2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era. However, the Enclave marked a return to form, embodying the brand's historical elegance while catering to modern SUV preferences. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave stood out with its impressive design, especially in the Avenir trim, which featured a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir offered a luxurious experience with its minimalist design, polished accents, and soft leather upholstery, although the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was a bit fussy, but users quickly adapted to it.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 was a stylish subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from the larger CX-5. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, giving it a raised hatchback feel. The CX-30's design featured a raked windshield, which, while stylish, could distort the view for taller drivers. Inside, the CX-30 boasted a comfortable and quiet cabin with a blend of conventional and digital displays. The infotainment system, though elegant, had a steep learning curve due to its rotary dial control. In Canada, the CX-30 was available in GX, GS, and GT trims, each offering a range of features from heated seats to a premium Bose audio system. The GT trim, in particular, offered a turbocharged engine and advanced visibility features, making it a compelling choice for those seeking performance and luxury.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-litre V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produced 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, providing strong acceleration and a towing capacity of up to 2,268 kilograms. The Enclave's ride was smooth, thanks to its premium-tuned suspension with continuously variable damping, especially when equipped with the Avenir Technology Package. Fuel efficiency was rated at 11.2 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a range of over 900 kilometres on a single tank.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, with the test model featuring a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivered 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, with increased output on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and Sport mode provided lively performance, while the conventional shifter design and paddle shifters added to the driving experience. The CX-30's suspension offered a sporty ride with quick steering response, though it could be rough over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering ample space for six to seven passengers. The Avenir trim featured luxurious seating with massage functions and heated, ventilated leather seats. The Enclave's cabin was designed for comfort and quiet, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. Cargo space was generous, with up to 2,764 litres available with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, which was average for its segment. The GT trim included a power rear liftgate for added convenience. The front seats offered good storage options, though the sliding centre console cover had a design flaw. Rear seat space was adequate for short trips, but headroom was limited compared to larger models like the CX-5.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations with features like Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. However, the 8-inch touchscreen and 10-speaker Bose sound system were less impressive compared to competitors. The Avenir trim offered additional features like a rear camera mirror and a surround-view camera system, but the short trial periods for connected services were a drawback.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with a non-touchscreen infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial. While inspired by luxury systems, the lack of touch functionality made it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite the learning curve, the system offered a premium feel, and the head-up display provided clear graphics.

The 2021 Buick Enclave offered a range of safety features, but many were limited to higher trims. Standard features in Canada included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Confidence Plus Package added advanced features like forward-collision warning and lane-keep assist. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though its frontal-impact protection was rated four stars.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered several driver-assistance features, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.