2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with the myriad of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was characterized by a few distinguishing features, such as the grille and some chromed plastic elements, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior styling. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of grey, black, and white, with only a few more vibrant options like blue and red. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials that became more upscale with higher trims. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were often seen as having more distinctive styling.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 was praised for its sleek and stylish design, reminiscent of a smaller CX-5. Its smooth, flowing fenders and upright grille gave it a sophisticated look. The CX-30's interior was noted for its comfort and quietness, with a well-designed instrument cluster and an infotainment screen that integrated seamlessly into the dashboard. However, the infotainment system's functionality was criticized for its complexity, as it lacked touch functionality and relied on a rotary dial, which could be frustrating to use. The CX-30's design was seen as a step towards a more premium feel, aligning with Mazda's efforts to move upmarket.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. It offered smooth and steady acceleration, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) was designed for efficiency rather than engagement, which some drivers found less exciting compared to competitors with conventional automatic transmissions. The CR-V came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option on the LX trim and standard on others. Its suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, typical for its class.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, with the base GX featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower. The GS and GT trims came with a 2.5-litre engine delivering 186 horsepower, while the GT also offered a turbocharged version with up to 250 horsepower on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and sport mode provided a lively driving experience, with quick and precise steering and minimal body roll. However, its sporty suspension resulted in a rougher ride over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering more than 100 litres of additional interior volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. It provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, accessible through various tailgate options depending on the trim. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its utility for carrying additional gear.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, which was average for its segment. The GT trim featured a power rear liftgate for added convenience. The interior provided ample storage space, though the sliding centre console cover had a design flaw that could cause it to get stuck. Rear seat headroom was adequate for short-to-medium trips but might be tight for longer journeys.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered enhanced audio systems, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system and a wireless phone charger. Charging ports were plentiful, with various USB and 12-volt outlets throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was integrated into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. While it aimed for a luxury feel, the lack of touch functionality made it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's complexity was a drawback, though accessing CarPlay from the home screen was straightforward.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies as standard, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 also received high safety ratings, with a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. It offered a range of driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. The GT trim included advanced features like adaptive front headlights and a 360-degree parking camera.