2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Volvo XC40

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was designed with a focus on maintaining familiarity for those transitioning from internal-combustion engines to electric vehicles. Its exterior closely resembled the gasoline version of the XC40, with subtle differences such as a solid panel in the grille, trim-specific alloy wheels, and the absence of tailpipes. The vehicle's design was a nod to Volvo's Swedish roots, featuring Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights and a floating roof illusion. Inside, the XC40 boasted a spacious and airy cabin, characterized by harmonious design elements and premium finishes, reflecting Volvo's steady ascent into the luxury automotive category.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 had a design reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, giving it a raised hatchback feel. The CX-30's windshield was notably raked, which could cause visual distortion for taller drivers. Inside, the cabin was quiet and comfortable, with a blend of conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system, controlled by a rotary dial, presented a steep learning curve. The CX-30's interior design was praised for its elegance, though it sometimes prioritized form over function.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, driving two electric motors for a total of 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the XC40 Recharge to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The gasoline versions, the T4 and T5, offered 0-100 km/h times of 8.5 and 6.4 seconds, respectively. The Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal drive option, enhancing energy efficiency and driving enjoyment. Its low centre of gravity, due to battery placement, contributed to excellent handling. The XC40 Recharge had a range of 359 kilometres and could fast-charge to 80% in 40 minutes.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT trims featured a 2.5-litre engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The test model, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, delivered 227 horsepower on 87 octane fuel and 250 horsepower on 93 octane. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and Sport mode provided lively performance, though the ride could be rough over uneven surfaces. The CX-30's steering was precise, with minimal body roll in corners, offering a sporty driving experience.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering clever storage solutions and comfort features. The absence of a gasoline engine allowed for a front trunk, or "frunk," providing additional storage space. Inside, the cabin featured ample storage cubbies, comfortable front seats, and a slightly cramped rear middle seat. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms.

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 trim included a power rear liftgate for added convenience. The front seats had a sliding centre console cover, though its design could be problematic when folding the rear seats. The rear seats offered decent headroom for short-to-medium trips but were less spacious than the larger CX-5.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a range of advanced technologies, including Pilot Assist for highway driving and a heat pump to extend range. The infotainment system featured a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. This system supported Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth also available. Over-the-air updates kept the system current, though the range display, showing percentage rather than distance, could cause range anxiety.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was integrated into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury systems like BMW's iDrive, lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating the system could be frustrating, even after becoming familiar with it, and could be distracting for new users.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge received the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ rating, with a five-star overall rating for the gasoline version from the NHTSA. Its extensive safety features included collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. The XC40 Recharge also featured a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety and Volvo's Connected Safety system for sharing road condition data.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of driver-assistance features, though many were not standard in Canada. Available features included forward collision avoidance, 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.