2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Acura MDX

The 2022 Acura MDX, a pioneer in the three-row luxury crossover SUV category, had always managed to look smaller on the outside than it felt on the inside. This new generation was built on a dedicated platform, distinct from the Honda Pilot, with tweaked proportions including a longer wheelbase, wider body, and increased dash-to-axle distance. The MDX featured standard Jewel Eye LED headlights and expressive linear LED daytime running lights, along with larger wheels and tires, giving it a sportier and more assertive exterior design. Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the MDX showcased high craftsmanship and quality.

Inside, the MDX was modernized with a layered dashboard that emphasized cabin width and authentic materials like natural wood, genuine aluminum, and real leather. The center console housed unique gear selection controls, a touchpad for infotainment functions, and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The front seats were comfortable and adjustable, with a beefy steering wheel housing redundant controls. The MDX offered a solid, quality feel, with a variety of exterior colors and interior themes to choose from.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options: a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and a turbocharged version producing up to 250 horsepower. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's design featured a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, though its gray body cladding was seen as excessive. The 2.5 Turbo's black wheels were nearly invisible within the dark lower body.

Inside, the CX-30's upscale cabin featured quality materials, with most trims offering leather upholstery and gloss black trim. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model had a tasteful combination of off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black dashboard and door panels. The interior looked like an entry-level luxury SUV, justifying the CX-30's premium pricing.

The 2022 Acura MDX came with a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet 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 featured torque vectoring, enhancing cornering feel and control. The MDX's suspension was upgraded to a double-wishbone setup in the front and revised multi-link suspension in the rear, improving ride quality and handling. The MDX's overall stiffness and rigidity were significantly improved, providing a solid ride feel. The new 10-speed automatic transmission worked smoothly with the engine, offering five drive modes to suit different driving styles.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower for a total of 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produced 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium gas, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The CX-30 had eight inches of ground clearance and an Off-Road traction assist function. The 2.5 Turbo provided robust acceleration and a pleasing engine sound, though the powertrain could be caught flat-footed in heavy traffic. The CX-30's suspension had plenty of compliance, making it enjoyable on twisty roads, but it felt soft in daily driving situations. The small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited the driving range, requiring frequent refueling stops.

The 2022 Acura MDX, as a three-row SUV, offered comfortable seating for the first two rows, with dual bucket sport seats in the front and an innovative second row with a removable center section. The second row could slide and recline, providing flexibility for legroom. The third row was best suited for pre-teens and smaller passengers. The MDX offered between 16.3 and 18.1 cubic feet of luggage space behind the third row, expandable 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 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was comfortable, but the front passenger seat offered only four-way manual adjustment. Rear legroom was tight, though the seatbacks were padded. Storage space was reasonable, with various bins and compartments. The CX-30 had 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The power liftgate was standard on higher trims but unnecessary given the cargo space.

The 2022 Acura MDX featured the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System with 16 speakers and 710 watts of amplification in the A-Spec and Advance Packages. The base MDX had a nine-speaker system, while the Tech Package included a 12-speaker system. Navigation was standard on Tech and above trims, and all models had a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Qi-compatible wireless charging were standard. The A-Spec and Advance trims included a CabinTalk feature, and the Advance package added a head-up display and surround-view camera system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had several flaws, including the lack of a touchscreen display, non-conversational voice recognition, and no tuning knob. The 8.8-inch display was integrated into the dashboard with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. All CX-30s had Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose premium sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was an extra-cost accessory.

The 2022 Acura MDX had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA, but the outgoing model received high marks. The MDX featured 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 operated between one and six mph. The AcuraWatch suite of safety and driver assistance technologies was standard, including collision mitigation braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, road departure mitigation, traffic sign recognition, driver attention monitor, and traffic-jam assist.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with improved side-impact crash protection. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver monitoring, automatic high-beam headlights, and an E911 emergency notification system. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive front lighting, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist.