2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Mazda CX-5

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was a testament to Mazda's unique design philosophy, standing out with its smooth and sleek appearance. Unlike many competitors that embraced sharp lines and aggressive styling, the CX-5 offered a more refined and elegant look. The base model, CX-5 GX, featured practical elements like LED headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels, while higher trims like the GS and GT added luxurious touches such as leatherette seats and a Bose audio system. The top-tier Signature model elevated the experience with premium materials like Caturra Brown Nappa leather and genuine wood trim, rivaling luxury brands in terms of interior quality and design.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 shared a familial resemblance with the CX-5 but in a more compact form. It was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback, offering a sporty and agile ride. The CX-30's design included a raked windshield, which, while stylish, could cause some visual distortion for taller drivers. Inside, the CX-30 boasted a well-crafted cabin with a blend of conventional and digital displays. However, its infotainment system, controlled by a rotary dial, was less intuitive, echoing older luxury systems like BMW's iDrive. Despite this, the CX-30's interior was praised for its comfort and quietness, making it a strong contender in the subcompact SUV segment.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 offered two engine options, both delivering commendable performance. The base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, available in both FWD and AWD configurations. The turbocharged variant, available in the GT and standard in the Signature trim, delivered a robust 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, providing a more spirited driving experience. Fuel efficiency varied, with the non-turbo FWD model achieving 9.7 L/100 km in the city and 7.8 on the highway, while the turbo AWD model consumed slightly more. The CX-5 was known for its engaging driving dynamics, though its stiff suspension could be a drawback on rough roads.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, offered a base 2.0-litre engine with 155 horsepower, while the GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower. The highlight was the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. This engine provided lively acceleration, especially in Sport mode, and was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-30's ride was sporty and refined, with precise steering and minimal body roll, though it could feel harsh over uneven surfaces. The conventional shifter design and paddle shifters added to its performance appeal.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 was designed with family functionality in mind, offering a comfortable seating position and straightforward climate controls. However, rear legroom was limited, and the cargo space was below average for its class, with 875 litres behind the second row and 1,687 litres with the seats folded. The larger shifter and infotainment controls were not ideally positioned for shorter drivers, but the overall interior quality was high.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided 572 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,280 litres with them folded, which was average for its segment. The front seats featured a sliding centre console cover, though it could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. Rear headroom was adequate for short trips, but longer journeys might be less comfortable for taller passengers. The GT trim's power liftgate added convenience, and the overall interior design was praised for its elegance and practicality.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 came with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen, but its usability was hindered by a non-intuitive operating system. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, the lack of touch functionality and awkward control placement made the system less user-friendly. The absence of quick-access knobs for tuning and volume adjustments was a notable drawback.

In the 2022 Mazda CX-30, the infotainment system was integrated into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury systems, lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to navigate, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's complexity could be frustrating, even after familiarization, and posed challenges for new users.

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 boasted a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Optional features like a head-up display and surround-view camera enhanced safety further. The CX-5 earned top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, solidifying its reputation as a safe choice.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. Standard features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while higher trims added advanced options like a 360-degree camera and adaptive headlights. The CX-30 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, ensuring peace of mind for drivers.