2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 stood out with its distinctive styling, a hallmark of Korean automotive brands. It diverged from the rest of the Genesis lineup, featuring the brand's signature two-line lighting that created an illusion of a contiguous circle around the vehicle. The GV70's design was unique, with a shoulder line and accent lines that set it apart from other Genesis models. The Sport and Sport Plus grades, equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6, boasted a sculpted hood and dark chrome finishes, enhancing its sporty appeal. Customers could choose from over 100 colour combinations, with exclusive options for the Sport grades.

Inside, the GV70's cabin featured an elliptical theme inspired by airplane wings, with premium materials and unique upholstery configurations. The Sport trims offered genuine carbon fibre inserts, while ambient lighting added a unique touch. Although some plastic elements were present, the overall quality of the interior was high. The GV70's design and features catered to those seeking a luxurious and sporty SUV experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, available in four trims, offered a striking design with a long hood and dramatic flanks. However, its appearance was marred by excessive grey body cladding, emphasizing its SUV identity. The GT Turbo's black wheels blended into the dark lower body, diminishing their presence. Inside, the CX-30's cabin exuded elegance, with quality materials and a tasteful colour scheme. The GT Turbo featured off-white leather, a chocolate brown centre console, and black accents, creating a luxurious atmosphere.

The CX-30's interior was well-appointed, with gloss black trim and polished metal accents. While the bottom trims had cloth seats, higher trims offered leather or leatherette upholstery. The GT Turbo's interior resembled an entry-level luxury SUV, justifying its premium pricing. Despite its exterior design flaws, the CX-30's interior provided a comfortable and upscale experience for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options, with the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 being the highlight. This engine delivered 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, positioning the GV70 as a formidable competitor against mid-level performance SUVs like the BMW X3 M40i and Audi SQ5. The GV70's power figures surpassed many of its German rivals, and its fuel consumption was estimated at 11.6 L/100 km combined. The eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided a dynamic driving experience, with the Sport Plus grade featuring an electronic limited-slip differential for enhanced performance.

The GV70's drive modes, including Eco, Comfort, Sport, and Sport+, allowed drivers to tailor their experience. The electronically controlled suspension system, equipped with a forward camera, balanced comfort and road feedback. The GV70's tight turning radius was advantageous in urban settings, making it a versatile choice for various driving conditions.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered three powertrains, with the GT Turbo standing out. The turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine produced 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. The six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive provided a smooth ride, with a Sport mode for added responsiveness. The CX-30's ground clearance and Off-Road traction assist made it suitable for light off-road adventures.

The CX-30's performance was commendable, with robust acceleration and a satisfying engine sound. However, the small 48-litre fuel tank limited its range, requiring frequent refueling. The suspension offered compliance, but the front strut and rear torsion-beam setup struggled with speed bumps. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus and responsive steering.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 prioritized driver-centric design, with a tall centre console and intuitive controls. The infotainment system's raised dial was user-friendly, and the climate controls provided haptic feedback. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated seats available on higher trims. The rear passenger space was enhanced by a panoramic sunroof and manual sunshades, though storage was limited. The GV70 offered 819 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,610 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured dual-zone climate control, a power-adjustable driver's seat, and a power moonroof. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on the GS trim. The front passenger seat offered limited adjustment, but the rear seats provided comfort despite tight legroom. Storage was adequate, with bins and pockets for small items. The CX-30's cargo space measured 572 litres, expanding to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded, though it lacked additional storage features.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 impressed with its 14.5-inch high-definition infotainment screen, offering split-screen functionality and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. The premium Sport Plus grade featured a 3D digital instrument cluster and a fingerprint recognition system. A nine-speaker audio system was standard, with an 18-speaker Lexicon surround sound system available on top trims. The GV70's technology offerings were comprehensive and user-friendly.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had notable flaws, including the absence of a touchscreen and conversational voice recognition. The centre console controls required attention, and the lack of a tuning knob was inconvenient. Despite these issues, the 8.8-inch display offered pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. The CX-30 included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system on higher trims.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came equipped with ten standard safety features, including blind spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision avoidance. The Highway Driving Assist system offered lane centring and automatic lane changing, though it required hands-on operation. The GV70's safety systems were advanced, though official safety ratings were unavailable at the time.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact protection and additional safety features. The GX trim included blind spot monitoring, while higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. The GT and GT Turbo trims added advanced features like a surround-view camera and traffic jam assist. The CX-30's safety systems were effective, though some responses felt excessive.