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The Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-30 are rivals in the increasingly popular subcompact crossover SUV segment. Both models have their strong points, but the 2023 Honda HR-V has one big strength over the 2023 Mazda CX-30: an excellent redesign.

Unlike the 2023 Mazda CX-30, the 2023 Honda HR-V is redesigned

Front angle view of gray 2023 Honda HR-V crossover SUV
2023 Honda HR-V | Honda

The Honda HR-V was starting to fall back in the pack of the subcompact crossover SUV segment in recent years. However, it flipped the script in 2023 with an excellent redesign. The next-generation 2023 Honda HR-V is greatly improved with its new styling and many upgrades. It makes a big leap forward — and is now one of the most in-demand models in the segment. 

If you’re a crossover SUV shopper that’s drawn to the newest and freshest look in the automotive world, then the HR-V could be a good choice for you. Conversely, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 is relatively unchanged. The CX-30 is still a first-generation model, which debuted over three years ago. 

The redesigned HR-V has sportier styling and multiple design feature upgrades. This includes a longer hood, a sleek roofline, a larger grille, LED headlights, and wide LED taillights. Also, it has a more sculpted hatch. Additionally, the next-generation model provides better outward visibility — which is due to the new door-mounted mirrors, as well as Honda moving the panel between the hood and windshield to a lower position. 

2023 HR-V also has a roomier interior than the 2023 CX-30

Front angle view of red 2023 Mazda CX-30 crossover SUV
2023 Mazda CX-30 | Mazda

With its redesign, the 2023 Honda HR-V is bigger than the outgoing model, which results in a roomier interior. The new crossover SUV has a total passenger volume of 98.7 cu-ft, compared to 94.1 cu-ft for the 2023 Mazda CX-30. Also, the extra passenger space makes the most significant difference for the rear seats. The HR-V provides 37.7 inches of rear legroom, while the CX-30 only has 36.1 inches.

Furthermore, the HR-V offers considerably more storage space. It has a rear cargo capacity of 24.4 cu-ft and a maximum cargo capacity of 55.1 cu-ft, compared to 20.2/45.2 cu-ft for the CX-30. For both people and cargo, the HR-V is the more spacious choice. 

Other advantages of the Honda HR-V over the Mazda CX-30

The 2023 HR-V has some other advantages over the 2023 CX-30. Along with its cabin being roomier, it provides a comfortable ride too. This is due in part to its new body-stabilizing front seats that help reduce fatigue on long journeys. It also features a new suspension for a smoother ride. Also, the HR-V has better outward visibility than the CX-30.

Another addition for the HR-V is its new complimentary maintenance plan. Good for two years or 24,000 miles, it provides free coverage for factory-scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, topping off the fluids, and multi-point inspections. Conversely, the CX-30 doesn’t offer a free maintenance plan. For the CX-30, you have to pay for all of these services. 

With its excellent redesign, the 2023 Honda HR-V has a big strength over the 2023 Mazda CX-30. While the redesign doesn’t mean that the HR-V is a better overall model, it’s a key factor to consider for subcompact crossover SUV shoppers.

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