Over the past seven or eight years, the subcompact SUV segment has been blossoming. These models are appealing because they remain small, manageable, agile and frugal, like cars, but they also offer interesting cargo volumes.

In addition to all-wheel drive in most cases, as with the two players we're comparing today, the 2021 Honda HR-V and the 2021 Mazda CX-30.

In fact, both of these vehicles could very well be on your shopping list, as they are both interesting. However, if you really want a utility vehicle, you'll have to ask the Honda representative.

The following arguments will convince you.

A true utility vehicle

The Mazda CX-30 presents itself as a utility vehicle, but it's a model that's more focused on style. Its rounded rear end, as well as its interior layout, means that you don't benefit from a really interesting cargo volume at 1,280 liters.

With the Honda HR-V, it's the opposite. The company designed its product to be as practical as possible. Thus, the interior space can be transformed into a storage area. A total of 1,665 liters of cargo space can be freed up, enough to cram in everything from boxes to your mountain bike. The rear seats, thanks to Magic Seat technology, can be folded down to virtually eliminate them from the equation.

More economical

No matter what kind of vehicle you want, you want it to be as fuel-efficient as possible. The Honda HR-V is better than the Mazda CX-30. On average, the former's combined ratings are 7.8 and 8.2 L/100 km, whether you get a front- or all-wheel drive model. That's better than the CX-30's respective figures of 8.1 and 8.6 L/100 km. It may not seem like much, but the more kilometers you rack up, the more money you put in your pocket. After 100,000 kilometres, you'll save about $500. That's a lot of money.

And that's not counting what you'll also save with the HR-V because of its better residual value.

Really, the benefits of the HR-V are hard to ignore.