2023 Mazda CX-30 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. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The raked windshield, while stylish, acted like a greenhouse on sunny days and presented a slight curve that could distort the view for taller drivers. Inside, the cabin was both comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to all components. The interior design was a blend of conventional and digital displays, with an infotainment screen that rose organically from the dashboard. However, the system's complexity was a drawback, requiring a steep learning curve.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a more artful design, albeit with excessive grey body cladding that detracted from its appeal. The GT Turbo's black wheels were nearly invisible against the dark lower body. Inside, the cabin was upscale, with quality materials and a tasteful combination of colours. The bottom trims featured cloth seats, while higher trims offered leather upholstery. The interior was further enhanced with gloss black trim and polished metal accents, giving it the feel of an entry-level luxury SUV.

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 lb-ft of torque. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The test model, equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, delivered 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission and AWD 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 struggled over rough roads.

For 2023, the base GX trim retained the 2.0-litre engine, while the GS and GT models gained five additional horsepower, reaching 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The GT Turbo continued with the turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, offering the same power specs as the previous year. The six-speed automatic transmission and AWD remained standard, with a Sport mode available. The CX-30's ground clearance and Off-Road traction assist function were notable, though the suspension struggled with speed bumps. The GT Turbo provided robust acceleration, but the small fuel tank limited range. The CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, with its G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering enhancing the driving experience.

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, while the front seats had a sliding centre console cover that could get stuck under the rear seats. The rear seats provided adequate headroom for short-to-medium trips but lacked the space of larger models.

In 2023, most CX-30 models came with dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a power moonroof. Heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers were standard, with a heated steering wheel available on the GS trim. The front passenger seat offered limited adjustment, and rear legroom was tight. Storage space was reasonable, with various compartments for organization. The GT and GT Turbo trims included paddle shifters and a power liftgate, with cargo space remaining at 572 litres, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. The lack of touchscreen functionality was a drawback, as the system was inspired by older luxury-car infotainment systems known for poor usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the rotary dial was challenging, and the system remained cumbersome even after setup.

In 2023, the Mazda Connect infotainment system continued without a touchscreen, requiring drivers to look down to reference controls. The lack of conversational voice-recognition technology was a significant flaw, with a success rate of about 50% for voice commands. The absence of a tuning knob further complicated radio navigation. Despite these issues, the system featured pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. All models included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and two USB ports, with Turbos adding SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose sound system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered various driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. The model earned top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, with a five-star rating and a Top Safety Pick+ designation, respectively.

For 2023, the CX-30 improved side-impact crash protection, earning a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features in Canada included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with additional features available on higher trims. The GT and GT Turbo trims offered advanced systems like adaptive front lighting, a surround-view camera, and traffic jam assist. The forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems were effective, though occasionally excessive.