2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Hyundai Palisade

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 distractions for taller drivers due to its slight curve. Inside, the cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a solid feel to its components. The interior design was one of the best among affordable cars, blending conventional and digital displays artfully. However, the infotainment system, while attractive, had a steep learning curve.

In contrast, the 2023 Hyundai Palisade had a commanding presence with its updated styling. The new front fascia, LED accents, and squared-off grille gave it a stronger look. Body-color mirrors with auto-dimming were standard, and the top Calligraphy trim featured premium rear accent lighting and a unique grille. The Palisade's interior was stylish, with premium Nappa leather in the Calligraphy trim and a dual-pane sunroof brightening the space. The seating configurations allowed for seven or eight passengers, with heated and ventilated seats available in higher trims. The Palisade's design was both elegant and functional, offering a comfortable ride for all passengers.

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

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade featured a 3.8-liter V6 engine with 291 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, making it more powerful than several competitors. An eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters was standard, and all-wheel drive was an optional upgrade. The Palisade excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 5,000 pounds and a dedicated Tow Mode for AWD models. Fuel economy for FWD models was 19 mpg city, 27 highway, and 22 combined, while AWD models achieved 19 city, 25 highway, and 21 combined. The Palisade offered a comfortable ride, suitable for light off-roading and everyday driving.

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 them in use. The power rear liftgate was a convenient feature. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck when the rear seats were folded. Rear seats provided adequate headroom for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be less comfortable.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade was spacious, seating seven or eight passengers comfortably. It offered 44.1 inches of legroom in the front, 42.4 in the second row, and 31.4 in the third. Passenger volume was 155.3 cubic feet, with easy access to the third row. Cargo space was 18 cubic feet with all seats in place, 45.8 behind the second row, and 86.4 with the seats folded flat. The Palisade featured HVAC vents in all rows, ample cupholders, and a well-organized center console. The hands-free smart liftgate was standard on all but the base trim.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was elegantly integrated into the dash but lacked touch functionality, controlled instead by a rotary dial and toggle buttons. This setup, inspired by luxury-car systems, was criticized for its usability. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with the rotary dial was challenging, though entering CarPlay was straightforward. The system remained cumbersome even after setup, potentially distracting for new users.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade boasted advanced technology, including a standard WiFi hotspot and a 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment system. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and more. A premium Harman Kardon sound system was available in higher trims. The Palisade offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a color head-up display in Limited and Calligraphy models. Remote accessibility features, such as Hyundai's Bluelink and Digital Key 2 Touch, enhanced convenience, allowing remote control of various functions and key sharing.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 was equipped with standard driver-assistance features like forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model included additional features such as blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree parking camera. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS.

The 2023 Hyundai Palisade's safety features were enhanced, with the Smart Sense suite standard across all trims. New features included second-row side-impact airbags and blind-spot collision avoidance. Highway Driving Assist I and II were available, with the latter offering lane change assistance. The Palisade's safety was expected to maintain its high standards, with a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS for the previous model.