2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Cadillac Escalade

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was a stylish subcompact SUV that borrowed its design cues from the larger CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield, while providing a greenhouse effect on sunny days, could distort the view for taller drivers. Inside, the cabin was both comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to its components. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. However, the infotainment system, though attractive, had a steep learning curve.

In contrast, the 2023 Cadillac Escalade was a towering presence, nearly two metres tall and requiring significant space to park. It was a motorized cargo container with three rows of leather seats and advanced technology. The Escalade's design was meant for show, with thin LED lights that visually narrowed its girth. The Sport Platinum trim added a touch of stealth with darkened chrome bits. Inside, the Escalade boasted a rich first-row experience with a 38-inch curved screen and luxurious materials. However, the allure faded in the second and third rows, where parts were borrowed from cheaper GM vehicles, and the seats lacked support. Cadillac aimed to improve with the 2023 Lyriq, but the Escalade's interior remained a mixed bag.

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 engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The test model came with an 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, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The vehicle's sporty and refined ride was complemented by well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it could be rough over potholes.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade featured a standard 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, suitable for towing up to 3,629 kilograms. However, the Escalade felt heavy in passing situations, and the 10-speed automatic transmission, while responsive, struggled in Sport mode. The Escalade-V addressed acceleration issues with a supercharged Corvette V8, producing 682 horsepower and 653 lb-ft of torque. Cadillac also offered a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel V6, which provided smooth torque delivery and better fuel economy. The Escalade's 4WD system was rudimentary, but its magnetic ride control dampers and optional air suspension improved maneuverability. Despite a serene ride, wind noise was noticeable at highway speeds.

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, which was average for its segment. The GT grade featured a power rear liftgate, adding convenience. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, though it could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. The rear seats offered decent headroom for short-to-medium trips but lacked the space of larger models like the CX-5.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade excelled in interior space, offering 722 litres behind the third row, 2,064 litres behind the second row, and 3,426 litres with both rows down. The Escalade ESV provided even more room, maxing out at 4,044 litres. The independent rear suspension allowed for generous headroom and legroom in all rows, accommodating six adults comfortably. The controls were user-friendly, with a smart infotainment system and optional features like a front console refrigerator. Power-retractable side steps and an air suspension made access and loading easier, while the tailgate's separate glass window was a thoughtful touch.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash. However, the screen lacked touch functionality and was controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons, reminiscent of older luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive. This setup made navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto cumbersome, as they were designed for touchscreens. While getting into CarPlay was straightforward, switching between presets remained a challenge, even after familiarizing oneself with the system.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade boasted a span of OLED screens across the dash, offering sharp and clear visuals. A front camera displayed a high-res feed of the road, enhancing navigation with directional arrows and street names. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability were standard. Super Cruise, an optional hands-free highway driving system, was a standout feature, outperforming competitors like Tesla. The Escalade also offered night vision with pedestrian detection and a 36-speaker AKG audio system, providing an immersive experience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. These included forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The CX-30 earned top safety ratings, with five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Cadillac Escalade received four out of five stars from the NHTSA, with lower ratings for front-passenger protection and rollover resistance. Standard safety features included forward automatic emergency braking, a Safety Alert seat, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like reverse emergency braking and Super Cruise enhanced safety, though the former occasionally stopped the vehicle erroneously.