2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 presented a more understated and refined appearance compared to its flashier competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Mercedes opted for a more subtle grille design, avoiding the ostentatious styles seen in the BMW X7 and Lexus LX. For those seeking a more dramatic look, the AMG GLS 63 and Maybach versions offered enhanced visual elements such as flared wheel arches, a muscular grille, and chrome accents. Inside, the GLS 450 maintained a luxurious feel with leather upholstery, a panoramic roof, and ambient lighting, although it lacked some of the more extravagant features like reclining seats. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen were seamlessly integrated, providing a high-quality yet robust interior experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, with its upright grille and smooth fenders. Built on the Mazda3 platform, it resembled a raised hatchback version of the Mazda3. The CX-30's raked windshield created a greenhouse effect, which could be distracting for taller drivers due to its slight curve. The cabin was noted for its comfort and quietness, with a solid feel to all components. The interior design was praised for its blend of conventional and digital displays, although the infotainment system's usability was criticized. The CX-30's trim levels in Canada offered a range of features, with the GT grade providing the most luxurious options, including a turbocharged engine and advanced visibility features.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 was equipped with a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and the Mercedes EQ Boost mild-hybrid system. This setup delivered 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with an additional 21 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque available from the electric motor. The GLS 450's inline-six engine provided smooth performance, and the electric assist was well integrated. However, the air suspension, while capable of adjusting ride height, lacked the refinement expected in a luxury SUV, resulting in excessive body motion over bumps. The GLS 450 had a towing capacity of 3,500 kilograms, which was slightly less than some competitors.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, with the base GX model featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower. The GS and GT models came with a 2.5-litre engine delivering 186 horsepower. Our test model, equipped with the 2.5-litre turbocharged engine, produced 227 horsepower on 87 octane fuel and 250 horsepower on 93 octane fuel. The CX-30's turbocharged engine provided lively acceleration, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's steering was well-weighted, and its handling was precise, although the suspension transmitted road imperfections to the cabin, resulting in a rough ride on uneven surfaces.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a seven-seat configuration with a 60/40 split-folding second-row bench seat and two third-row seats. An optional six-seat version replaced the second-row bench with captain’s chairs. The second-row seats could slide forward to improve third-row access, and the GLS boasted the best second-row legroom among full-size luxury SUVs. Cargo space was 355 litres with all seats in place, expanding to 2,400 litres with the second and third rows folded. The GLS featured power-folding seats and a power tailgate, with the air suspension aiding in loading cargo. However, some ergonomic issues were noted, such as the touchscreen being difficult to reach.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 1,280 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 572 litres with the seats in use. The GT grade included a power rear liftgate. The front seats featured a sliding centre console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. The centre console offered ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats provided adequate headroom for short-to-medium trips, although longer journeys might be less comfortable due to limited headroom compared to larger models like the CX-5.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with the MBUX infotainment system, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and navigation. The system offered multiple control options, including voice recognition, a touchpad controller, and steering wheel touchpads. The voice recognition system was particularly effective, allowing for hands-free operation. However, the touchpad controller was found to be overly sensitive. The GLS also included augmented-reality navigation, although the embedded navigation system occasionally suggested inefficient routes.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen integrated into the dash. The screen lacked touch functionality and was controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by older luxury-car systems, was criticized for its usability, particularly when navigating Apple CarPlay. The rotary dial made it cumbersome to switch between presets, and the system remained challenging even after familiarization. Despite these issues, accessing CarPlay from the Mazda home screen was straightforward.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLS included standard safety features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, driver-attention monitor, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, Crosswind Assist, lane-keep assist, parking assist, Trailer Stability Assist, and Pre Safe. Optional features included a surround-view camera system, adaptive cruise control, and advanced driver-assistance features. Crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time of publication.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered available driver-assistance features, with most not standard in Canada. These 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 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.