2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Acura MDX

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 had the look and styling of a downsized CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. It rode on the same platform as the Mazda3, essentially acting as a raised-up version of the Mazda3 hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse on sunny days, potentially causing a tan on longer drives. However, the slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the view of the road, which was distracting.

Inside, the CX-30's cabin was comfortable and quiet, with solid-feeling buttons and doors. It boasted one of the best interior designs among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays in the instrument cluster. The infotainment screen rose organically from the smooth dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside. The trim levels ranged from the 2.5 S to the Turbo Premium Plus, each adding more features and luxury elements.

The 2023 Acura MDX, particularly in the Type S Advance trim, set a different expectation for quality, luxury, and driving dynamism. The fourth-generation MDX was the first Acura SUV to wear the Type S badge, featuring chicane-design LED running lights and taillights, LED headlights with automatic high-beam operation, and 21-inch wheels. The Type S Advance added open-pore wood and a leather-wrapped dashboard, enhancing its appeal.

However, the MDX's design had some flaws. The body tapering at the doors could make it look like it had a massive dent from certain angles. The gloss black plastic on the dashboard made it challenging to find and use some controls. Additionally, the electronic transmission switchgear was confusing, even for those familiar with it. Despite these nit-picks, the MDX Type S remained a fundamentally attractive luxury SUV.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model had the upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder 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 to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, especially in Sport mode, which altered throttle response and shift mapping for a livelier drive.

The CX-30's conventional shifter design, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and manual tap-shift mode added to its sporty feel. The ride was sporty and refined, with well-weighted steering and quick, precise turn-in. However, the downside was a rough ride over potholes and bumpy roads, where nearly every crack and imperfection could be felt.

The 2023 Acura MDX Type S stood out with its turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, generating 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. This was a significant increase over the standard 3.5-liter V6. The twin-scroll turbo V6 used a 10-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, powering all four wheels through Acura's Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). The Integrated Dynamics System offered various driving modes, including Snow, Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+.

Despite the performance enhancements, the MDX Type S fell short. The transmission was indecisive, the ride lacked compliance, and the brake pedal modulation was poor. The engine's power increase didn't justify its dismal fuel economy, averaging 16.9 mpg in combined driving. The MDX Type S struggled as a driver's SUV, with issues in transmission behavior, brake response, and tire squeal. The lack of cohesion among its dynamic components made it hard to trust when driving with enthusiasm.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 offered up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with the seats in use. These figures were average for the subcompact SUV segment. The Turbo Premium Plus model featured a power rear liftgate, which was helpful. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, but it could get stuck under the seat when the rear seats were folded. The center console provided ample space for personal items, and the front doors had deep pockets for large water bottles. Rear seats offered solid headroom but might be tight for longer drives.

The 2023 Acura MDX provided three rows of seats with options for two or three second-row seating positions. The cargo area had plenty of usable floor space. The Type S Advance trim included 16-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage, wrapped in quilted leather upholstery. The second-row seat could be adjusted for more third-row space, but the third row was best for children. The cabin's style took precedence over storage space, with limited bin space under the front center armrest.

The MDX's cargo area was spacious, with a sizable well under the reversible load floor panel. It could carry 18.1 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row, 39.1 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 71.4 cubic feet with both rear rows folded flat. The Type S Advance had a hands-free liftgate with a Walk Away Close function, adding convenience.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen nestled into the dash. The screen had no touch functionality and was controlled by a rotary dial/joystick in the center console, along with toggle buttons. This setup was inspired by luxury-car infotainment systems like BMW's iDrive but lacked usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a rotary dial was frustrating, and the system remained confusing even after setting up presets.

The 2023 Acura MDX's Digital Precision Cockpit included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 12.3-inch infotainment display. The infotainment screen wasn't touch-sensitive and required the use of a True Touchpad Interface (TTI) on the center console. The TTI design reduced center console storage space and partially blocked the wireless charging pad. The MDX featured wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa Built-In, but the native voice recognition system was frustrating.

The MDX offered several sound systems, with the top-shelf Signature Edition ELS Studio 3D high-end audio system featuring 25 speakers. The Advance package added a 10.5-inch head-up display (HUD) with navigation instructions, driving assistance status, and more. However, the traffic sign recognition system occasionally misread signs, causing concern.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features, including forward collision avoidance, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, rain-sensing wipers, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added 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 a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.

The 2023 Acura MDX included Acura Watch, featuring forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, adaptive cruise control, and Traffic Jam Assist. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, low-speed automatic braking, and a surround-view camera system. The MDX earned a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA, though it had some issues with false lane-departure notifications and collision warnings.