2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo featured a distinctive design with shiny black 18-inch wheels, a black grille, black side mirror housings, and matte black body cladding. This gave the vehicle a unique, almost floating appearance, as if it were cresting a hill at speed. The CX-30 stood higher off the ground compared to the Mazda3 hatchback, on which it was based, making it perceptually and physically more elevated. Inside, the cabin mirrored the Mazda3’s, with quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, providing an upscale vibe. The only changes were a chrome accent around the engine start button and a standard frameless rearview mirror. The SUV offered black and Griege leatherette upholstery, with black or white leather available in Premium and Premium Plus trims. Prices ranged from about $31,000 to $35,745, including destination charges.

The 2022 Acura MDX, built on a new dedicated platform, had a longer wheelbase, overall length, and a wider body and track. The dash-to-axle distance increased by over four inches, enhancing its elegant appearance. Standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and larger wheels contributed to a sportier, more assertive design. Inside, the MDX featured a layered dashboard, natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather, creating a rich feel. The center console housed unique gear selection controls, a touchpad for infotainment, and a rotary dial for drive modes. The 12.3-inch infotainment screen was well-placed, and the front seats offered a wide range of adjustments. The MDX’s exterior came in eight colors, with six interior themes available.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo came with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower depending on the fuel octane. Torque ranged from 310 lb-ft at 2,000 rpm to 320 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm. The six-speed automatic transmission and standard i-Activ all-wheel-drive system were tuned for better performance. The CX-30 Turbo had an EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving, with an average of 24.1 mpg during testing. The SUV’s G-Vectoring Control Plus technology and revised front suspension provided effortless acceleration and managed torque steer effectively. The i-Activ AWD system distributed power to the rear wheels, enhancing traction and response. The CX-30 Turbo also featured an Off-Road mode for better performance on rough terrain.

The 2022 Acura MDX was powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 290 horsepower and 267 lb-ft of torque. A new 10-speed automatic transmission sent power to the front wheels or all four wheels with the optional Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The SH-AWD system could send up to 70% of torque to the rear wheels and 100% to either side during cornering. The MDX’s suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and a revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The SUV’s overall stiffness and rigidity were enhanced, providing a solid ride feel. The 10-speed transmission worked smoothly with the engine, offering five drive modes for different driving conditions. The MDX performed well in comparison tests, feeling closer to the Audi Q7 and outperforming the Lexus RX L and Volvo XC90.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The cabin’s organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, though the rear seats were cramped for adults. Storage space was generous, but the location of the wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin was inconvenient. The CX-30 Turbo provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2022 Acura MDX provided comfortable seating for the first two rows, with an innovative second row featuring a removable center section. The second row could slide and recline, balancing legroom for second- and third-row passengers. The third row was best suited for pre-teens and smaller individuals. The MDX offered flexible cargo capacity, with 16.3 to 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable to 71.4 to 95 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The power tailgate featured “Grab ‘N Go” and Hands-Free Access functions, and the interior lighting was customizable with 27 themes.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto provided smartphone integration, but the system’s interface was cumbersome. The CX-30 Turbo included three years of Mazda Connected Services, with remote engine starting and a vehicle finder function. Premium and Premium Plus trims added SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, a 12-speaker Bose audio system, and an Active Driving Display.

The 2022 Acura MDX offered the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification in upper trims. The base MDX came with a nine-speaker system, while the Tech Package included a 12-speaker ELS Studio system. All MDX models featured a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the Acura Precision Cockpit digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless charging were standard. The MDX also included a CabinTalk feature, a head-up display, and a WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA, except for a four-star rating in rollover resistance. The SUV came with a full suite of i-ActiveSense advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive front lighting, parking sensors, rear automatic braking, a surround-view camera system, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30 Turbo also featured a mobile 9-1-1 automatic emergency notification system.

The 2022 Acura MDX had not yet been rated by the IIHS and NHTSA, but the outgoing model received high ratings. The MDX was engineered with a higher percentage of high-strength steel and an advanced safety structure. The front end was redesigned for pedestrian safety, and a low-speed braking control system was included. The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance technologies was standard, featuring collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor, and traffic-jam assist.