2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Honda Odyssey

The 2021 Honda Odyssey had a familiar look that was slightly updated for the new model year. It featured a new grille and front bumper, standard LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation across all trims, and a new gloss black spear with a chrome insert stretching the width of the taillights. New wheel designs were introduced for the top three trim levels, modernizing the Odyssey by reducing brightwork. Buyers could choose from five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring, and Elite, with base prices ranging from $31,790 to $47,820, excluding destination charges. The test vehicle was a Lunar Silver Metallic Elite trim, priced at $48,940, including the $1,120 destination charge. The Elite trim featured perforated leather upholstery with contrast stitching and piping, new dashboard ambient lighting, and handsome new 19-inch wheels with Shark Gray paint and machined surfaces.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had the look and styling of a downsized CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It rode on the same platform as the Mazda3, essentially serving as a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30 had a raked windshield that acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing distraction for taller drivers due to its slight curve. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, featuring an artful blend of conventional and digital displays. The infotainment screen rose organically from the smooth dashboard, but its functionality was compromised by a steep learning curve. Trim levels included 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Premium, Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus, with the 2.5 S Carbon Edition offering unique styling elements.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey was equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission powering the front wheels, producing 280 horsepower. The transmission included Normal, Sport, Econ, and Snow driving modes, along with paddle shifters. The V6 engine featured variable cylinder management for fuel efficiency, with an EPA rating of 22 mpg in combined driving. During testing, it averaged 21.8 mpg. The Odyssey lacked all-wheel drive (AWD), putting it at a disadvantage in snowy regions. However, it featured a new electronic brake booster for improved brake pedal feel and response. The Odyssey's ride and handling were pleasurable, with perfectly weighted steering and firm but comfortable ride quality. The brakes, however, did not withstand heavy use well, showing signs of fade during a heatwave test.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The test model had an upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine rated at 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, with a Sport button altering throttle response and shift mapping for a livelier drive. The CX-30 featured a conventional shifter design, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and a manual tap-shift mode. The ride was sporty and refined, with well-weighted steering and quick, precise turn-in. However, the suspension resulted in a rough ride over potholes and bumpy roads.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey offered legible instrumentation, logical controls, and ample storage. A 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat was standard in all but the base LX trim, with the Elite trim adding a heated steering wheel and heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row Magic Slide seats provided versatile seating configurations, while the third-row seats accommodated both children and adults comfortably. Cargo space measured 32.8 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 88.8 cubic feet with the third-row seat tumbled, and 144.9 cubic feet with the second-row seats removed. However, removing and reinstalling the second-row seats was cumbersome.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in use. The Turbo Premium Plus model featured a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. The center console offered ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats provided solid headroom, suitable for adults on short-to-medium trips, but lacked the headroom of the larger CX-5, making longer drives less comfortable.

Starting with EX trim, the 2021 Honda Odyssey featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, HD Radio, text-messaging support, basic HondaLink connectivity, and a Cabin Control smartphone app. Touring trim added a navigation system, HondaLink subscription service plans, WiFi capability, a CabinWatch interior camera, and a CabinTalk in-vehicle PA system. Elite trim included an 11-speaker premium sound system, multi-zone listening options, and wireless smartphone charging. The rear-seat entertainment system included a 10.2-inch screen, Blu-Ray disc player, wireless headphones, and built-in streaming apps. However, the lack of a tuning knob and subpar voice-recognition technology were drawbacks.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. The system was inspired by luxury-car infotainment systems but lacked touch functionality, making it difficult to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating between presets and exiting CarPlay was cumbersome. Despite the elegant design, the system's usability was a significant drawback.

The 2021 Honda Odyssey improved its safety features for 2021, with Honda Sensing now standard on all trims. Honda Sensing included adaptive cruise control with low-speed follow, pedestrian braking, road-sign recognition, and a new Honda Sensing menu button. EX trim and above added a blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning. The Odyssey earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, front-and-rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.