2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those who appreciated a bold, blacked-out aesthetic. Its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, combined with matte black body cladding, gave it a distinctive look. Mazda's design philosophy aimed to create a light and agile appearance, making the CX-30 seem as if it was floating over its wheels. This effect was consistent, giving the vehicle a unique stance compared to the Mazda3 hatchback it was based on. Inside, the CX-30 offered a cabin reminiscent of the Mazda3, with high-quality materials and a sophisticated design. The interior featured chrome accents and a frameless rearview mirror, with options for leatherette or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave embraced a more conservative yet upscale design. Over the years, Buick had shifted from a sedan-heavy lineup to a focus on SUVs, reflecting market trends. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, was a key player in this transition. The 2022 model received a mid-cycle refresh with updated exterior styling, including a new grille and wheel designs. The Avenir trim stood out with unique fascias and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave boasted a restyled center console and upgraded materials, with features like heated, cooled, and massaging front seats. The Avenir trim added further luxury with climate-controlled seats and unique stitching, offering a near-luxury experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring robust acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission and i-Activ all-wheel-drive system contributed to its dynamic performance. Despite its power, the CX-30 Turbo's fuel economy was modest, with an EPA rating of 25 mpg combined, and a real-world average of 24.1 mpg. Mazda's engineering focused on delivering a satisfying driving experience, with effortless acceleration and advanced G-Vectoring Control Plus technology to manage torque distribution. However, the CX-30's added height and weight slightly compromised its handling compared to the Mazda3. Off-road, the CX-30's ground clearance and Off-Road mode provided confidence, though it was not designed for serious off-roading.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. It offered a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology. The Avenir Technology package enhanced the driving experience with a premium ride suspension and real-time chassis damping. Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain was responsive, providing good acceleration. The nine-speed transmission performed seamlessly, and the engine produced pleasant sounds under throttle. While not designed for off-road adventures, the Enclave's AWD and 7.5 inches of ground clearance allowed it to handle light trails and adverse weather conditions.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior. The driver's seat featured eight-way power adjustment and heating, while the Premium and Premium Plus trims added a heated steering wheel. The cabin's design emphasized spaciousness, with high-quality materials and a minimalist layout. However, rear-seat space was limited, making it less suitable for adult passengers on long journeys. Cargo space was also modest, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The placement of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console limited storage options.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space and comfort. It provided easy access and excellent visibility, with standard eight-way power driver and six-way power front passenger seats. The cabin was spacious, accommodating six adults comfortably across three rows. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, which offered ample room for passengers. The restyled center console featured push-button transmission gears and convenient access to USB ports and a wireless charging pad. The Enclave's cargo capacity was impressive, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 97.4 cubic feet with both rows down.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While not a touchscreen, the system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium and Premium Plus trims added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Buick Enclave offered an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Premium and Avenir trims included navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's infotainment system supported pairing up to 10 devices, with a built-in WiFi hotspot. Standard safety features included a following-distance indicator and Teen Driver technology. The Avenir trim added advanced features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings, including a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came equipped with a comprehensive suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive front lighting and Traffic Jam Assist.

The 2022 Buick Enclave made significant strides in safety, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. This included automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-change alert, and more. Premium trim added enhanced features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera. The Enclave received a four-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS, except for an "Acceptable" score in the updated side-impact test.