2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey presented a familiar design with subtle updates to modernize its appearance. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and a gloss black spear with a chrome insert across the taillights. The Touring trim introduced a new 19-inch wheel design, enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The interior received upgrades with perforated leather upholstery, contrast stitching, and ambient lighting, giving it a more upscale feel. The Odyssey's design tweaks aimed to reduce brightwork, making it a more refined choice for minivan enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 boasted a sleek design reminiscent of a downsized CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. Built on the Mazda3 platform, it resembled a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield, while stylish, could cause distractions for taller drivers due to its slight curve. Inside, the cabin was quiet and comfortable, with a blend of conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system's form over function approach posed a learning curve for users. The CX-30's design was elegant, but its usability could be challenging.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 280 horsepower to the front wheels. It offered smooth power delivery and included variable cylinder management for improved fuel efficiency, averaging 10.8 L/100 km in testing. However, the lack of all-wheel drive was a disadvantage in snowy Canadian conditions. The Odyssey's ride and handling were enjoyable, with well-weighted steering and firm yet comfortable suspension. The Touring trim's 19-inch wheels enhanced handling, but the brakes showed signs of fade under heavy use.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engines, with the test model featuring a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 227 horsepower on 87 octane fuel and 250 horsepower on 93 octane. Power was delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-30's Sport mode provided lively acceleration and responsive downshifting. Its steering was precise, with minimal body roll in corners, but the suspension could be harsh on rough roads. The CX-30's performance was sporty and refined, though it sacrificed some comfort on uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and storage, with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. The Magic Slide second-row seat layout offered versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space was generous, with 929 litres behind the third row and up to 3,984 litres with seats removed. However, removing the second-row seats was cumbersome, despite improvements in seat folding.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 572 litres with them in use. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate, enhancing convenience. The front seats offered ample storage, but the sliding centre console cover could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. Rear-seat headroom was adequate for short trips, though longer journeys might be less comfortable for taller passengers. The CX-30's interior was functional, but space was more limited compared to the Odyssey.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Higher trims added navigation, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk PA system. The Touring trim offered an 11-speaker premium audio system and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice recognition were drawbacks. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen and streaming apps, though it lacked touchscreen functionality.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons, lacking touch functionality. Inspired by luxury systems like BMW's iDrive, it was elegant but challenging to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration was cumbersome, requiring multiple steps to navigate. The system's complexity could be frustrating, even after setup. While the design was sleek, usability suffered, making it less user-friendly than the Odyssey's system.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey came with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, as standard. It included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, and road-sign recognition. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, though adaptive cruise control could be smoother. Blind-spot monitoring was available on higher trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered driver-assistance features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control, though many were not standard in Canada. The test model included adaptive front headlights and a 360-degree parking camera. The CX-30 received top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with a Top Safety Pick+ designation. Its safety features were comprehensive, though some required higher trims.