2024 Honda HR-V vs Subaru Crosstrek vs Mazda CX-30 vs Hyundai Kona / Boss Battle 

My wife owns a CX-30, I own a 2023 Kona N. her car if you want something that has a bit of grunt but also feels luxurious Mazda is the way to go. Feels like you're driving a 70k car when you're in those things

Another positive thing. Mazda offers 0% APR for 36 months on all new 2024.

I like mazda cx30 but i hate the thick cladding but drive wise mazda is the best of them all. crostrick is good looking car. mazda cx5 owner here and I love it!!

We had a rental 2024 Crosstrek Premium, as the Wife's 2020 Outback was in the shop, and I daily a 18 Forester 6MT. Gotta say, that Crosstrek was quiet, massive view, quiet, plenty of gettyup, quiet, easy fit two car seats, quiet, surprising amount of trunk space, and quiet. I considering a used third car, and that Crosstrek is making a lot of sense.

Thank you for including Subaru on the comparison. I feel so many other channels don't.

I was shopping for a vehicle until recently, considered both new and used. New colleague of mine had just purchased a CX-30 on the used market. I finally decided on a used CX5 as well. Car was in great condition and I paid little less than 20% more compared to their CX-30. So yeah I'd recommend considering the CX5 as well for not much more

Dude that's exactly what I tell everyone, the current mazdas are just so engaging to drive, my 2020 m3 hatch has a heavy ass weight to the wheel and it feels so dam good lol

When I was shopping around in 2022 & purchased my latest new vehicle to replace a problematic 2020 Toyota I wasn't happy with, the CX-30 was easily the best compact-sized crossover (IMO) in its price segment for people who still like/prefer smaller vehicles in this sad US market of no true subcompacts, limited true compact offering & mostly just large vehicles. I've been happy with my 2022 CX-30 CE for about 28 months now. Not a single problem or defect to report. I would consider the Lexus LBX (a true subcompact crossover) if they ever brought it to the USA - but I predict that they won't.

I bought a Honda HRV EX-L last weekend and I love it! This replaced my 2019 HRV EX that was hit from behind. The build quality is excellent and I'm not worried about the 158 hp. It's not a race car, it's transportation and I have found it has enough power to get on the freeway and get me where I am going. It handles great and is a 180 from the first gen on just about everything. The features it has for the price is very good compared to the Toyota Corolla Cross which is another excellent vehicle and was my second choice.

I did cross shop. Mazda CX30 Turbo Premium won my wallet. Mazda is smooth, powerful, quiet. Interior is quiet, well put together. With the turbo it tops everything in this class.

Mazda is the way

You did such a great job with these reviews. Couldn't have been better -- thank you! Tomorrow morning my wife and I will be purchasing a Honda HR-V (EX-L trim level), which we test-drove. It's not that I disagree with anything you said in this video, but rather that those categories where I'd give Honda the edge (e.g. interior & cargo room) are more desirable for us, and the categories where, say, the Mazda shines best aren't quite as important for its intended use (i.e. my wife's daily driver to work in the city). She also really liked a teal-like color offered called Nordic Forest Pearl. Anyway, thanks again for your help in our decision-making!

I know I'm howling at the moon here, but I'd buy the Honda - if it came with a manual transmission. As it is, since I live in a warm weather state and don't need AWD, I plan on buying a Mazda3 Hatchback with a manual.

Leaning towards the Kona. I haven't test driven the CX-30, but I did test drive the HR-V and the Crosstrek. The Crosstrek was a no-go because I'm 5'11 and I couldn't see out the front windshield that well. With the HR-V, I drove both the 2025 Sport and the EX-L. Loved the way they drove, but there was a faint ticking noise when I drove both on the highway. Ruled those out.

The Subaru crosstrek imo is better. More practical and very nice looking. Very quiet and nice ride. Smooth.

Thanks for this comparison! I've been waiting for this. I wish the Buick Envista would've been the group though. I still want to see it how stacks up against the competition. But if/when Mazda finally updates its infotainment system, it's going to be unstoppable in this segment.

I'm a Toyota loyalist currently driving a Subaru. Toyota doesn't have that perfect vehicle for me right now. The 2001-2007 Highlander was the best thing ever. I still want one. The current Highlander is way too big, and the Rav4 is Just a few inches too small for the driver (me). The Crown Signia looks fantastic, but is over my budget. I ended up in a Subaru Outback, and honestly, if it holds up over time, i might be a Subaru convert. I really really like it. I like the styling of the Mazda a lot, i still have a soft spot for early 90s Hondas and therefore still keep an open mind for Honda... But right now, Subaru has my attention until further notice.

