2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Buick Enclave

The 2021 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's resurgence from its past struggles. Once a brand known for its grandeur, Buick had faced a decline during the Malaise Era, but the Enclave helped restore its reputation. As the largest SUV in Buick's lineup, the Enclave offered a blend of classic American luxury and modern SUV appeal. Its design was both impressive and elegant, with the Avenir trim adding a unique grille, brightwork, and polished 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave Avenir featured a minimalist yet upscale interior with soft leather and polished accents, though the wood trim was not genuine. The electronic transmission shifter was initially fussy, but users quickly adapted to it.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 was a stylish subcompact SUV that drew inspiration from the larger CX-5. Its design featured an upright grille and smooth fenders, with a raked windshield that could cause some visual distortion for taller drivers. The interior was praised for its comfort and quietness, with a blend of conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system, controlled by a rotary dial, had a steep learning curve. The CX-30's trim levels offered a range of features, from basic amenities in the 2.5 S to advanced options in the Turbo Premium Plus, which included driver assistance features and a power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, offered a choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The Enclave's acceleration was strong, and it handled like a smaller SUV despite its size. The Avenir Technology Package enhanced the driving experience with a premium-tuned suspension and automatic emergency braking. The Enclave's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg combined, with a range of up to 460 miles on a full tank.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on premium fuel. The CX-30's six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive provided a sporty and refined ride, with quick steering and minimal body roll. However, the suspension could be harsh on rough roads. The CX-30's Sport mode enhanced throttle response and shift mapping, making it lively in various driving scenarios.

The 2021 Buick Enclave was one of the largest SUVs in its class, offering spacious seating for six or seven passengers. Its cabin was designed for comfort and quietness, with features like Active Noise Cancellation and laminated glass. The Avenir trim included power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated seats with massage functions. The Enclave's third-row seat was roomy, and the vehicle provided ample cargo space, with 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 97.6 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 20.2 cubic feet with the seats in use. The Turbo Premium Plus model included a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could be problematic when folding the rear seats. The rear seats provided adequate headroom for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be less comfortable for taller passengers.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's infotainment system met basic expectations, with quick response times and a simple user interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. However, the 8-inch touchscreen was smaller than competitors', and the sound system was less impressive. The Enclave offered a rear camera mirror, providing a live video view of the rear.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with a non-touchscreen infotainment system controlled by a rotary dial. This setup, inspired by luxury brands, was criticized for its usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the dial was challenging. Despite the learning curve, the system offered a premium feel, with a head-up display and a 360-degree parking camera in the Turbo Premium Plus model.

The 2021 Buick Enclave's safety features were limited to higher trims. The Driver Confidence Plus Package, standard on Premium and Avenir trims, included forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control was only available with the Avenir Technology Package. The Enclave received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA but had a four-star frontal-impact rating.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features like forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.