2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle, especially for those with a penchant for black accents. Its shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, combined with matte black body cladding, gave it a bold and distinctive appearance. Mazda's design philosophy aimed to create a light and agile look, as if the body floated over the wheels, which was achieved through its elevated stance compared to the Mazda3 hatchback. The interior of the CX-30 mirrored the Mazda3, offering quality materials and an upscale vibe with stitched chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Odyssey presented a more traditional minivan aesthetic but with a touch of style, especially in the Touring trim with its dark grey 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels. The Odyssey's design adhered to the classic minivan ethos, with kinked sliding doors and hockey-stick character lines adding a bit of flair. Inside, the Odyssey offered a spacious and open-concept design, with a low console and ample storage space. The interior was practical and family-friendly, with leather upholstery and a focus on comfort and functionality.

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 octane. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring effortless acceleration. The CX-30's i-Activ AWD system and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology enhanced its driving dynamics, providing a smooth and responsive ride. However, its added height and weight compared to the Mazda3 made it less agile on the road. The CX-30's fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 L/100 km, with a real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine with 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. While it lacked AWD and hybrid options, the Odyssey offered a fuel consumption estimate of 10.6 L/100 km. The Odyssey was enjoyable to drive, with responsive handling and quick acceleration. However, its brakes tended to heat up during downhill driving, leading to pedal vibration and noise. Despite this, the Odyssey remained composed and comfortable, making it a practical choice for family journeys.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo provided a comfortable and driver-focused interior, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. However, the lack of ventilated seats and limited passenger seat adjustments were drawbacks. The cabin's design created a sense of spaciousness, but rear-seat space was cramped for adults. The CX-30 offered 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey excelled in interior space and versatility. It featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a tri-zone climate control system. The Magic Slide second-row seats allowed for flexible configurations, and the third-row seat was comfortable for adults. The Odyssey provided 929 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 2,452 litres with the third row folded, and a massive 3,984 litres with the second row removed.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo's infotainment system featured an 8.8-inch display controlled via physical controls and voice commands. While it offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the lack of a touchscreen and complex radio station navigation were drawbacks. The GT trim added a 12-speaker Bose audio system and a head-up display.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey Touring came with an 8-inch touchscreen, satellite radio, and smartphone connectivity. It included CabinWatch and CabinTalk technologies, a rear entertainment system, and an 11-speaker audio system. However, the infotainment system felt outdated, and the navigation system required specific voice commands.

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 adaptive front lighting and parking sensors.

The 2022 Honda Odyssey featured Honda Sensing as standard, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. It also had a rear-seat reminder system and optional blind-spot monitoring. The Odyssey received a five-star NHTSA rating and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.