the heart of recent HR-V models. On the surface, its 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque are lower than what the base engine that could carry over in the 2027 Mazda CX-30, which produces 186 hp and 186 lb-ft.
However, that power comes at the expense of efficiency. The 2027 Honda HR-V gets an EPA-estimated 28 MPG combined and 26 MPG in the city.[b] If it remains as is, the Mazda CX-30 will only deliver 27 MPG combined and 24 MPG in the city. Furthermore, it is anticipated to have a 12.7-gallon fuel tank, meaning more frequent stops than you would with the 2027 HR-V’s 14-gallon tank.
And realistically, you’ll rarely (if ever) get a chance to use the 2027 CX-30’s extra power when purring around this heavily populated region—to say nothing of Mazda's 250-hp engine upgrade. As such, Mazda's bigger engine just becomes a big tease, whereas the 2027 Honda HR-V provides exactly what you need.
The 2027 HR-V Handles Better
Honda knows that its owners want a comfortable, smooth ride. This extends to the handling and driving quality, with the 2027 HR-V already being praised for its excellent suspension and steering tuning. It has a multi-link independent rear suspension, Honda’s Agile Handling Assist, and large power-assisted brakes that will have you riding on a velvet carpet.
Conversely, the Mazda CX-30 has been criticized for failing to deliver a cohesive driving experience. Recent reports indicate this nameplate won’t receive a full redesign until 2031. That means the 2027 model will continue to use a torsion-beam rear suspension that is stiff and unresponsive, an overly high ground clearance that reduces stability, and tiny brakes that don’t adequately control all of its power.
Trim Lineup
Continuing with their configurations, it’s worth exploring each model's trim lineup and what to expect from these designs. For young professionals, recent graduates, young parents, and others who want solid options and conveniences without a hassle, the 2027 Honda HR-V will reign as the preferred crossover.
The 2027 HR-V's Lineup Is Simpler
Are you someone who needs the right vehicle fast and doesn’t want to agonize over an endless list of options? Look no further than the 2027 HR-V. Instead of trying to gussy things up and overcomplicate the process, Honda offers three trim levels for this year's HR-V: the LX for everyday value, the Sport for more athletic styling and additional features, and the EX-L for sophistication on a budget.
If the 2027 CX-30 keeps the existing trim lineup, with an eye-popping eight trims. That’s a lot for someone who’s new to car shopping or doesn’t have weeks to dedicate to comparisons and tests! Instead of trying to find the subtle differences between the CX-30's Preferred and Aire Edition trim, select your ideal 2027 HR-V and go.
The 2027 HR-V's Practical Features
Reading through the list of likely options on the 2027 Mazda CX-30 feels like someone just picked items out of a hat without thinking about what actually made sense. Who even knows what “tilt-in-reverse function” side mirrors are? Why isn’t there privacy glass on the base trim? Are the many accent color options necessary? It’s a hodgepodge without a cause!
Honda, on the other hand, was careful in selecting features, with clear delineation between trim levels. Each HR-V trim has full LED exterior lighting, smart windshield wipers, rear privacy glass, and an acoustically insulating windshield. The Sport trim adds black styling and heated side mirrors, while the EX-L trim introduces a moonroof. You’ll know exactly what to expect from each.
Interior
Now it’s time to hop into each of these crossovers. The 2027 Mazda CX-30 will likely again try to wow you with razzle-dazzle, but the 2027 Honda HR-V is the more sensible pick for a sensible New Jersey driver.
The 2027 HR-V Has More Space
Barring a complete redesign of the CX-30, the HR-V remains miles ahead in interior room and flexibility. Front legroom will remain similar, at 41.9 inches for Honda and 41.7 inches for Mazda, but that’s the only category where they’re close. The 2027 HR-V will have 37.7 inches of rear legroom, while adults will have to squeeze more for the CX-30’s 36.5 inches.
The difference is even more significant when looking at cargo space. The 2027 Honda CR-V offers a lot of cargo space: 24.4 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 55.1 cubic feet with them down. As with the previous model year, the 2027 Mazda CX-30 will offer only 20.2 and 45.2 cubic feet, respectively—a mere pittance for those wanting the full benefits of an SUV.
The 2027 HR-V Delivers More
Mazda touts its premium cabin on the CX-30, but again, when it comes to sheer functionality, the 2027 HR-V has some distinct advantages compared to the Mazda's features foreseen.
- Active noise cancellation is available on all 2027 HR-V trims to reduce ambient sound. The outgoing CX-30 produced significant road noise, and Mazda isn’t expected to add anything to mitigate it.
- Honda also includes Hill Start Assist on all models to help when parked or stopped on an incline, which Mazda isn’t likely to offer.
- The 2027 HR-V Sport and EX-L have remote engine start to warm your car up or cool it down in extreme weather—a feature that hasn’t yet made the cut for the CX-30.
- Honda's electronic parking brake automatically engages when you press the brake pedal and releases when you step on the accelerator, providing control without you having to think about it.
Technology
Although technology advances quickly, your new SUV shouldn’t feel dated after a few years. The features it comes with should also be easy to use and ones you’ll want to use. Honda again delivers on all fronts in this head-to-head battle.
The 2027 HR-V's Satisfying Infotainment
Based on the outgoing 2026 specs, Mazda wins a few small battles, such as a larger available infotainment screen. However, Honda’s 2027 HR-V does more for the average driver. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charger, and a 12V cargo-area power outlet are standard on the latest HR-V. Mazda has only been including these on the highest trim levels, if at all.
While both vehicles are expected to have dual USB-C charging ports, Honda adds a separate data port if you want to simultaneously stream from your phone and charge it. And while Mazda has embraced virtual touchscreen controls, Honda retains physical controls for many infotainment and climate functions.
Honda Sets the Bar in Driver Assistance
No one can touch Honda for its advanced driver assistance systems, not even Mazda. Although reports suggest Mazda might make a few tweaks to the 2027 CX-30's safety suite, it should largely remain the same. That means Honda provides more ways to keep you safe and alert on the road.
Systems such as automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, radar cruise control, and driver attention monitoring are standard fare. The 2027 CR-V, though, also has traffic sign recognition and traffic jam assistance on the base trim! You also get a choice about whether you want parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring.
Get the 2027 HR-V at Route 22 Honda
Whether you choose the 2027 CX-30 or 2027 HR-V ultimately comes down to substance. If you prefer higher fuel efficiency, a straightforward trim lineup, logical conveniences, and more connected technology even on base trims, the 2027 Honda HR-V is the right subcompact crossover SUV for you.
Route 22 Honda is ready to help you test-drive the 2027 HR-V, compare trims, and see how well this reliable SUV serves everyday driving. We make financing and trade-ins a breeze so you can drive away satisfied. Check out our 2027 HR-V inventory online or contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly sales associates.