2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 presented a bold aesthetic with its introduction of the 2.5 Turbo model. It featured exclusive shiny black 18-inch wheels, a shiny black grille, and side mirror housings, all complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design choice gave the CX-30 a distinctive look, as if a black Sharpie had been used liberally before a more restrained approach was applied. Mazda's official stance was that the lower body cladding provided a light and agile appearance, suggesting the body floated over the wheels, a perception enhanced by the vehicle's elevated stance compared to the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based.

Inside, the CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, offering quality materials and a sophisticated vibe with stitched chocolate brown surfaces. 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 $24,700 to $36,400, with our test vehicle priced at $38,827, including fees.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that lent it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, adding unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high, reducing distraction.

The Highlander Hybrid Bronze Edition featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric seat upholstery with a triangle motif, which seemed more suited to a paper towel than a car. The fabric attracted dirt and stains, raising durability concerns. Other trims offered more conventional materials, with genuine leather available only on the top trims. The rear seating area had more hard plastics, typical for family SUVs, but the third row was notably uncomfortable with unyielding armrests.

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 featured a six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive (AWD), with front-wheel drive (FWD) available on lower grades. The engine delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring consistent acceleration at lower speeds. Fuel efficiency was rated at 9.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with a maximum range of approximately 500 kilometres.

Mazda focused on delivering a satisfying driving experience, tuning the powertrain for more power and response than typically needed. The CX-30 Turbo offered effortless acceleration, with hints of torque steer managed by revised GVC-Plus technology and i-Activ AWD. The vehicle's added height and weight made it less pleasurable to drive than the Mazda3, but its 5 centimetres of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode compensated for reduced on-pavement performance. The CX-30 Turbo's torsion-beam rear suspension design was mostly imperceptible, though it occasionally resulted in a pronounced bounce.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard AWD, with an electric motor powering the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 100 kilometres per hour in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as needed. The CVT's uninspired drone was noticeable when ascending hills.

Braking was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension smoothing over bumps while maintaining adequate cornering confidence. The cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise, contributing to a quiet driving experience.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way manual adjustment and impressive long-distance support. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on GS and GT trims, though ventilated seats were unavailable. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, despite the vehicle's small size. Rear-seat accommodations were cramped, but rear-seat air conditioning vents provided some comfort. The CX-30 Turbo offered 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's front seats were well-cushioned, with plenty of adjustments for drivers of all sizes. Storage options were abundant, with trays, shelves, and large door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench. The third row was less accommodating, with limited headroom and legroom. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres at maximum capacity.

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, navigation, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. An Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on higher trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system were standard on Limited and Platinum trims.

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 and ADAS, with the GT trim adding adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and more. The Platinum trim offered a surround view camera and head-up display. Some systems required fine-tuning, with abrupt stops and steering resistance noted.