2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Genesis GV70

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was reminiscent of a smaller CX-5, featuring an upright grille and smooth, flowing fenders. Built on the same platform as the Mazda3, it was essentially a raised 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 windshield's slight curve at eye level for taller drivers could distort the road view, which was distracting. Inside, 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, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. The infotainment screen rose organically from the dashboard, but its steep learning curve was a downside.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 shared stylistic connections with the G70 compact luxury sedan, especially above the belt-line. Its split-bar headlights and strong chrome line visually connected it to its sedan counterpart, hinting at a coupe-like SUV without losing versatility. The GV70's cabin was luxurious, using top-notch materials with excellent fit and finish. The design was both contemporary and classic, with climate controls integrated into a curving bezel and a touchscreen rising organically from the dash. The GV70's dash featured a full touchscreen backed by a rotary dial and button controls, with physical rollers on the center console and steering wheel, offering a better experience than touch capacitive controls.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded turbocharged 2.5-liter engine delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on 87 octane fuel, and 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on 93 octane. Power was routed to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. The turbocharged engine provided decent acceleration, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's sporty, refined ride offered well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, though it resulted in a rough ride over potholes.

The 2023 Genesis GV70 2.5T came with a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque. The 3.5T variant featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines used an eight-speed automatic transmission with AWD. The GV70 Electrified used a 77.4-kWh battery pack powering two electric motors, producing a combined 429 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a Boost mode increasing output to 483 horsepower. The electric GV70 offered 236 miles of range and fast charging capabilities, with well-rounded handling leaning towards comfort.

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

The 2023 Genesis GV70 provided 56.9 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats folded, and 28.9 cubic feet with seats in use, above average for the compact luxury SUV segment. It came standard with a hands-free power liftgate. The GV70's center console featured decently large cupholders, though in-door cupholders couldn't hold larger bottles. The front seats were easily adjustable for comfort, but rear legroom was tighter, requiring front-row occupants to slide their seats forward. The rear bench reclined for added comfort.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's elegant dash design featured an infotainment screen nestled into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigating between presets was challenging, even after learning the system.

The 2023 Genesis GV70's standard infotainment system was a 14.5-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The touchscreen was user-friendly, with large icons and logical menus. Genesis provided helpful buttons and a rotary dial for control, though its proximity to the rotary shifter could cause confusion. The GV70 included four USB ports, wireless charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker stereo system, with available ambient lighting and a digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features like 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, 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 Genesis GV70 offered a full suite of driver-assistance technology, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention monitoring, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 2.5T's Advance Package added a blind-spot camera system, reverse automatic emergency braking, and a 360-degree parking camera. The GV70 Electrified included most features as standard, except for the head-up display, part of the Prestige trim.