Jeep Compass vs Mazda CX-30 vs Honda HR-V
Real out-the-door prices, every trim, every spec, and an honest verdict on each.
Choose your shortlist
The verdict
Photo finish
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 edges ahead by just 2.1 points — inside our margin for calling it, so there's no clear winner on the numbers. Let your priorities pick: the cheapest, the most efficient, or the one owners rave about below.
2026 Mazda CX-30
62.6
2026 Honda HR-V
60.5
2026 Jeep Compass
58.7
How the winner is called: price up to 20 pts, fuel economy up to 15, owner evidence up to 15, editor verdict up to 12, driving impressions up to 10, power up to 8, seats up to 5, safety awards up to 5. A category only counts when every compared car has that data, the category leader always earns its full weight, and a winner is only declared when the lead is 8+ points. Computed live from stored specs and sourced owner quotes — no opinions.
The Scoreboard
No feelings, just receipts — each point below is computed straight from the spec sheet.
2026 Mazda CX-30
$26,520 incl. destination — $1,075 less than the runner-up
2026 Jeep Compass
200 hp
The bottom line
Early points to the 2026 Mazda CX-30 and the 2026 Jeep Compass. Start with the 2026 Mazda CX-30 at $26,520 if the monthly payment decides, then read the spec sheet below — every point above comes straight from it.
Trim-Level Comparison
Pick a specific trim for each model to compare exact equipment and features side-by-side.
Trim Price (incl. dest.)
- Compass$30,265
- CX-30$30,420
- HR-V$29,395
Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo)
- Compass$599/mo
- CX-30$602/mo
- HR-V$582/mo
vs. Base Trim
- Compass+$2,175
- CX-30+$2,500
- HR-V+$1,800
| Compass Latitude | CX-30 2.5 S Preferred | HR-V Sport | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim Price (incl. dest.) | $30,265 | $30,420 | $29,395 |
| Est. Monthly, Brand Financing (60 mo) | $599/mo | $602/mo | $582/mo |
| vs. Base Trim | +$2,175 | +$2,500 | +$1,800 |
8 of 8 features shown
CompassCX-30HR-V
Uconnect 5
Included Not included Not included
Keyless Enter 'n Go
Included Not included Not included
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not included Included Not included
18-inch alloy wheels
Not included Included Not included
Power Sliding-Glass Moonroof
Not included Included Not included
9-Inch Color Touchscreen
Not included Not included Included
Heated Front Seats
Not included Not included Included
Remote Engine Start
Not included Not included Included
| Uconnect 5 | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Keyless Enter 'n Go | Included | Not included | Not included |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Not included | Included | Not included |
| 18-inch alloy wheels | Not included | Included | Not included |
| Power Sliding-Glass Moonroof | Not included | Included | Not included |
| 9-Inch Color Touchscreen | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Heated Front Seats | Not included | Not included | Included |
| Remote Engine Start | Not included | Not included | Included |
Feature lists reflect cumulative standard equipment for each trim, a trim includes everything from lower trims plus its own additions. The monthly figure is the trim price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup with $0 down, an estimate for financing through the brand's own financial company. That markup is profit on a cost-plus sale, not the Loan Excess, because the financier owns the car it sells. The 7% is an assumption for illustration, not a rate anyone is quoted.
Mazda · Compact SUV
2026 Mazda CX-30
“Premium interior materials and assembly quality”
See the full reviewFull Spec Sheet
Every detail side by side: pricing, power, efficiency, seating, where each car is built, safety recognition, and the honest verdict on each.
Pricing & Financing
Base MSRP
- Compass$26,495
- CX-30$25,100
- HR-V$26,200
Est. dealer invoice
- Compass$24,640
- CX-30$23,092
- HR-V$24,104
Destination fee
- Compass$1,595
- CX-30$1,420
- HR-V$1,395
Total base price (incl. dest.)
