2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup included the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, with the new ST-Line adding a sporty flair to the XLT version. Our test vehicle, the Explorer King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out from other models. Its rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, with a "floating roof" effect. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts, though the cabin mixed quality and questionable materials for its price point.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 came in two models: the 2.5 S with a 191-horsepower engine and the 2.5 Turbo with up to 250 horsepower. All models featured a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD. The 2.5 S offered trims from base to Premium, priced between $22,950 and $31,500, while the 2.5 Turbo came in Premium and Premium Plus trims, ranging from $33,800 to $35,400. Our test vehicle, a 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, had Soul Red paint and a stainless steel rear bumper guard, with an MSRP of $37,505. The CX-30's design was artful yet marred by excessive gray body cladding. Inside, it featured an upscale cabin with quality materials, including off-white leather and polished metal accents, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims had a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic and RWD, with 4WD available. It could tow up to 5,300 pounds and achieved 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine for 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and returning 27 mpg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,600 lbs with 21 mpg. Our King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling off-road terrain with ease, and felt athletic in daily driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower for a total of 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel economy at 29 mpg. The 2.5 Turbo, with premium gas, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas. Both engines had a six-speed automatic transmission with AWD. The CX-30 offered eight inches of ground clearance and Off-Road traction assist. Weighing 3,525 pounds, the 2.5 Turbo provided robust acceleration but struggled in heavy traffic. The small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited range, averaging 23.6 mpg. The CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, with G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering, but the suspension felt soft. On highways, it was quiet and refined, though the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families of four, with a second-row bench seat for occasional five-passenger capacity. The third-row seat was suitable only for children due to the rear-drive platform and low roofline. The King Ranch trim featured triple-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access. Storage space was limited, with missed opportunities for practical pockets and cubbies. The hands-free power liftgate revealed 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 87.8 cubic feet with rear seats folded.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered dual-zone climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. The driver's seat was comfortable, but the front passenger seat had limited adjustment. Rear air conditioning vents were standard, but legroom was tight. Storage space was reasonable, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The power liftgate revealed 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded. However, the cargo space lacked nooks, nets, or underfloor storage.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of the Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. Our test vehicle had FordPass Connect, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and navigation. The King Ranch included wireless charging, a surround-view camera, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Sync 3 system lacked the advanced voice recognition of Sync 4, leading to challenges with voice commands. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three flaws: no touchscreen, lack of conversational voice recognition, and no tuning knob. The controls required quick looks down, causing distraction. The voice-recognition system was ineffective, with a 50 percent success rate. The system lacked a tuning knob, making it difficult to change radio stations. Despite these issues, the 8.8-inch display was well integrated, 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, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. The Explorer also had post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. The systems operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity was lacking.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS. It included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Additional features included a driver monitoring system, automatic high-beam headlights, and E911 emergency notification. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, adaptive front lighting, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The Turbo Premium Plus included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and Traffic Jam Assist. The systems worked well, though a forward-collision warning was triggered unexpectedly during testing.