2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a downsized 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee L maintained the classic style of its predecessors while extending the length by over 30 centimetres. The Hydro Blue model with the High Altitude package featured a bold look with blacked-out grille, logos, and door handles, complemented by dark grey 21-inch wheels and black leather with gold stitching. The U-shaped fenders and square greenhouse were quintessential Jeep, while modern elements like slim LED lighting and body-colour bumpers added a contemporary touch. The interior of upper trims was impressive, with polished black dash, metal gear selector, and diamond-patterned stitching. Although not every piece was Mercedes-grade, the overall feel was justified for a vehicle nearing $90,000.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engines, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the GX trim, producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower and torque. The test model had a 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. The six-speed automatic transmission routed power to all four wheels. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty ride was refined, with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it had a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's standard Pentastar V6 engine, shared with Dodge and Chrysler, produced 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Despite its noise being well-muffled, the engine was considered outdated. The optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine, with 357 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque, was recommended for towing, offering a max capacity of 3,265 kilograms. The V8 also provided a fantastic sound. The Grand Cherokee L's chassis was solid, offering confident handling, especially with air suspension. The steering could have been quicker, but the handling was top-notch, except when compared to race-tuned models. The 4WD system was standard in Canada, with three different systems available on various trims.

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 when the rear seats were 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, suitable for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be tight.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's extended wheelbase provided more legroom for second-row passengers. Second-row captain's chairs were standard, with a centre console available on Summit and Summit Reserve trims. The third row was tight for adults but suitable for children. Cargo space was abundant, with 481 litres behind three rows, 1,330 litres behind the second row, and 2,407 litres with both rows folded. The power liftgate was standard from the Altitude trim, and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof was added at the Overland trim.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design, with the infotainment screen nestled into the dash. The screen lacked touch functionality, controlled instead by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, was criticized for poor usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay was cumbersome, as the "Home" button did not exit to the Mazda home screen. The system was challenging to use, even after setting up presets.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's Laredo and Altitude trims came with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and a 10-inch digital instrument panel. Higher trims featured a 10.1-inch touchscreen and navigation. All systems ran Uconnect 5, which was generally quick and easy to use. The McIntosh sound system and 4x4 status apps were more gimmicky than helpful. The night vision was superb, and the Active Driving Assist was effective on marked highways. The passenger screen in the dash was a standout feature, allowing independent video and music playback, navigation control, and camera activation.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, though most were not standard in Canada. Available features included 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+ from the IIHS, with top marks in all crash tests.

The 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L received a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for models built after May 2023, and five stars from the NHTSA, except for rollover, which scored four. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included front cross-traffic braking and 360-degree cameras. Night vision was available on higher trims.