"....sure to spark up conversation at Trader Joe's..." lol. that was great.

The only handsome of the four , a classic slik beautifull design... is the Mazda. In driving dynamics is also the best of all. It lacks a bit in terms of digital clusters etc... but it depends what are your priorities. Driving pleasure or impressive screens ! ?? Regards from Greece !

All of them need a competent and potent hybrid option. Idk why Mazda hasn't taken the Corolla Cross hybrid system and stuck it into a CX-30 which I feel like they could easily do at the Alabama plant. I'd buy that so quickly

I would go with the Crosstrek .

I really appreciate the driving impressions, which are extremely thorough. It would seem that the Mazda CX-30 would be the best choice for someone who actually enjoys driving and interacting with a vehicle, along with the feeling of being encapsulated within an attractive - if less practical - body. The Crosstrek is sensible (except for its all-encompassing infotainment screen), but while the CX cladding is overdone, the Subaru's just looks silly.

I love my new Mazda! It was the best auto purchase that I have ever made.

Mazda Turbo Premium is a class above the rest of these vehicles. It has great handling, on par with the Mazda 3 - it is built on the same platform - and the Turbo puts out a powerful 250 horsepower. It has an upscale interior bordering on luxury class. A large screen, 12 speaker Bose with subwoofer and heads-up display.

Loathe that HUGE Crosstrek screen.

That Honda HRV has a kisser that only a mother could love.🥴

Thank you for your excellent review‼️👍🏻

I can't get over the frustrating throttle mapping in the Subaru. It's almost like a switch rather than a pedal. Want to creep forward into a parking spot? It's impossible, it lurches forward like the dog you're required to own as a Subaru driver.

I assume Subaru head gaskets (2 on a boxer engine?) are no longer failing and there is no longer oil starvation in some driving situations.

I went with the Honda HRV after test driving everything in this list. But I can't really recommend the HRV for long distance driving it's not as comfortable as others said it was.

Love the longer hair look!!

I have to say the 2.5L in the Crosstrek isn’t that bad for every day use. I’ve had no issues with merging, pulling out onto a highway from a full stop, etc. I’m even used to the infotainment screen and now I kinda like it (except the lag, the lag is awful). Amateur tip: use voice commands for adjusting climate control settings while driving, it’s much safer than using the screen.

Are some of the LEDS on the Kona's front strip burnt out??? I am considering the Kona but seeing that in the video is making me re-think it. I'd go insane if an LED blew out.

The Hondas in my opinion have the best design out of the others cars in this vid

Subaru really f. By replacing all the physical controls by a huge screen. Remember, we cannot drive and use our phones at the same time, but having a giant tablet far from the drivers attention seems to be ok.

I have the Subie CT Premium 24 (3months old) and I love it so much!

The Honda sounds like my aunt Ednas sewing machine .

No longer do Subarus suffer from head gaskets failing. Now they just use cheap RTV sealant in places they should've used real gaskets... So new Subarus are just bound to leak oil at some point, and is already becoming an issue if you look it up. Still better than a Hyundai IMO

I like the HRV and drove the 2023. But the safety tests were not good enough. Mazda beat it hands-down

I'd take Mazda CX30 2.5 NA engine and 6spd.

The Honda and Hyundai are so much nicer internally than those here in Australia. The Subaru looks like it belongs in the 90s, the Mazda is also dated in looks.

You're creating the HR-V EX-L. The Sport has better handling and feel with the bigger wheels/tires and stiffer suspension.

Depends on what you’re looking for techy, unreliable, gets a new look every year - hyundai Practical, don’tcare about powertrain, ugly- honda Timeless looks (interior and exterior), driving dynamics, no space no visibility- mazda Towing, soft roading, lesbian - subaru

If you dont mind about rear space the Mazda is the best

Ig I have to see the Cx30 for my self…always got the front seats all the way back.

Mazda would be dominating if they just supersized their lineup. Do what VW did a decade ago and watch the sales skyrocket. If CX-30 was the size of HRV on thr inside, it would an absolute no brainer.

why does the HR-V make so much noise for such little speed?

