2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those with a penchant for black accents. Its design featured exclusive shiny black 18-inch wheels, a black grille, and black side mirror housings, all complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This gave the CX-30 Turbo a unique appearance, as if a black Sharpie had been used liberally before a more restrained approach was applied. Mazda's official stance was that the cladding provided a light and agile look, suggesting the body floated over the wheels, a perception that was consistent regardless of the vehicle's speed or suspension state.

Inside, the CX-30's cabin mirrored that of the Mazda3, offering quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces that exuded an upscale vibe. Changes were minimal, with a chrome accent around the engine start button and a standard frameless rearview mirror. The GT trim, where the turbocharged engine became available, came with standard black or white leather. Pricing for the 2021 CX-30 ranged from an MSRP of $24,700 to $36,400, with our test vehicle priced at $38,827, including fees.

In contrast, the 2022 Buick Enclave represented a shift from Buick's traditionally conservative styling to a more modern SUV-focused lineup. The Enclave, a three-row crossover, had undergone a mid-cycle refresh, featuring a new grille, front and rear fascias, headlamps, taillamps, and wheel designs. The Avenir trim level boasted unique styling elements, including a distinctive grille and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave's restyled centre console featured new push-button gears and upgraded materials, with available heated and cooled seats enhancing comfort. The Avenir trim included standard climate-controlled front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs, and a split sunroof.

The Enclave's interior was spacious, accommodating six full-size adults comfortably across its three rows. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated easy access to the third row, which offered ample room even for taller passengers. The centre console's push-button transmission gears allowed for easy access to USB ports and the wireless phone charging pad. Cargo space was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,634 litres with the third row folded, and a voluminous 2,758 litres with both rows down. Our test vehicle, an Enclave Avenir with the optional Technology package, featured Ebony perforated leather seats and a deep red Rich Garnet Metallic exterior.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. Torque was impressive, measuring 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm or 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The CX-30 Turbo's six-speed automatic transmission, standard i-Activ AWD system, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology contributed to its dynamic performance. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km in combined driving, with a maximum range of approximately 500 kilometres on a full tank.

Mazda's engineers focused on delivering a satisfying driving experience, with effortless acceleration and minimal torque steer. The i-Activ AWD system actively distributed power to the rear wheels, enhancing traction and response. The CX-30 Turbo's added height and weight, however, made it less agile than the Mazda3, though its 5 cm of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode compensated for any reduction in on-pavement performance.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured a 3.6-litre V6 engine with direct injection, producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the Enclave offered a smooth and responsive ride. The Avenir Technology package included a premium ride suspension and continuously variable real-time chassis damping, ensuring a comfortable experience across various terrains. Buick's QuietTuning and active noise cancellation technology further enhanced the cabin's serenity.

Despite its size, the Enclave's powertrain delivered impressive off-the-line acceleration, and the nine-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly. The Enclave's AWD system and 19 cm of ground clearance provided confidence in light off-road conditions, though it was primarily designed for on-road use.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and standard heated front seats. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat accommodations were cramped for adults. Cargo space was competitive, with 572 litres behind the rear seats and 1,280 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in interior space, providing ample room for passengers in all three rows. The eight-way power driver seat and six-way power front passenger seat, both heated, ensured comfort, while tri-zone climate control and rear-seat climate controls were standard. The Enclave's cargo capacity was generous, with 668 litres behind the third row, 1,634 litres with the third row folded, and 2,758 litres with both rows down. The power-folding third-row seats added convenience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided familiar smartphone integration. The GT trim included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, along with an Active Driving Display for enhanced safety.

The 2022 Buick Enclave's infotainment system included an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging. The Premium and Avenir trims added navigation and a 10-speaker Bose audio system. The Enclave's technology suite included a Wi-Fi hotspot, multiple USB ports, and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a full suite of safety features and ADAS. The GT trim added an adaptive front lighting system, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Buick Enclave's safety features were enhanced for 2022, with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package standard on all trims. The Enclave received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and high ratings from the IIHS, with additional safety features available on higher trims.