2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged appearance. However, the design introduced some softness with a character line swooping over the rear wheel arch, which added unnecessary visual weight. The rear echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall design felt disjointed compared to more cohesive competitors like the Kia Telluride and Jeep Grand Cherokee. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash was interrupted by a metallic styling element, creating a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was mounted high, reducing driver distraction. The Bronze Edition featured 18-inch bronze alloy wheels and light grey fabric upholstery, which was prone to dirt and stains, surrounded by Softex synthetic leather that felt more like vinyl.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 boasted an artful design with a long hood and dramatically drawn flanks, though it appeared nose-heavy due to excessive grey body cladding. The GT Turbo's black wheels were nearly invisible against the dark lower body. Inside, the CX-30 offered an upscale cabin with quality materials, including off-white leather and a chocolate brown centre console in the GT Turbo. The interior exuded an entry-level luxury feel, justifying its premium pricing. The CX-30's design was more cohesive and appealing, with gloss black trim and polished metal accents enhancing its elegance.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD) in Canada. Toyota estimated it could reach 100 km/h in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed built. The CVT's uninspired drone was noticeable when ascending hills. Braking was traditional, with a soft pedal feel and seamless transition from regenerative to physical brakes. The Highlander Hybrid offered a soft ride quality, smoothing over road bumps, and remained quiet on highways unless the engine was pushed hard.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered three powertrains, with the base GX trim featuring a 2.0-litre engine producing 155 horsepower. The GS and GT models had a 2.5-litre engine with 191 horsepower, while the GT Turbo boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing up to 250 horsepower on premium gas. All models had a six-speed automatic transmission with AWD. The CX-30's GT Turbo provided robust acceleration and a thrilling engine sound, though it could be caught flat-footed in traffic. The CX-30's suspension was compliant, offering a soft ride, but its handling was enjoyable on twisty roads. The small 48-litre fuel tank limited range, requiring frequent refueling stops.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays, a large centre armrest bin, and door pockets. The second-row seats were spacious, accommodating tall passengers, and featured sliding and reclining captain's chairs. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seats folded, and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured standard dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a power moonroof. Heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers were standard in Canada. The front passenger seat offered limited adjustment, and rear legroom was tight. Storage was reasonable, with bins and trays for organization. The CX-30's cargo space was 572 litres, expanding to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded, which was unimpressive for the segment.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with logical menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with wireless charging on higher trims. Navigation and a JBL audio system were available on Limited and Platinum trims.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system lacked a touchscreen, relying on centre console controls that required quick glances. The system lacked conversational voice recognition, and there was no tuning knob. The 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, with pleasing graphics. All models had Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services, with Turbos adding satellite radio, navigation, and a Bose sound system.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ designation. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The systems generally worked well but could be abrupt or overly sensitive.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, with improved side-impact protection. Standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with higher trims adding adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. The systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning could be excessive.