2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport

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 from the buttons to the 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport embraced a "modernist" and "reductive" design, which translated to clean and simple aesthetics. For those seeking attention, the Range Rover Sport offered limited flashy options, such as Firenze Red paint and diamond-turned 23-inch wheels. Our test vehicle, in Eiger Grey with silver wheels and a Black Exterior Pack, exuded understated luxury. Inside, the Deep Garnet over Ebony theme with aluminum and shiny black trim added to the luxurious feel. The Range Rover Sport was available in Dynamic SE, Dynamic HSE, Autobiography, and the sold-out SV Edition One in Canada. The Dynamic SE test vehicle featured heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and other premium features, pushing the MSRP beyond $120,000.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options. The base GX model featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT models came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model had 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 six-speed automatic transmission routed power to all four wheels. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, and the Sport mode enhanced 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport aimed to balance refinement and driver-focused engagement. It featured a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) drivetrain was available in the Autobiography model, offering 434 hp and 406 lb-ft. The sold-out SV Edition One boasted a 523-hp twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine. The Range Rover Sport's 395-hp inline-six provided ample power, accelerating to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. The SUV's eight-speed automatic transmission and Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system contributed to its performance. The Range Rover Sport excelled off-road, with features like Terrain Response and All Terrain Progress Control. However, it struggled to match the agility of sport-tuned SUVs from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz on twisty roads.

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 for added convenience. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck under the seat 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 but lacked the space of the larger CX-5, making them suitable for short-to-medium trips.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport retained the Range Rover Command Driving Position, providing a tall, airy feel. The air suspension could kneel for easier entry and exit. The front seats were comfortable, with 20-way power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. The rear seat, though improved, remained tight for longer legs, and narrow door openings hindered access. The back seat offered excellent support but had a reclined angle. The cargo area provided 903 litres of space, expandable to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded. A power liftgate and controls for lowering the air suspension facilitated loading.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash. The screen lacked touch functionality and was controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, had usability issues. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the rotary dial was frustrating, though accessing CarPlay from the Mazda home screen was straightforward.

The 2023 Land Rover Range Rover Sport boasted a 13.7-inch digital instrumentation display and a 13.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system with haptic feedback. Standard features included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM satellite radio. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment platform was often confusing and frustrating. The SUV's digital assistant struggled with basic tasks, and the system's complexity detracted from the user experience. The Range Rover Sport offered impressive Meridian audio systems and a next-generation Active Noise Cancellation system.

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 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 Land Rover Range Rover Sport came equipped with numerous safety features, such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. It also had a driver monitoring system, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The adaptive cruise control with steering assist was slow to respond, and the steering assist technology was unsatisfactory, especially on highway curves.