2023 Volkswagen ID.4 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. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised-up 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.

In contrast, the 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 featured subtle styling changes, including gloss black trim on the front bumper and a squared-off rear bumper design for improved aerodynamics. The new wheel designs and colours, along with a rear VW logo that lit up, added to its appeal. While the ID.4 was easily distinguishable as an EV, it lacked the traditional SUV profile and ground clearance, which might have been a drawback for some buyers. The ID.4 was based on VW's MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, and shared qualities with VW's gasoline-car interiors, such as a minimalist design and quality feel. The interior offered leatherette upholstery with recycled fibres, maintaining a sense of quality even in the base model.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options. The base GX model featured a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT models came with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The test model was equipped with a 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, offering 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. 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 Volkswagen ID.4 introduced a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base model, available only with RWD. The Pro model retained the 82-kWh pack, offering both RWD and AWD options. Single electric motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while the dual-motor AWD powertrain increased output to 295 hp and 339 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 109 kilograms, improving acceleration and handling. The ID.4's AWD version rivalled hot hatchbacks in acceleration but allowed too much body roll for truly entertaining handling. Regenerative braking was present, but VW's approach didn't support one-pedal driving, providing a more familiar experience for first-time EV drivers.

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, which was average for the subcompact SUV segment. 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, suitable for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be less comfortable.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 excelled in interior space, offering more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than competitors like the Chevrolet Bolt EV and Nissan Leaf. It provided 858 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up and 1,818 litres with the seats folded, surpassing most entry-level EVs. While it fell short of gasoline crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 in interior space, it was the SUV of affordable EVs in terms of practicality. The ID.4 also offered towing capability, with RWD models towing up to 1,000 kilograms and AWD models up to 1,225 kg. Interior changes for 2023 included a conventional lid for the centre console and improved phone storage.

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 in the centre console, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive. However, the lack of touch functionality made it cumbersome to navigate, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's usability was a challenge, even after setting up presets, and could be distracting for new users.

In 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 made the 12.0-inch touchscreen standard across all models, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. Software updates improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The user interface offered sharp graphics and a choice of smartphone-like icons or a traditional split-screen view. However, the haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel lacked physical feedback, making them distracting. The voice recognition system was more intuitive, allowing for easier control of functions. The ID.Light feature provided ambient lighting and AI assistance, indicating navigation directions through dashboard lights.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Standard features included rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The test model had adaptive front headlights and a 360-degree parking camera. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover tests. While IIHS ratings for the 2023 model were not available, the 2022 model received a Top Safety Pick+ rating. The ID.4 offered standard driver-assist features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, and VW's Travel Assist 2.0. New features for 2023 included Park Assist Plus, an automated lane-change feature, and a 360-degree camera system.