- Compass$28,090
- CX-30$26,520
- HR-V$27,595
Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo)
- Compass$556/mo
- CX-30$525/mo
- HR-V$546/mo
Trims offered
- Compass4 (from $26,495)
- CX-302 (from $26,500)
- HR-V3 (from $26,200)
Powertrain & Efficiency
Powertrain options
- Compass2.0L Turbo I4
- CX-302.5L 4-Cylinder, 2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder
- HR-V2.0L I-4
Horsepower
- Compass200 hp
- CX-30191 hp
- HR-V158 hp
Fuel economy
- Compass24/32
- CX-3026/33 city/hwy
- HR-V26/32 city/hwy
Seating
- Compass5 seats
- CX-305 seats
- HR-V5 seats
Build & Safety
Body type
- CompassSUV
- CX-30Compact SUV
- HR-VSubcompact SUV
Assembly location
- CompassToluca, Mexico & Melfi, Italy
- CX-30Hiroshima, Japan
- HR-VCelaya, Guanajuato, Mexico
Safety awards & ratings
- CompassIIHS Top Safety Pick (2024)
- CX-30IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026)
- HR-VIIHS Top Safety Pick (2026)
Honest Verdict
Recommended trim
- CompassLatitude
- CX-302.5 S Preferred
- HR-VSport
Trim to skip
- CompassSport
- CX-302.5 S Select Sport
- HR-VLX
Key rivals
- CompassHonda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross
- CX-30Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos, Hyundai Kona
- HR-VToyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30
| |  | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing & Financing | |||
| Base MSRP | $26,495 | $25,100 | $26,200 |
| Est. dealer invoice | $24,640 | $23,092 | $24,104 |
| Destination fee | $1,595 | $1,420 | $1,395 |
| Total base price (incl. dest.) | $28,090 | $26,520 | $27,595 |
| Est. monthly, brand financing (60 mo) | $556/mo | $525/mo | $546/mo |
| Trims offered | 4 (from $26,495) | 2 (from $26,500) | 3 (from $26,200) |
| Powertrain & Efficiency | |||
| Powertrain options | 2.0L Turbo I4 | 2.5L 4-Cylinder, 2.5L Turbo 4-Cylinder | 2.0L I-4 |
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 191 hp | 158 hp |
| Fuel economy | 24/32 | 26/33 city/hwy | 26/32 city/hwy |
| Seating | 5 seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Build & Safety | |||
| Body type | SUV | Compact SUV | Subcompact SUV |
| Assembly location | Toluca, Mexico & Melfi, Italy | Hiroshima, Japan | Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico |
| Safety awards & ratings | IIHS Top Safety Pick (2024) | IIHS Top Safety Pick+ (2026) | IIHS Top Safety Pick (2026) |
| Honest Verdict | |||
| Recommended trim | Latitude | 2.5 S Preferred | Sport |
| Trim to skip | Sport | 2.5 S Select Sport | LX |
| Key rivals | Honda HR-V, Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross | Subaru Crosstrek, Volkswagen Taos, Hyundai Kona | Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, Mazda CX-30 |
Dealer invoice is an estimate from MSRP minus typical brand holdback and advertising fees when the exact figure isn't published. Monthly is the total base price over 60 months at an assumed 7% markup, $0 down — an illustration for financing through the brand's own financial company, not a quoted rate.
Honda · Subcompact SUV
2026 Honda HR-V
“High-quality interior materials and design”
See the full reviewPros & Cons at a Glance
Honest verdicts side by side to help you decide.
Jeep Compass
SUV
Pros
- Class-leading off-road capability in Trailhawk trim
- Sophisticated exterior styling that mimics larger Jeep models
- Standard 200 hp turbocharged power across all trims
Cons
- Interior passenger volume is less than some key competitors
- Higher starting price compared to entry-level rivals
Mazda CX-30
Compact SUV
Pros
- Premium interior materials and assembly quality
- Engaging driving dynamics and steering feel
- Sophisticated exterior styling
Cons
- Smaller cargo and rear passenger space than rivals
- Infotainment system has a steep learning curve for some
Honda HR-V
Subcompact SUV
Pros
- High-quality interior materials and design
- Generous standard safety features
- Predictable and composed road manners
Cons
- Lack of a hybrid engine option
- Mediocre highway passing power
How They Drive
Real driving impressions: what each car does well and where it falls short.
Jeep Compass
Performance
- Punchy 200 hp turbo engine provides confident highway merging
- Ample low-end torque for quick urban maneuvers
- Engine note can become vocal and coarse under hard acceleration
Handling
- Compact dimensions make it exceptionally easy to park in tight spots
- Composed and stable feel during light off-road excursions
- Steering is somewhat light and lacks the feedback found in sportier rivals
Comfort
- Supportive front seats remain comfortable on longer road trips
- Good outward visibility simplifies navigating through heavy traffic
- Rear legroom is tight for taller adult passengers
- Ride quality can feel firm over sharp potholes
Mazda CX-30
Performance
- Linear power delivery from the 191 hp engine
- Responsive six-speed automatic avoids CVT drone
- Base engine can feel winded at high-altitude passes
Handling
- Weighted steering provides excellent road feedback
- Minimal body roll during cornering for a crossover
- Rear torsion beam suspension can feel stiff over sharp bumps
Comfort
- Class-leading cabin quietness at highway speeds
- Front seats offer excellent ergonomic support
- Rear legroom is tight for tall adult passengers
Honda HR-V
Performance
- Reliable naturally aspirated power delivery
- Smooth CVT operation with simulated shifts
- Acceleration feels sluggish when fully loaded
Handling
- Car-like agility thanks to Civic platform
- Precise and well-weighted steering
- Noticeable body roll in sharp high-speed turns
Comfort
- Generous front-seat support for long drives
- Excellent outward visibility
- Ride quality can be firm over broken pavement
Straight Answers
The questions everyone asks about these three — answered from the numbers, not the brochure.
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