2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was a striking vehicle with its exclusive shiny black 18-inch wheels, grille, and side mirror housings, complemented by thick matte black body cladding. This design choice gave the CX-30 a unique and bold appearance, as if a black Sharpie had been used to accentuate its features. Mazda's intention was to create a light and agile look, suggesting the body was floating over the wheels, a perception enhanced by the vehicle's elevated stance compared to the Mazda3 hatchback on which it was based. Inside, the CX-30's cabin mirrored the Mazda3's, offering quality materials, complementary tones, and stitched chocolate brown surfaces, providing an upscale vibe. The interior changes were minimal, with a chrome accent around the engine start button and a standard frameless rearview mirror. The SUV offered a choice of leatherette or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level, with prices ranging from about $31,000 to $35,745 for the Premium Plus trim.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while inheriting some styling elements from other Genesis models, maintained a unique appearance. It featured quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, a large shield-shaped grille, and a sloping roofline that gave it a fastback look. The ribbed detailing added a muscular profile, combining SUV bulk with athletic, car-like elements. The Sport Prestige models had unique styling features, including a model-specific front fascia with big vents, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark chrome trim. The interior had an elliptical theme inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with most controls housed in a thin elliptical pod. The design was minimal, with a touchscreen perched atop the dashboard and hidden air vents. The GV70 offered a wide array of interior color options, and the material quality in the Sport Prestige test car was luxurious, featuring Nappa leather upholstery with suede seat inserts.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo was equipped with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing between 227 and 250 horsepower, depending on the fuel's octane rating. It delivered 310 to 320 lb-ft of torque, ensuring effortless acceleration. The six-speed automatic transmission, standard i-Activ AWD, and G-Vectoring Control Plus technology contributed to its performance. The CX-30 Turbo had an EPA rating of 25 mpg in combined driving, with a maximum driving range of just over 305 miles. Mazda focused on providing a satisfying driving experience rather than the fastest acceleration times. The CX-30 Turbo's AWD system actively distributed power to the rear wheels, enhancing traction and response. However, the added height and weight made it less pleasurable to drive compared to the Mazda3. The CX-30 Turbo's 2.5 inches of extra ground clearance and Off-Road mode made it suitable for off-road adventures, although it was not designed for extreme off-roading.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter turbo-four producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and kept the engine in its power band. However, the GV70's chassis felt big and heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising, but the ride was firm, even in Comfort mode, and it lacked the solidity expected from a luxury vehicle.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo offered exceptional comfort for the driver, with eight-way power adjustment and heated front seats. The interior layout was driver-focused, with controls arranged for an intimate setting. The cabin's organic shapes and minimalism contributed to a sense of spaciousness, although the rear seat was cramped for adults. The CX-30 Turbo provided 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded. However, the location of the optional wireless smartphone charger in the center console storage bin limited its usability.

The 2022 Genesis GV70's interior space was mid-pack for its segment. It offered adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. The cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The daringly-designed interior compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige test car were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions. However, the massage controls were buried in touchscreen menus, and the posture assist activated unexpectedly.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo featured an 8.8-inch infotainment display operated via physical controls and voice commands. While the system required acclimation, it offered standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Premium and Premium Plus trims included SiriusXM satellite radio, a navigation system, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system. The Active Driving Display projected useful data onto the windshield, enhancing safety.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system's tile-based layout and glass rotary controller were user-friendly. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 featured a digital-key, fingerprint scanner, and advanced rear-seat monitors. Genesis Connected Services included driver profiles, last-mile guidance, and a valet mode.

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 rollover resistance rating. It came with a full suite of i-ActiveSense ADAS, including adaptive front lighting and Traffic Jam Assist. The mobile 9-1-1 emergency notification system enhanced safety.

The 2022 Genesis GV70's crash-test ratings were unavailable, but it came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The GV70's safety systems performed well, but lane-centering struggled with sharp curves.