2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered Canadians a range of six models, with prices starting from $47,799 to $66,759, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline trim, and the new ST-Line added a sporty flair to the XLT version. The U.S.-spec King Ranch model, not available in Canada, was tested, with the closest Canadian equivalent being the Platinum trim. The Explorer's design, based on a rear-drive platform, featured a long, tall hood, short front overhang, and a tapering greenhouse, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Blacked-out roof pillars contributed to the "floating roof" effect, popular from previous generations. Inside, higher-trim Explorers mixed quality with some questionable materials, mostly justifying their price but occasionally hinting at the base trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 was available in four trims in Canada: GX, GS, GT, and GT Turbo, with prices ranging from $26,700 to $38,600, excluding a $2,095 destination charge. The CX-30's design, with a long hood and stubby rear end, appeared nose-heavy but artful, marred by excessive gray body cladding. The GT Turbo's black wheels were nearly invisible against the dark lower body. Inside, the CX-30's upscale cabin featured quality materials, with cloth seats in lower trims and leather or leatherette in higher ones. The GT Turbo test car boasted a tasteful interior with off-white leather and a chocolate brown centre console, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV, justifying its premium pricing.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The XLT, ST-Line, and Timberline trims featured a turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and standard 4WD in Canada. It had a towing capacity of 2,400 kg and consumed 10.3 to 11.8 L/100 km in combined driving. The Limited trim offered a hybrid drivetrain with a 3.3-litre V6 engine, producing 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,268 kg, and achieving 9.6 L/100 km. The ST and Platinum trims featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 2,540 kg and consuming 11.8 L/100 km. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain well, and felt athletic in daily driving, especially the sport-tuned ST model.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered three engines. The base GX trim had a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine with 155 hp and 150 lb-ft of torque. The GS and GT models had a 2.5-litre engine with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, improving fuel economy to 8.2 L/100 km. The GT Turbo featured a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. All engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30 had 20 cm of ground clearance and an Off-Road traction assist function. The GT Turbo provided robust acceleration but had a small 48-litre fuel tank, averaging 10.0 L/100 km. The CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, with G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering, but had a soft suspension and non-intuitive brake pedal.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with a second-row bench seat allowing occasional seating for five. The third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform and low roofline. Fully equipped models featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, with available massaging, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for practical pockets and cubbies. The King Ranch test vehicle had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 528 litres of cargo space, expandable to 2,132 litres with seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered standard dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a power moonroof. Heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers were standard in Canada, with a heated steering wheel available from the GS trim. The CX-30 was comfortable for the driver but less so for the front passenger, with limited legroom in the rear. Storage space was reasonable, with a centre armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The GT and GT Turbo trims featured paddle shifters and a power liftgate, revealing 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with seats folded. However, the CX-30 lacked nooks, nets, or underfloor storage space.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. The test vehicle had FordPass Connect services, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Higher trims included wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The older Sync 3 system lacked the advanced voice recognition of Sync 4, making it less user-friendly. The Platinum trim added a 12.3-inch digital display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: no touchscreen, lack of conversational voice recognition, and no tuning knob. The controls required quick looks down, causing distraction. The system lacked natural voice recognition, making it less user-friendly. The 8.8-inch display was well integrated, with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. All CX-30s had Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for 2022, but the previous year, the Explorer earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance. Ford Co-Pilot360 was standard, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, with improved side-impact crash protection. The GX trim included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The GS trim added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. The GT and GT Turbo trims featured an adaptive front lighting system, surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and a head-up display. The driving assistance systems worked well, but a forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking event seemed excessive.