by Gabrielle DeSantis

Both the Mazda CX-30 and the Mazda CX-3 are good choices for SUVs. They’re solid vehicles with good safety ratings and systems. One is the 30 and one is the 3; is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 ten times better than the 2021 Mazda CX-3? Consumer Reports tested both SUVs and gave them pretty similar overall scores. So should you choose the Mazda CX-30 or Mazda CX-3?

Both the 2021 Mazda CX-30 and Mazda CX-3 have good road test scores

Consumer Reports tests vehicles at its huge Connecticut facility. Consumer Reports purchase the cars so that there’s no question about bias. This also means testers can be sure car manufacturers are giving them vehicles that represent the model as a whole. Consumer Reports conducts tests such as emergency handling, braking, and comfort. 

The road test score for both the CX-30 and CX-3 is a 64/100. Although they both get a 3 for acceleration, the CX-30 is a little faster, going from 0 to 60 in 8.7 seconds. It takes the CX-3 9.6 seconds to do that. 

However, the CX-3 gets a better score for its transmission and routine handling. Routine handling is measured by how agile Consumer Reports finds the SUV to be. The emergency handling scores for both vehicles are the same, at a four out of five. Emergency handling is rated by several factors, including its max avoidance speed. Braking is also the same for each, at a four out of five. 

Reliability is excellent in both the Mazda CX-30 and CX-3

To determine the reliability of a vehicle, Consumer Reports sends out surveys to people who have bought previous versions of the vehicle. They then combine this survey data with what they know about the current model. They say that with these two pieces of information, they can “expertly predict the reliability of new and redesigned models.”

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 and CX-30 each get a five out of five for their reliability ratings. However, the CX-30 gets a far better owner satisfaction score, getting a four out of five. The CX-3, on the other hand, only scores a two out of five. This means that only two out of five people who bought the 2021 Mazda CX-3 would definitely buy it again. 

They both have almost the same exact safety equipment

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 and 2021 Mazda CX-3 both have a lot of the advanced safety systems that Consumer Reports recommends. They each come standard with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking for the city and highway, lane departure warning, rear-view camera, anti-lock brakes, traction and stability control, and daytime running lights. 

Rear cross-traffic warning and blind-spot warning are optional in the Mazda CX-30, but standard in the CX-3. However, lane-keeping assistance is standard in the CX-30 but not even available in the CX-3.

Crash and rollover test ratings are identical in both the CX-30 and CX-3. They both get a good score in all of the IIHS crash tests that Consumer reports shares. The NHTSA ratings are also mostly good, getting five out of five stars. The only exception to this is both 2WD and 4WD versions of the CX-30 and CX-3. These each get four out of five stars. 

So is the 2021 CX-30 ten times safer than the 2021 CX-3? Not even close. The Mazda CX-30 and CX-3 are pretty much identical. Though there are a few exceptions, a few areas where one SUV does better than the other in a category and vice-versa, owner satisfaction is a standout difference. With twice as many people being happy with purchasing the CX-30 over the CX-3, the CX-30 is only twice the car the CX-3 is.

RELATED: 4 Consumer Reports Recommended Three-Row SUVs With Captain’s Chairs

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by Gabrielle DeSantis

As spring fades into summer, many people begin to drift toward water-related activities. Undoubtedly, some of the most exciting water-related recreational activities require a safe, comfortable lake boat. Some common lake boating activities include fishing, skiing, tubing, and simply cruising around sightseeing. Different boat types tend to be better suited to different activities, but a report by RailBlaza points out a considerable overlap among boat types. Let’s look at the three best boats for lakes.

Things to consider before buying a boat

Before spending your hard-earned cash on a sleek model covered in a high-gloss metallic finish capable of floating your cares away, it is important to have some idea of what activities a particular boat design is and is not best suited to.

Sailboats, for example, are not well suited to largemouth bass fishing. Of course, people can and do catch largemouth bass from sailboats. However, sailboats require a keel that extends deep below the hull to counterbalance the tall masts and rigging. This keel makes it impossible for a sailboat to access shallow water, most often associated with the best largemouth bass fishing. On the other hand, fishing boats are not well suited to spending a day on the water relaxing and swimming.

Best boats for lake fishing

Boats for lake fishing can be a rather broad category, ranging from small, aluminum, V-bottom boats powered by small displacement outboard engines to state-of-the-art tri-hull, fiberglass boats with gleaming metallic finishes and large displacement outboards capable of interstate highway speeds on the water. Sometimes people also fish from pontoon boats, ski boats, and deck boats, although these models are not ideal for fishing.

Most fishing boats share some common characteristics. Large bow platforms located at the front of the boat allow anglers to take an elevated position to reduce glare that decreases visibility into the water. Trolling motors allow stealth when moving through areas that hold fish or remaining stationary in water current or windy conditions. Electronic fish finders provide a view under the water to detect fish and structures that may hold fish nearby.

Best boats for lake skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing

Ski boats are often large and powerful to accommodate small groups of skiers. While some pontoon boats and bass boats can pull skiers, tubers, and wakeboarders, the best ski boats are specifically designed to pull people behind them.

Boats designed to pull skiers typically have large towers attached to the stern (back of the boat) to help keep ski ropes elevated and above the water when pulling skiers out of the water and encountering large waves. Powerful outboard or inboard engines are helpful when pulling skiers up to begin skiing. Large, open deck plans with optimal seating configuration allow spectators and additional skiers to ride along in comfort.

Best models for lake cruising

The best boats for lake cruising are often pontoon boats, but cabin cruisers, bowriders, yachts, sailboats, and deck boats are also great boats to cruise the lake. Pontoon boats are ideal for lake cruising because they feature wide, stable decks and plenty of seating for guests. Many pontoon boats are specifically designed to provide a swimming platform with ladders that extend into the water to allow easy re-entry onto the boat.

The best lake cruising boats offer large decks, premium sound systems and are built for comfort but not necessarily speed. Comfortable seating and providing shade for passengers when the summer sun gets too hot for comfort are also important when spending a full day on the water.

No matter which boat is right for you, it is always essential to obey applicable laws regarding alcohol usage, personal flotation devices, and safety equipment such as fire extinguishers. Taking a boating course is recommended to keep you safe, and they can provide boaters information on common courtesy while on the water.

RELATED: Is Boating Alone Dangerous?

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