2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a midsize SUV that exuded sophistication and grace with its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. Measuring just shy of 5 metres in length, it presented a stately presence on the road. In Canada, the standard 20-inch wheels were upgraded to 22-inch alloy wheels in the Prestige trim. The rear design echoed the quad-lamp look with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy design. The matte Brunswick Green paint added an elegant touch to the exterior. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats complemented the metal and matte wood trim, while the centre console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor quibble in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, available in four trim levels in Canada, showcased an artful design with a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, though the excessive grey body cladding detracted from its appeal. The GT Turbo model, with its black wheels and Soul Red paint, added a touch of elegance. Inside, the upscale cabin featured quality materials, with the GT Turbo offering off-white leather, a chocolate brown centre console, and black accents. The interior was reminiscent of an entry-level luxury SUV, justifying its premium pricing. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, and rear legroom was tight. Storage was reasonable, with various compartments and bins, while the power liftgate revealed 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 came standard with all-wheel drive and offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine delivering 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 was not particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled in highway driving with smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, provided a quiet and comfortable ride, although its acceleration to 100 km/h in about five and a half seconds was slower than some competitors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered three powertrains, with the base GX trim featuring a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine producing 155 horsepower and 150 pound-feet of torque. The GS and GT models had a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The GT Turbo model boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine, producing 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. All engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode, and all-wheel drive was standard. The CX-30 offered a spirited driving experience, especially on twisty roads, but its small 48-litre fuel tank limited its range. The suspension provided a soft ride, but the front suspension struggled with speed bumps, impacting cabin comfort.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a plethora of luxury features. In Canada, it came standard with heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated outboard mirrors. The tester model featured ventilated front and rear seats with Nappa leather upholstery and an Ergo driver’s seat to reduce fatigue. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited to 76 centimetres. The GV80 offered a spacious cargo area, with 988 litres behind the second row and 2,378 litres with the seats folded. Towing capacity was 2,720 kilograms. Additional features included Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, a digital key, tri-zone climate control, and a 21-speaker Lexicon sound system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and a power moonroof in most models. Heated front seats and rain-sensing wipers were standard, with a heated steering wheel available from the GS trim. The front passenger seat offered limited adjustability, and rear legroom was tight. Storage was adequate, with various compartments and bins. The power liftgate revealed 572 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,280 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the lack of nooks, nets, or underfloor storage was a drawback.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial control offered a tactile experience, though navigating the menu structure required a learning curve. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, but not wirelessly. The GV80 also included wireless charging, multiple USB ports, and a remote smart parking assist feature, allowing the vehicle to park itself without the driver inside.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had several flaws, including the lack of a touchscreen display and conversational voice-recognition technology. The centre console controls required visual reference, and the steering-wheel controls were hard to read. The system's voice recognition was only 50% effective, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available. The 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. The GT Turbo added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Blind-Spot View Monitor system provided a video feed of the blind spot in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist offered hands-on/eyes-up driving aid on approved highways. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" rating for crashworthiness from the IIHS, with a "Superior" rating for front crash prevention.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 was recognized for its safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It featured standard rear side airbags, outboard rear seatbelt tensioners, and other updates. The GX trim included blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the GS trim added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GT and GT Turbo trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera and traffic jam assist. The driving assistance systems worked well, though the forward-collision warning system was overly sensitive in some situations.