2023 Chevrolet Blazer vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

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 a solid feel to the 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 steep learning curve was a downside.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer, in contrast, adopted styling cues more akin to road cars, with a low roofline and sleek profile. Despite its tall ride height and body sides, it maintained the visual weight of a proper SUV. The Blazer RS test vehicle stood out with blackout trim, Red Hot paint, and 21-inch wheels. For 2023, the Blazer received minor styling updates, including new taillights and tweaked grille and headlight designs. The interior sported a Camaro-inspired aesthetic with an upright dashboard and large round air vents. While cloth seats were standard, leather upholstery was available on higher trims. The Blazer RS featured blue trim, chrome accents, and a two-tone upholstery scheme, impressing with its material quality.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine in the GX trim, producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT trims came with a 2.5-litre engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured the upgraded 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, rated at 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission routed power to all four wheels. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty ride was complemented by well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it resulted in a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer carried over its powertrain options from the previous year. The base LT model featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A 3.6-litre V6 engine, standard on higher trims, delivered 308 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and AWD was standard in Canada. The Blazer RS test car, equipped with the V6, felt quick for a crossover, with a sporty exhaust note. However, its considerable weight and top-heavy design impacted handling. The Blazer's AWD system required manual engagement, unlike some rivals with automatic switching. The Blazer's 2,041-kilogram towing capacity was competitive for its class.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered 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. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when folded. The centre console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats offered solid headroom for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be tight.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer was a two-row, five-seat vehicle, offering 864 litres of cargo space with rear seats in place and 1,818 litres with them folded. While rear-seat headroom was below average, it was better than the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. The Blazer felt spacious from the driver's seat, with short overhangs aiding manoeuvrability. Functional details included USB ports between air vents and a heated steering wheel standard on the RS grade. However, the Blazer's cargo space was less than some rivals, like the Honda Passport and Nissan Murano.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design, with the infotainment screen nestled into the dash. Controlled by a rotary dial/joystick, the system lacked touch functionality, which was a drawback. Inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, the setup was criticized for poor usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay was cumbersome, as the "Home" button didn't exit to the Mazda home screen. Despite the learning curve, accessing CarPlay from the Mazda home screen was straightforward.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer received tech upgrades, including a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen and available wireless device charging. A 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster was standard, with an 8-inch display on RS and Premier trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM were standard. The infotainment system's intuitive menus required minimal touchscreen interaction. However, a dedicated button for the optional 360-degree camera system would have been beneficial. The Blazer's tech presentation was competitive, with a large touchscreen matching segment leaders like the Hyundai Santa Fe.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, though most were not standard in Canada. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher grades added traffic-sign recognition, parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.

The 2023 Chevrolet Blazer's standard Chevy Safety Assist Package included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane keep assist, and more. Adaptive cruise control was newly available on all trims. Optional features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system. The Blazer received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and "Good" ratings from the IIHS in crash tests. However, it lacked GM's advanced Super Cruise system.