2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 GMC Terrain

The 2022 GMC Terrain received a facelift with updated front styling, new wheel designs, taillights, and interior trim. The new AT4 trim level featured a bolder grille, black 17-inch alloy wheels with sport-terrain tires, and AT4 badges. GMC equipped the AT4 with a steel skid plate to protect vital components, anticipating some off-road use. Our test vehicle came with Ebony Twilight metallic paint, a black leather interior, and several packages, bringing the MSRP to $41,810. Despite the high price, the interior materials and execution did not meet expectations, with pushbutton transmission controls and a head-up display on a clear plastic panel rather than the windshield.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 had the look of a downsized CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. It shared its platform with the Mazda3, resembling a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days and had a slight curve that could distort the view for taller drivers. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a blend of conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system had a steep learning curve, controlled by a rotary dial rather than a touchscreen. The CX-30 offered various trim levels, with the Turbo Premium Plus model adding numerous driver assistance features.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. The engine's torque was available between 2,000 and 4,000 rpm, but there was a delay off the line. The nine-speed automatic transmission kept the Terrain in the torque band once rolling. The Terrain AT4 could switch between FWD and AWD modes, with an Off-Road mode and Hill Descent Control. However, torque steer was an issue in FWD mode. The Terrain had a four-wheel independent suspension and 7.9 inches of ground clearance. It offered a good ride on pavement but struggled off-road, with the front end scraping on rough terrain. The EPA rating was 26 mpg, and our test saw 26.2 mpg.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model had the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. The six-speed automatic transmission routed power to all four wheels. The CX-30 had a Sport mode for livelier performance and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The ride was sporty and refined, with quick and precise turn-in and little body roll. However, the suspension was rough over potholes and imperfections.

The 2022 GMC Terrain's interior was roomy for a compact crossover, with numerous comfort features and storage solutions. Our AT4 model had power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The back seat was spacious, with plenty of legroom and a rear USB charging port. Cargo space was 29.6 cubic feet behind the back seat, expanding to 63.3 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The front passenger seat could also fold down for longer items.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with the seats in use. Our Turbo Premium Plus model had a power rear liftgate. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck under the rear seats when folded. The center console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. The rear seats offered solid headroom but were tight for longer drives.

The 2022 GMC Terrain offered two infotainment systems: a 7-inch touchscreen for SLE trim and an 8-inch touchscreen for SLT, AT4, and Denali trims. Both systems included Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and GMC Connected Services through OnStar. Our test vehicle had the larger screen with connected navigation, improved voice recognition, and a Bose audio system. The voice recognition system was excellent, but the Bose speakers were less impressive. The Tech Package added a head-up display, park assist sensors, and a surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. The system was inspired by luxury-car infotainment systems but lacked touch functionality, making it difficult to use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were challenging to operate with the rotary dial. The system was confusing even after setting up presets, and switching between them was cumbersome.

The 2022 GMC Terrain came standard with the GMC Pro Safety Package, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and a following distance indicator. The GMC Pro Safety Plus Package added adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-change assist, rear parking sensors, and a Safety Alert Seat. The IIHS awarded the Terrain mostly "Good" crash-test scores, with a "Marginal" rating in a new side-impact test. The NHTSA had not evaluated the 2022 Terrain.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control. Our Turbo Premium Plus model included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, front-and-rear parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned five stars from the NHTSA and the IIHS's Top Safety Pick+ award.