2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2023 Acura MDX presented itself as a luxury SUV with a range of trims, including the standard and Type S versions. In Canada, the MDX was available with Tech, A-Spec, and Platinum Elite packages, while the Type S offered a standard spec or an Ultra package. Prices ranged from $59,300 to $84,400, excluding a destination charge. The Type S Ultra trim, with its Apex Blue Pearl paint and Orchid interior, set high expectations for luxury and performance, though it occasionally fell short. The MDX Type S was the first Acura SUV to feature the Type S badge, emphasizing subtlety in its design. It boasted chicane-design LED lights, 21-inch wheels, and a panoramic moonroof. Inside, the Type S Ultra featured quilted leather, aluminum trim, and a Sport Appearance package. Despite its appeal, some design choices, like the gloss black plastic on the dashboard, made controls challenging to use.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 aimed to distinguish itself from a typical car with its excessive charcoal-coloured plastic cladding. Despite this, the CX-30 was an attractive crossover with short overhangs, a long hood, and a rakish roofline. The interior exuded a sense of luxury, with clear gauges, a well-integrated infotainment screen, and dual-zone climate controls. In Canada, the CX-30 offered four trims with two engine options: a 191-hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a turbocharged version with up to 250 hp. Prices ranged from $28,150 to $43,390. The test vehicle, in Suna trim, featured a unique Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta and Black interior. The colour choice was polarizing, but it suited the SUV's design. Overall, the CX-30's design and interior quality made it feel like a class above its segment.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine, producing 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-litre V6, but the Type S also weighed more. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD), which could direct up to 70% of engine output to a single rear wheel. The MDX Type S offered various driving modes, including an exclusive Lift mode for increased ground clearance. However, its performance enhancements didn't always work harmoniously, leading to issues like an indecisive transmission and poor brake pedal modulation. Fuel economy was also a concern, with the test drive averaging 13.9 L/100 km, falling short of official ratings. The MDX Type S struggled to deliver a cohesive driving experience, making the standard MDX with the A-Spec package a more predictable choice.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 pound-feet of torque. The power delivery was smooth, akin to riding a wave, and the engine's note was pleasing. The CX-30 used a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an observed 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous route. The CX-30's small fuel tank limited its range. Despite this, the CX-30 was fun to drive, offering a nimble and connected ride. It handled highways smoothly and provided excellent visibility. In the mountains, it felt slightly soft but remained competent. With standard AWD and decent ground clearance, it could handle more challenging trails. Overall, the CX-30 was enjoyable to drive but not ideal for those who dislike frequent refuelling.

The 2023 Acura MDX offered three rows of seats and a spacious cargo area. The test vehicle featured 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions. However, the seats didn't provide the expected support for enthusiastic driving. The MDX's second-row seats could slide and tilt for easier third-row access, but the third row was best suited for children. The cabin prioritized style over storage space, with limited storage options. The cargo area was practical, with a decent amount of floor space and underfloor storage. The MDX could carry 461 litres of cargo behind the third row, expanding to 1,107 litres with the third row folded and 2,021 litres with both rear rows down.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 featured a well-designed interior with quality materials and logical controls. The driver and front passenger enjoyed comfort, but the back seat was cramped. The power-adjustable driver's seat made finding a comfortable position easy. Storage space was adequate, with 572 litres of cargo volume behind the back seat. The load floor could be adjusted for more space or hidden storage. Folding the back seat provided 1,280 litres of cargo volume, comparable to other small SUVs.

The 2023 Acura MDX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. However, the infotainment system relied on a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) instead of a touchscreen, which could be distracting. The TTI design also limited storage space. The MDX offered Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In. The top-tier audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The MDX included a head-up display with navigation instructions and driving assistance status.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's GT and Suna trims featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring. However, the screen was positioned far from the driver and passenger. Mazda's system aimed to reduce distraction but lacked natural voice recognition. The CX-30 included a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2023 Acura MDX included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as collision mitigation braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The MDX received good crash-test ratings, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. However, it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30's safety features generally performed well, with a few exceptions. It received five-star ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.