2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer 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 claimed this design lent the CX-30 a light and agile look, as if it were floating over its wheels. This effect was consistent, making the CX-30 stand out from its Mazda3 hatchback roots, with a higher ground clearance that was both perceptual and real. Inside, the CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, featuring quality materials and a sophisticated vibe, enhanced by stitched chocolate brown surfaces and chrome accents. The GT trim offered black or white leather, adding to its upscale feel.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer shared its frame and body shell with the standard Wagoneer, resulting in a traditional SUV styling with a tall hood, broad shoulders, and an upright profile. It distinguished itself with a black roof, model-specific hood, and a forward-leaning grille with laser-etched knurling. The Grand Wagoneer featured a new body-on-frame architecture, independent suspension, and weight-saving materials like an aluminum hood and doors. Inside, it boasted high-end materials, 24-way power front seats, and Nappa leather upholstery, with options for higher-grade Palermo leather and wood trim. The interior was luxurious, with seat controls on the doors and "Grand Wagoneer" spelled out on the dashboard.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 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 effortless 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 real-world average of 9.6 L/100 km. The CX-30 Turbo's driving experience was refined, with a focus on driving satisfaction rather than raw performance. It offered an Off-Road mode for challenging conditions, and its i-Activ AWD system provided remarkable traction.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer came with a 6.4-litre Hemi V8 engine, generating 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, it accelerated from zero to 100 km/h in about six seconds. The Grand Wagoneer featured standard 4WD with the Quadra-Drive II system, offering five drive modes and a Quadra-Lift air suspension system. It provided 25.4 cm of ground clearance and could ford up to 60 cm of water. Despite its power, the Grand Wagoneer was best driven at a leisurely pace, as its size and weight made it feel ungainly at higher speeds.

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 contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though rear-seat accommodations were cramped. The CX-30 Turbo provided 572 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,280 litres with them folded. However, the location of the wireless smartphone charger limited storage options.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer accommodated seven or eight passengers, with more third-row headroom and second-row legroom than its competitors. It offered 775 litres of cargo space with all seats in place and 2,007 litres with the third row stowed. The Grand Wagoneer had a maximum towing capacity of 4,472 kg, slightly less than the standard Wagoneer due to its extra weight. It featured a standard sunroof, four-zone climate control, and large storage bins, though forward visibility was limited.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display, operated via physical controls and voice commands. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system's complexity could be frustrating. The GT trim added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system, along with an Active Driving Display for useful data projection.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual touchscreens, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a McIntosh audio system. Second-row passengers had their own touchscreen, and an optional rear-seat entertainment system was available. The Uconnect 5 system offered OTA updates, though the screen response was slow, and the instrument cluster graphics were plain.

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 full suite of safety features, including an adaptive front lighting system and parking sensors.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It included standard safety features like a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included intersection collision assist and night vision. An Active Lane Management System was available, with a hands-free version planned for the future.