2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L was a longer version of the standard two-row Grand Cherokee, extending 11.4 inches to accommodate a third row of seats. Its wheelbase stretched an additional five inches, providing more legroom in the second row and wider rear doors. The design seamlessly integrated the extra length, making the standard Grand Cherokee appear truncated. Jeep's decision to release the L model first, as a 2021 model, before the two-row version in 2022, contributed to this perception. The Grand Cherokee L maintained Jeep's recognizable design elements, such as the seven-slot grille and U-shaped wheel arches, while modernizing the lighting and improving the paint finish and panel fit. The interior was luxurious, featuring dual high-resolution screens, real wood, aluminum, and quilted Nappa leather, offering a Mercedes-like style and quality without sharing parts.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two engine options: a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the 2.5 S model and a turbocharged version producing up to 250 horsepower in the 2.5 Turbo. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's design was artful, though somewhat marred by excessive gray body cladding. Inside, the cabin was upscale, with quality materials and a tasteful combination of colors. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model featured off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents, resembling an entry-level luxury SUV. Despite its premium pricing, the CX-30's interior justified the cost with its elegant design and quality materials.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offered two engine choices: a 3.6-liter V6 and a 5.7-liter V8, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The V6 produced 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but it struggled with the vehicle's weight, especially when fully loaded. The V8, available on higher trims, delivered 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, providing a more satisfying driving experience. The 4xe plug-in hybrid, although untested, promised 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Grand Cherokee L excelled in ride composure and steering feel, with an optional air suspension offering five ride height settings for various driving conditions. Its towing capacity reached up to 7,200 pounds with 4WD.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's 2.5 S models gained five additional horsepower, totaling 191, with 186 lb-ft of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine produced 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel, or 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30 offered 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 off-guard in heavy traffic. The CX-30's suspension was compliant, and its G-Vectoring Control Plus technology made it enjoyable on twisty roads. However, the small fuel tank limited its range, and the brake pedal required more effort than expected.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L featured the Uconnect 5 infotainment system with a sleek interface and physical switches for climate and stereo controls. The Laredo and Altitude trims had an 8.4-inch touchscreen, while higher trims offered a 10.1-inch display. The Grand Cherokee L provided ample space in all rows, with second-row captain's chairs standard and a 60/40 split bench seat optional. A panoramic roof and multiple USB ports enhanced comfort, though the air vents were insufficient for proper airflow. The third row could accommodate average adults comfortably, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 included standard dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, and heated front seats. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel. The CX-30's front passenger seat offered limited adjustment, and rear legroom was tight. Storage space was reasonable, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The CX-30's cargo space was limited, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded. The power liftgate, standard on higher trims, was unnecessary given the modest cargo capacity.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L's upper trims offered premium features like massage modes for the front seats, a head-up display, night vision, and a 360-degree camera system. The Uconnect system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger and dual 10.1-inch rear-seat displays. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and blind spot monitoring. The Summit trims added automatic parking, front cross-traffic alert, and a driver attention monitor. The Summit Reserve featured a 19-speaker McIntosh stereo.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system lacked a touchscreen, relying on center console controls that required visual reference. The system's voice recognition was not conversational, and there was no tuning knob. Despite these drawbacks, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. All CX-30s included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was an optional accessory.

The 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L had not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with driver and passenger knee airbags, a rear seat alert, trailer sway control, and various driver aids.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact crash protection and standard rear side airbags. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, and Traffic Jam Assist. The CX-30's safety systems worked well, though a forward-collision warning was triggered unexpectedly during testing.