Before I saw your channel I was gonna buy the Honda HR-V. After seeing your detailed review it seems Mazda cx30 is a bang 4da bucks. Personally which car you think is better for Uber-ing? Thanks.

This is awesome. Just last month I helped a family member buy her first new vehicle. The contenders Toyota Corolla Cross LE AWD, Mazda CX-30 GS 2.5 AWD, Honda HR- V Sport, Subaru Crosstrek 2.0 Touring. I suggested the Hyundai Kona 2.0 as an option but due to reliability concerns it was eliminated early. The winner... 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Touring in Offshore Blue!

Great review! I own 2021 Mazda cx30 and recently having thoughts about buying T-rock from Volkswagen. If comparing the these 2 cars wich is the overall best? The roads in the area I live in are of a poor quality. The biggest downside of the cx30 for me is not comfortable driver seat, it's too short and narrow for me.

It's my opinion from testing all these cars. Mazda: Good with power and fun to drive Honda: Cute Subaru: The best. Feel it by a test drive Hyundai: Good for short term use.

hopefully honda cleans up the front end on the hr-v for the mid-cycle refresh. 🤮🤮

I would buy the Kona because it looks so cool, thanks 😀

CX-30's backseat space is not practical at all. Go for CX-5, which is in the compact category but only slightly bigger than subcompact.

Amazing was literally looking for this! Saw the 6mt video " if only a version for normies " 😅😂

I would not get the Wilderness package just because of the price and the hit in MPGs

Crosstrek if normal offroad is included or Mazda CX-30 if the offroad is small. Honda is less reliable and fun.

HRV has below average powertrain and interior technology, by a huge margin. Its almost embarrassing IMO.

Correct me if I'm wrong but Mazda has the highest HP offering by far? Under 200HP in this day and age is pretty abysmal.

Owned a Crosstrek. That CVT was horrible. Mazda easily. Won't touch KIA/Hyundai brand. Honda's are excellent but so slow.

Hyundai Kona is too ugly. Like most Hyundais, being different just for different's sake, not necessarily a good thing in the long run. Mazda on the other hand, has classic beauty that will still look good 10 years from now.

CX30 all the way. Comes from a Mazda owner.

Mazda seems to get most of the comments here. That being said it is the most expensive, does not have the best fuel economy, is a bit harder to see out of, is lower to the ground, has harder seats, with the lower cushion shorter, BUT, IN CONSUMER REPORTS long term, what was it recent 10 year reliability scores plus, Mazda came in third ahead of Honda in reliability, and just behind second place Toyota and first place Lexus! Mazda owners I talk to always talk about how reliable their Mazda has been. Also though that six speed tranny. Hmm. Let's change that Mazda/Toyota --possibles. If you like to drive, can afford the gas, live in a warm climate this COULD BE the one for long term driving without any major troubles. I THINK EACH TIME YOU GOT INTO IT, IT WOULD EXCITE THE DRIVER IN YOU AND that is worth something. Also this Mazda would have good resale which hasn't been mentioned. It is the most in cost outright! Oh I did say that. Regarding this review. Outstanding it was! It was all over the ball park, kind of like how my mind thinks so no problem for me there lol. Does any reviewer out there give you more to think about with details?? Nope! Keep up the good reviews. I just subscribed to your channel young man. Go Ni

Didn’t mention the Konda N Line

Mazda is the W

21st century cars with 1980s performance numbers. You'll be the judge.

The new Kona is absolutely hideous. Hyundai really messed up big time. The last Kona looked much better.

Acid Rap, good choice.

The Honda feels so cheap inside

"Lucrative " storage? Are you sure about your vocabulary?

Mazda has the absolute worse visibility - the Subaru, the best.

Mazda or Subaru

Honda👌

CVTs 😖

The Chinese cars are better than all of these

Been in the car business for 20+ years and out of all of these that you showed i would say mazda has them beat. First off cabin noise the mazda is by far better than the rest. Seat comfort i would say mazda pays more attention than anyone in that price point, toyota and honda are absolutely the worst when it comes to seating and road noise. All the vehicles are very reliable nowadays but its the attention to detail that makes the difference. Mazda also has by far a superior paint job than the rest. most cars have very sloppy paint. Watching all of the automakers now adays and very few actually try to make the car perfect all around, i would say mazda comes closest. if you are all about hybrids now you go completely with toyota, if you are all about electric, throw your money in the toilet because its a fad that is gonna go bye bye very soon.

Mazda all day!

Subaru- The best choice