Mazda CX-30 vs Cadillac LYRIQ

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ was a striking vehicle with a design that commanded attention. Its exterior styling was reminiscent of a long sedan, despite being an SUV, with a long hood and low ground clearance. The vertical light bars and LED headlights added a modern touch, while the grille and lighting effects enhanced its unique style. Inside, the LYRIQ showcased Cadillac's attention to detail with leather-wrapped seats, polished controls, and a sweeping 33-inch OLED display. However, the floating centre console was a design misstep, offering little functionality.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 had a more understated yet appealing design. The excessive charcoal-coloured plastic on the lower body was a point of contention, but the overall look was enhanced by short overhangs, a long hood, and sculpted flanks. Inside, the CX-30 felt like a class above, with a refined interior featuring clear gauges, a well-integrated infotainment screen, and dual-zone climate controls. The Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta and Black interior upholstery of the test model added a unique touch, though the colour choice was divisive.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ, despite its sporty appearance, was more suited for highway cruising. It offered a smooth and comfortable ride, with power delivered by two Chinese-sourced motors producing 500 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque in the AWD configuration. The standard setup was a single rear motor with 340 hp. The LYRIQ's 102-kilowatt-hour battery provided a range of up to 505 kilometres with RWD, though real-world conditions saw closer to 420 kilometres. However, its handling was hindered by its weight, and the steering lacked the precision expected from Cadillac.

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, and the six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting. The CX-30 was fun to drive, with nimble handling and a firm ride. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with observed consumption at 13.3 L/100 km. Despite this, the CX-30 offered excellent visibility and a smooth highway experience, making it a sporty choice in its class.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ had generous headroom and legroom, but its cargo space was limited, offering 793 litres behind the seats and 1,722 litres when folded. The interior had some functionality issues, such as a difficult-to-access glovebox and a small centre cubby. The floating console was more of a hindrance than a help, and some controls were not intuitive.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, while cramped in the back seat, provided a comfortable experience for the driver and front passenger. The interior featured quality materials and logical controls, with a power-adjustable driver's seat for easy positioning. Cargo space was practical, with 572 litres behind the back seat and 1,280 litres with the seats folded. The CX-30's design allowed for flexibility in storage, making it a practical choice for small SUV buyers.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ featured a 33-inch OLED screen with three sections, offering touch-enabled controls and a large, legible instrument cluster. The infotainment system ran native Google Maps and Google Assistant, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Super Cruise system provided excellent hands-free driving, and the 19-speaker AKG stereo offered variable surround sound modes.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's GT and Suna trims featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. However, the screen's distance from the driver was a drawback. Mazda's system relied on a combination of controls to reduce distraction, but the lack of natural voice recognition was a limitation. The CX-30 included a two-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services, USB-C ports, and a Bose premium audio system.

The 2024 Cadillac LYRIQ came standard with forward automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. However, it received a poor rating for its headlights from the IIHS and had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a traffic jam assist system. The CX-30 earned five-star ratings from the NHTSA and was a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS.