2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Genesis GV80

The 2021 Genesis GV80, as Genesis' first SUV, was a fresh design that managed to balance innovation with the brand's emerging signature style. It featured a long hood, short front overhang, and a distinctive grille with a diamond mesh and the Genesis flying "G" badge. The SUV's design was further accentuated by the "Quad Lamp" LED headlight array, which became a hallmark of Genesis vehicles. The GV80's exterior was complemented by large wheel arches and a rear design that echoed the front's elegance. Inside, the GV80 offered a luxurious experience with a sleek, uncluttered dashboard, real wood, metal, and leather materials, and a 14.5-inch high-definition display, making it a standout in the luxury SUV segment.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 was styled as a compact version of the CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, giving it a raised hatchback feel. The CX-30's design included a raked windshield, which, while stylish, could cause visual distortion for taller drivers. Inside, the CX-30 boasted a comfortable and quiet cabin with a blend of conventional and digital displays. However, its infotainment system, controlled by a rotary dial, was less intuitive, especially when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Despite this, the CX-30's interior design was praised for its solid feel and premium touches, making it a strong contender in the subcompact SUV market.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. The V6 models came standard with all-wheel drive, while the four-cylinder models had rear-wheel drive with an optional AWD. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The GV80's ride was enhanced by its independent multi-link suspension and, on the 3.5T models, an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview. The 2.5T models offered a self-leveling rear suspension. The GV80's fuel economy was rated at 21 mpg city/25 mpg highway for the 2.5T RWD and 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the 3.5T AWD.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded turbocharged version offered 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on premium fuel. Power was distributed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-30's performance was lively, especially in Sport mode, which enhanced throttle response and shift mapping. The vehicle's steering was well-weighted, and it handled corners with minimal body roll. However, its sporty suspension resulted in a rougher ride over uneven surfaces.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 featured a sophisticated interior with a focus on technology and ergonomics. The center console housed a rotary gear selector and a circular multimedia controller with dual control capabilities. The HVAC control panel used capacitive touch buttons with intelligent masking to prevent accidental misuse. The GV80's second row was spacious, with power seats and window shades available. A third row was standard on the 3.5T AWD Advanced+ models, increasing passenger capacity to seven, though it was not available on other trims.

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 them in use. The Turbo Premium Plus model included a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. The rear seats provided adequate headroom for short-to-medium trips but were less spacious than the larger CX-5. Overall, the CX-30's interior was practical, with ample storage and deep door pockets.

The 2021 Genesis GV80's infotainment system featured a 14.5-inch HD screen with user-configurable split-screen displays, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered cloud connectivity with over-the-air updates and a digital key function for Android users. The GV80 included three years of complimentary Genesis Connected Services, providing a range of remote and guidance features. Higher trims came with a head-up display and a 12.3-inch 3D digital instrument cluster. The audio system ranged from a standard 12-speaker setup to a premium 21-speaker Lexicon Quantum Logic Surround system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was integrated into the dash and controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons, lacking touch functionality. This setup, inspired by luxury systems like BMW's iDrive, was criticized for its usability, especially when navigating Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Despite its elegant design, the system was challenging to use, even after setup. The CX-30's infotainment system required patience and familiarity, which could be frustrating for new users.

The 2021 Genesis GV80 had not been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA at the time, but Genesis aimed for top safety ratings. It came equipped with 10 airbags, including a front-center airbag, and a suite of safety features such as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision-avoidance assist. The GV80 also featured adaptive cruise control with machine learning and highway-driving assist, which could perform lane changes and adjust lane positioning. Its Remote Smart Parking Assist allowed for automated parking in various scenarios.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was well-equipped with standard driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. The CX-30's adaptive front headlights and 360-degree parking camera were notable features. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.