2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both familiar and fresh, with its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield. The cabin was positioned towards the rear wheels, embodying the subtle seductiveness that Mazda vehicles have been known for over the past decade. However, the CX-50 introduced a rugged aesthetic with its pronounced fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates. The oversized air intakes and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. When combined with the standard black grille, mirror caps, and optional 20-inch alloy wheels, the CX-50 presented an appealing exterior. The introduction of the CX-50 Meridian Edition later in the model year brought exclusive features like all-terrain tires and a roof-mounted load platform, enhancing its adventurous appeal.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 aimed to ensure it was unmistakably a crossover, despite its excessive charcoal-coloured plastic cladding. This design choice was somewhat divisive, but the CX-30's overall appeal was undeniable, with its short overhangs, long hood, and sculpted flanks. The squat greenhouse and rakish roofline added to its sporty appearance, and the availability of black wheels catered to specific aesthetic preferences. Inside, the CX-30's interior exuded a sense of luxury, with style and refinement that rivalled entry-level luxury SUVs. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options, with the entry-level GS-L and GT trims featuring a 187 hp Skyactiv 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ all-wheel-drive system, achieving fuel consumption figures of 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway, and 8.9 combined. For those seeking more power, the GT Turbo trim provided a turbocharged version of the same engine, producing between 227 hp and 256 hp, depending on the fuel type. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft on regular gas to 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. Despite a slightly firmer ride quality, the CX-50 excelled in delivering a car-like driving experience, with its ground clearance nearly matching that of the Subaru Forester and Outback.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, with slightly reduced figures on regular gas. The power delivery was smooth, akin to riding a wave, and the traditional six-speed automatic transmission ensured flawless shifting. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was less impressive, with observed figures of 13.3 L/100 km on a mountainous route, significantly higher than the official 9.3 L/100 km combined rating. Despite this, the CX-30 was fun to drive, offering nimble handling and excellent visibility. Its standard AWD system and 20.3 cm ground clearance made it capable of handling more challenging trails than some competitors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 GT Turbo was well-equipped for various weather conditions, featuring power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and heated side mirrors. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control added to the comfort. The front seats were comfortable for long drives, though additional side bolstering would have been beneficial. The rear seat offered ample space for adults, with nearly 90-degree opening rear doors facilitating easy entry and exit. Cargo space was generous, with 889 litres available behind the rear seats and a maximum of 1,595 litres with the seats folded down, though the load floor was narrow between the wheel wells.

In the 2024 Mazda CX-30, the interior was marked by quality materials and logical controls. The three-gauge, partial digital instrumentation was a highlight, and the traditional PRNDL shifter was easy to use. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding a touch of colour. While the front seats were comfortable and heated, the rear seat space was limited. Cargo volume was 572 litres behind the back seat, expandable to 1,280 litres with the seats folded down. The flexible load floor allowed for practical storage solutions, though the overall space was not overly generous.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring a 10.25-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While historically lacking touchscreen control, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. The system's interface was occasionally frustrating, with centre console buttons, steering wheel controls, and voice recognition as alternatives. The available 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system provided a satisfying audio experience, and the Active Driving Display offered valuable information within the driver's line of sight.

For the 2024 Mazda CX-30, GT and Suna trims featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the screen's distant placement from the driver was a drawback. Mazda's approach to reducing driver distraction through static displays and controls was commendable, but the lack of a natural voice recognition system was a limitation. All CX-30s in Canada included a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, with GT and Suna trims offering USB-C ports, a wireless smartphone charger, and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was rated as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS, though it fell short of the Top Safety Pick+ designation due to certain headlight configurations and night-time pedestrian collision avoidance results. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with features like active blind-spot monitoring and Traffic Jam Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control system occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles cutting in, necessitating manual braking.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims offered additional features like adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a traffic jam assist system. The CX-30 received a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance, and was designated a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.