2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the SUV's exterior design remained polarizing. Available in five trims in Canada, the Pilot offered standard all-wheel drive and a range of features, with the Black Edition standing out for its exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents. However, the interior's minivan-like feel and drab exterior design did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 boasted a design reminiscent of a downsized CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. Built on the Mazda3 platform, it featured a raked windshield that could distort the view for taller drivers. The cabin was praised for its comfort and quietness, with a blend of conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system's form over function approach, with a steep learning curve, was a drawback. The CX-30's interior design was considered one of the best among affordable cars, despite its usability issues.

The 2021 Honda Pilot was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. Its nine-speed automatic transmission and torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system provided a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot's fuel efficiency was commendable, averaging 10.9 L/100 km during testing. Its MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension offered a comfortable ride and athletic handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engines, with the test model featuring a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission and Sport mode enhanced its lively performance. The CX-30's steering was well-weighted, and its suspension provided a sporty ride with minimal body roll. However, the ride could be rough over potholes and imperfections, though it handled dirt and gravel roads decently.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, though the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Second-row captain’s chairs were nearly as comfortable as the front seats, and the third-row offered mid-pack comfort. The Pilot excelled in storage, with numerous compartments and a generous cargo capacity of up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with rear seats folded, which was average for its segment. The GT grade included a power rear liftgate, enhancing convenience. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, though its design could be problematic when rear seats were folded. Rear seats provided adequate headroom for short-to-medium trips, but longer drives might be less comfortable due to limited space.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims included navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked a tuning knob and had limited HondaLink services. The Touring trim added a rear-seat entertainment system and Cabin Talk feature, enhancing family-friendly functionality.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was integrated into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. Inspired by luxury systems like BMW's iDrive, it lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's complexity remained a challenge even after setup, potentially distracting new users.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came standard with Honda Sensing, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring. While effective, the system was not the most refined. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with five stars from NHTSA and high marks from IIHS, though some areas were rated "acceptable."

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered various driver-assistance features, with rain-sensing wipers and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Higher trims included adaptive headlights, a 360-degree camera, and a head-up display. The CX-30 earned five stars from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.