2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was crafted as a distinct electric vehicle, diverging from the traditional styling of Volkswagen's gasoline models. It showcased a streamlined profile with wheels positioned at the corners, setting it apart from the more rugged appearance of the Tiguan and Atlas crossovers. The ID.4 was part of Volkswagen's MEB platform, following the ID.3 hatchback, and was introduced to North America as a crossover, a strategic choice given the market's preference. Despite its SUV-like intentions, the ID.4's design closely resembled the ID.3 hatchback, which might have confused some buyers looking for a more traditional SUV appearance. Inside, the ID.4 combined Volkswagen's minimalist design with a tech-forward aesthetic, featuring piano black and matte plastic elements. The base model included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, with leatherette upholstery available in higher trims.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, mirrored the styling of a smaller CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. Built on the Mazda3 platform, it was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield, while stylish, could cause distractions due to its curvature at eye level for taller drivers. The interior was praised for its comfort and quietness, with a blend of conventional and digital displays in the instrument cluster. The infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, although its functionality was criticized for prioritizing form over function. The CX-30 offered various trim levels in Canada, each adding more features, with the GT trim providing the most luxurious options, including a turbocharged engine and advanced visibility features.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered two powertrain configurations. The base rear-wheel drive (RWD) version featured a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, powered by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. An all-wheel-drive (AWD) version added a second motor for a total output of 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The RWD setup provided balanced handling, with the front wheels steering and the rear wheels driving. However, the ID.4 was tuned more for comfort than sportiness, with noticeable body roll in corners but a smooth ride over bumps. Unlike many EVs, the ID.4 did not offer aggressive regenerative braking, opting for a more traditional driving experience with friction brakes.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The test model had a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivering 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane. Power was routed through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The turbocharged engine provided lively acceleration, especially in Sport mode, which altered throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's steering was well-weighted, with quick and precise turn-in, though the suspension could be harsh over rough roads.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 offered more front and rear headroom than many competitor EVs, though its legroom was average. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with them folded, surpassing several EV competitors but falling short of gasoline models like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The ID.4 lacked a front trunk, prioritizing cabin space instead. The interior felt spacious, with good forward visibility but limited rearward visibility due to thick rear pillars. The ID.4 featured a unique twist-grip gear selector on the dashboard, freeing up space on the centre console, though storage was limited.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 572 litres with them in use, average for its segment. The GT trim included a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. The centre console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats offered decent headroom for short-to-medium trips but were less spacious than the larger CX-5.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with an optional 12-inch screen, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 5.3-inch display served as the instrument cluster, with haptic touchpads replacing most switchgear. While visually appealing, the touchpads lacked tactile feedback, making them difficult to use without looking. The ID.4 included a natural-language voice-control system and the ID.Light feature, which communicated information through a light strip at the base of the windshield. The touchscreen was well-positioned, with smart graphics and easy-to-navigate menus.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons, with no touch functionality. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, was criticized for its usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the rotary dial was cumbersome, though accessing CarPlay from the Mazda home screen was straightforward. The system remained challenging to use even after setting up presets, potentially distracting for new users.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA for RWD versions. It offered various driver aids, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. New features included Travel Assist, which added automated lane centring, and Emergency Assist, designed to stop the car if the driver was incapacitated.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, with rain-sensing wipers and blind-spot monitoring as standard. Higher trims included traffic-sign recognition, parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The test model featured adaptive front headlights and a 360-degree parking camera. The CX-30 earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.