2022 Chevrolet Traverse vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those who appreciated a bold black aesthetic. Its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, combined with matte black body cladding, gave it a distinctive look. Mazda claimed this design lent the CX-30 a light and agile appearance, as if it were floating over the wheels. This effect was consistent, making the CX-30 appear perpetually poised for action. The styling set it apart from the Mazda3 hatchback, on which it was based, with a higher ground clearance that was both perceptual and actual. Inside, the CX-30 shared its cabin design with the Mazda3, featuring quality materials and a sophisticated vibe, enhanced by stitched chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents. The GT trim offered black or white leather, and the turbocharged engine was available at this level. Pricing ranged from $24,700 to $36,400, with our test vehicle priced at $38,827.

In contrast, the 2022 Chevrolet Traverse was a more traditional SUV, albeit with a minivan-like utility. It started at $39,498 in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Traverse received a light restyle for 2022, with new headlights, taillights, and grille designs. It offered various appearance packages, including the Redline, Midnight, and Sport Editions. Our RS trim test vehicle featured blacked-out trim and dark gray 20-inch wheels, giving it a modern and appealing look. The Traverse was praised for its styling restraint, with crisp lines and tasteful details. Inside, the RS trim boasted black leather upholstery with red and light gray stitching, though hard plastic surfaces were prevalent. The interior was logically laid out, with user-friendly controls and a focus on practicality. The Traverse's pricing for the RS trim was $52,997, making it a competitive option in its segment.

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. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring strong acceleration. The CX-30 Turbo featured a six-speed automatic transmission, standard i-Activ AWD, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. The CX-30 Turbo's driving experience was characterized by effortless acceleration and subtle sophistication, though it didn't handle as well as the Mazda3 due to its added height and weight. The CX-30's Off-Road mode and extra ground clearance made it suitable for light off-road adventures.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse came with a 3.6-litre V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. It had a tow rating of 2,268 kg and offered Snow and Off-Road modes. The Traverse's fuel economy was rated at 11.8 L/100 km, with a test result of 11.3 L/100 km. The Traverse provided a firm yet compliant ride, with good road feel and handling. It excelled on highways, though road and wind noise were noticeable. In mountainous terrain, the Traverse felt athletic, with responsive steering and brakes. However, its all-season tires and softer suspension limited its performance on undulating roads.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with eight-way manual adjustment for the driver's seat and heated front seats. The cabin's design emphasized spaciousness and quality materials, though rear-seat space was limited. The CX-30 provided 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the location of the wireless smartphone charger in the centre console limited storage options.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse RS featured power-adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and triple-zone climate control. The second-row captain's chairs reduced seating capacity to seven but offered easy access to the third row. The Traverse's interior was spacious, with generous legroom and headroom in the second row. Cargo space was abundant, with 651 litres behind the third row, 1,637 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,781 litres. The Traverse also had hidden storage compartments for 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, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The GT trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. An Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety and convenience.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse offered a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The RS trim included a Bose sound system, though it was not particularly impressive. The Traverse's voice recognition system was effective, and the digital rearview mirror improved rear visibility. The RS trim also featured a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert for added safety.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. It came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including an adaptive front lighting system and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Chevrolet Traverse included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and a rear pedestrian alert system. The Traverse received Good ratings from the IIHS, except for Acceptable in the side impact test and Poor for headlights and seatbelt reminders.