2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Genesis GV70 showcased a distinctive design that set it apart from its siblings in the Genesis lineup. It featured the brand's signature quad LED strips for headlights and taillights, along with a prominent shield-shaped grille. The GV70's sloping roofline added a fastback-like silhouette, complemented by ribbed detailing that enhanced its muscular profile. This combination of SUV bulk and athletic elements gave the GV70 a unique blend of ruggedness and sleekness. The Sport Prestige model further distinguished itself with unique styling cues, including a model-specific front fascia with large vents, 21-inch wheels with a web pattern, and dark-finished chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by the cross-section of an airplane wing, with an elliptical theme that extended to the controls, door handles, and armrests. The design was minimalistic, with a perched touchscreen and hidden air vents, creating a baroque spaceship-like ambiance. The interior offered a variety of color options and luxurious materials, such as Nappa leather upholstery with suede inserts in the Sport Prestige model, while base models featured leatherette seats.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, was reminiscent of a downsized CX-5, with its upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, the CX-30 was essentially a raised version of the Mazda3 hatchback. Its raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing distractions for taller drivers due to its slight curve. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to the buttons and doors. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, featuring a blend of conventional and digital displays in the instrument cluster and an infotainment screen that rose organically from the dashboard. However, the infotainment system's form over function approach resulted in a steep learning curve. The CX-30 offered various trim levels, each adding more features, with the Turbo Premium Plus model providing a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features and a refined interior.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The GV70 included a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, features more commonly found in sporty coupes. The Sport+ drive mode enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior for spirited driving, but the GV70's chassis and steering lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising, though its firm ride and lack of solidity detracted from its luxury appeal.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane fuel. Power was routed through a six-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's conventional shifter design, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and manual tap-shift mode added to its performance credibility. The CX-30 offered a sporty, refined ride with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it could be rough over potholes and imperfections.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment. Despite its car-like roofline, it provided front-seat headroom comparable to a Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and back-seat headroom similar to a BMW X3. Legroom in both rows was adequate, and rear-seat visibility was good. Cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats in place and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded, placing the GV70 in the middle ground of its segment. The interior design, while daring, compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The Sport Prestige model featured heavily bolstered front seats with heating, ventilation, massage, and posture-assist functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with them in use, which was average for the subcompact SUV segment. The Turbo Premium Plus model included a power rear liftgate. The front seats featured a sliding center console cover, though it could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. The center console offered ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats provided solid headroom for short-to-medium trips, though they lacked the headroom of the larger CX-5.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 was equipped with a 14.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The screen's tile-based layout and crisp graphics were user-friendly, and the glass rotary controller offered pinch-and-zoom functionality. Higher trim levels included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display with a 3D effect. The GV70 also featured a digital-key option, a fingerprint scanner for starting the car, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided remote camera activation, driver profiles, and other features for three years.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons, with no touch functionality. This setup, inspired by older luxury-car systems, was less user-friendly, especially for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system's complexity persisted even after setting up presets, making it challenging for new users. Despite its elegant dash design, the infotainment system's usability was a drawback.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, blind-spot and forward collision-avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. It also featured Highway Driving Assist with automated lane centering and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality and navigation-based adaptive cruise control. The GV70 had eight airbags, including a front-center airbag, but crash-test ratings were not available.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with standard driver-assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic-sign recognition, parking sensors, and reverse automatic emergency braking. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, with top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.