2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

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 the extensive use of black cladding. This design approach set the CX-30 apart from its sibling, the Mazda3 hatchback, by offering a higher ground clearance and a more SUV-like stance.

Inside, the CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, featuring quality materials and a sophisticated design. The interior boasted stitched chocolate brown surfaces, chrome accents, and a standard frameless rearview mirror, contributing to an upscale vibe. The GT trim, where the turbocharged engine was available, came with black or white leather seats. The 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.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though a new model, felt familiar due to its adherence to Jeep's design traditions. It was essentially a two-row version of the previous year's Grand Cherokee L, offering a sportier and more compact option. The Grand Cherokee was available in various trims, including Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, with prices ranging from $51,545 to $78,040, excluding a $2,095 destination charge.

The Grand Cherokee's design paid homage to the classic 1963 Wagoneer, featuring a forward-leaning grille, lowered beltline, and tapered rear roof pillars. Inside, the Grand Cherokee shared its interior with the Grand Cherokee L, offering a range of features from basic cloth seats in the Laredo trim to luxurious quilted leather seats with massage functions in the Summit Reserve. The Trailhawk trim was particularly notable for its off-road capabilities, including Quadra-Drive II, an electronic locking rear differential, and a Quadra-Lift air suspension.

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 in combined driving, with a maximum range of approximately 500 kilometres.

Mazda's engineers focused on delivering a satisfying driving experience, emphasizing power and response over raw speed. The CX-30 Turbo offered effortless acceleration, with hints of torque steer under hard acceleration. The i-Activ AWD system actively distributed power to the rear wheels, enhancing traction. While the CX-30 Turbo was less agile than the Mazda3 due to its added height and weight, it excelled in off-road conditions with its extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a choice between a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine and a 5.7-litre V8 engine. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the V8 delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee's towing capacity ranged from 2,812 kg with the V6 to 3,265 kg with the V8. Three 4WD systems were available: Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II, each offering varying levels of off-road capability.

Fuel consumption estimates ranged from 11.3 L/100 km with the V6 to 14.1 L/100 km with the V8. The Trailhawk trim, equipped with Quadra-Drive II, excelled in off-road conditions, featuring an electronic locking rear differential, Quadra-Lift air suspension, and Selec-Terrain driving modes. The Grand Cherokee's ride quality was excellent, with or without the Quadra-Lift suspension, offering a nimble and athletic driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way manual adjustment and heated front seats. The cabin's design focused on the driver, with controls arranged for an intimate setting. While the front seats were comfortable, the rear seats were cramped for adults, though rear-seat air conditioning vents provided some relief. Cargo space was generous, with 572 litres behind the rear seats and 1,280 litres with the seats folded. However, the location of the wireless smartphone charger in the centre console limited storage options.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee provided comfort for both the driver and front passenger, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard. Higher trims offered ventilated front seats, front seat massagers, and heated second-row seats. Visibility was improved, enhancing driver confidence. Rear-seat room was tight for adults, but the Grand Cherokee L offered more legroom. Cargo space was ample, with 1,067 litres behind the rear seats and 2,004 litres with the seats folded.

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 included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee was a tech powerhouse, featuring a head-up display, Night Vision system, and multiple touchscreens. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system offered improved responsiveness and over-the-air updates. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a 10.1-inch touchscreen available in most trims. The optional front passenger interactive display provided entertainment options for the front-seat occupant.

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 equipped with a full suite of safety features, including an adaptive front lighting system and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured an extensive collection of ADAS, including blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, and full-speed forward collision warning. Active Driving Assist provided Level 2 semi-autonomous driving assistance. The Grand Cherokee's structure was composed of aluminum and high-strength steel, enhancing safety.