2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the windshield's slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its attractive design came with a steep learning curve.

In contrast, the 2023 Acura MDX offered a more luxurious experience with its standard and Type S versions, each available with trim packages that increased equipment levels. The Type S Ultra trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set high expectations for quality and luxury. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring chicane-design LED lights and 21-inch wheels. Inside, the MDX Type S boasted quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. However, the gloss black plastic on the dashboard made it challenging to find and use some controls, and the electronic transmission switchgear was occasionally confusing. Despite these minor issues, the MDX Type S was fundamentally an attractive luxury SUV.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque in the GX trim. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model came with the upgraded 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 fuel. The CX-30's turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The vehicle's sporty, refined ride was complemented by well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it had a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more. The twin-scroll turbo V6 used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, powering all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The MDX Type S featured an Integrated Dynamics System with multiple driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode. However, the performance upgrades didn't gel into a cohesive whole, with issues like an indecisive transmission, lack of ride compliance, and poor brake pedal modulation. The MDX Type S averaged 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres during testing, falling short of its official fuel consumption rating.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate, adding convenience. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. Despite this design flaw, the centre console offered ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats provided solid headroom, suitable for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be tight.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats, with the option for two or three second-row seating positions. Our test vehicle had 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The MDX's second-row seat could slide forward and back, but its rearmost position didn't provide as much legroom as expected. The third row was best for children, as it was a tight squeeze for adults. The MDX's cabin prioritized style over storage space, with a small bin under the front centre armrest. The power liftgate revealed a decent amount of cargo floor space, with a sizable well underneath the reversible load floor panel. The MDX could carry 461 litres of cargo behind the third-row seat, 1,107 litres with the third row folded, and a maximum of 2,021 litres with both rear rows folded flat.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design, with the infotainment screen nestled into the dash. The screen had no touch functionality and was controlled by a rotary dial/joystick in the centre console. This setup was inspired by luxury-car infotainment systems like BMW's iDrive, but it lacked usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay was cumbersome, as the "Home" button didn't take you to the Mazda home screen. Despite the learning curve, getting into CarPlay was easy with a click of the dial.

The 2023 Acura MDX boasted a Digital Precision Cockpit with a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive, requiring the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the centre console. The TTI design reduced storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. Fortunately, the MDX featured Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In. The MDX offered several sound systems, with the top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D audio system providing clear, distortion-free sound. The Platinum Elite and Type S Ultra packages added a 10.5-inch head-up display, though the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The CX-30 earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top marks in all crash tests and a "Superior" score for its driver-assistance technology.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a collision mitigation braking system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it received four stars for driver and front passenger protection in the frontal-impact test.