2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Buick Enclave

The 2022 Buick Enclave was a testament to Buick's evolution from conservative styling to a more modern and upscale design. Historically known for its softer lines and functional interiors, Buick had shifted its focus to SUVs, reflecting the broader market trend. The Enclave, with its mid-cycle refresh, showcased several exterior enhancements, including a new grille and updated fascias, headlamps, and wheel designs. The Avenir trim, in particular, stood out with its unique styling elements and 20-inch wheels. Inside, the Enclave offered a restyled center console, upgraded materials, and luxurious features like heated, cooled, and massaging front seats, especially in the Avenir trim. The interior's quality and comfort were notable, with the Avenir-exclusive seat pattern adding a touch of visual appeal.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 presented a more artful and dynamic design, albeit with some polarizing elements like excessive gray body cladding. The CX-30's long hood and sleek lines gave it a distinctive look, while the interior exuded an upscale feel with quality materials and thoughtful design. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model featured a tasteful combination of off-white leather and contrasting colors, creating an entry-level luxury ambiance. Despite its compact size, the CX-30's cabin was well-appointed, though rear legroom was limited. The overall design and material quality helped justify its premium pricing, making it an appealing choice for those seeking a stylish and refined small SUV.

The 2022 Buick Enclave was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 310 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided a smooth and responsive driving experience, with the Enclave's AWD system and premium ride suspension enhancing its handling across various terrains. The Enclave's towing capacity reached up to 5,000 pounds, making it a versatile choice for families. Buick's QuietTuning technology ensured a serene cabin environment, rivaling more expensive luxury vehicles. Despite its size, the Enclave offered surprisingly good acceleration, and the engine's sound added a touch of personality to the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 191 horsepower and a turbocharged version producing up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with AWD as standard. The CX-30's turbocharged engine provided robust acceleration and a thrilling driving experience, especially on twisty roads. However, the small fuel tank limited its range, requiring frequent refueling. The CX-30's suspension offered a balance of comfort and agility, though it struggled with speed bumps and rough surfaces. Despite these challenges, the CX-30 remained one of the most enjoyable vehicles in its class, thanks to its engaging driving dynamics and responsive handling.

The 2022 Buick Enclave excelled in providing a spacious and comfortable interior, with easy ingress and egress and excellent visibility. The Enclave's cabin accommodated passengers in all three rows with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. The second-row captain's chairs facilitated access to the third row, which could comfortably seat adults. The Enclave's cargo space was generous, offering 23.6 cubic feet behind the third row and expanding to 97.4 cubic feet with all seats folded. The restyled center console and push-button transmission added convenience, though the potential for spills raised concerns about the electronic shifter's durability.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a well-appointed interior with standard features like dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, and rear legroom was tight. Storage space was adequate, with various compartments for small items. The CX-30's cargo capacity was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded. Despite its compact size, the CX-30's interior design and material quality contributed to a premium feel, though its cargo space fell short compared to competitors.

The 2022 Buick Enclave featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a WiFi hotspot and a 10-speaker Bose audio system in higher trims. The system supported multiple device pairings and offered a user-friendly interface, though some graphics appeared dated. The Enclave's technology suite included advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and a head-up display, enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system faced criticism for its lack of a touchscreen and intuitive controls. The system required frequent glances away from the road, and its voice-recognition technology was limited. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Bose sound system in higher trims. The infotainment system's design and graphics were appealing, but its functionality left room for improvement.

The 2022 Buick Enclave came equipped with the Buick Driver Confidence Plus package, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and blind-spot warning. The Enclave received high safety ratings from the IIHS, though it fell short in the updated side-impact test. The NHTSA had not published crash-test ratings for the 2022 model at the time of writing.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, thanks to its enhanced side-impact protection and standard safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The CX-30's advanced safety systems, including a surround-view camera and Traffic Jam Assist, provided additional peace of mind. However, the forward-collision warning system's sensitivity raised concerns during testing, though it effectively prevented potential collisions.