2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Mazda CX-5

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 featured new LED headlights and taillights, offering more distinctive illumination. It also had updated bumpers, a revised grille, a redesigned rear liftgate, and new alloy wheel designs. The top-of-the-line Signature trim received body-color lower exterior trim, enhancing Mazda’s premium brand aspirations. Inside, the CX-5 retained its luxurious feel with premium Nappa leather upholstery, real wood trim, and polished metallic accents. The new seats provided improved comfort, and the trim levels were restructured into CX-5 2.5 S and CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with the latter offering a turbocharged engine.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 resembled a downsized CX-5 with its upright grille and smooth fenders. Built on the Mazda3 platform, it had a raked windshield that could distort the view for taller drivers. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a blend of conventional and digital displays in the instrument cluster. The infotainment screen, though attractive, had a steep learning curve. The trim levels ranged from 2.5 S to Turbo Premium Plus, with each adding more features and premium touches. The Turbo Premium Plus model included front-and-rear parking sensors and advanced driver assistance features.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 S was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. It featured a revised six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), achieving 26 mpg in combined driving. The CX-5 2.5 Turbo, with premium gas, delivered 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, or 227 hp and 310 lb-ft with regular gas. It also had standard AWD and returned 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing showed 21.1 mpg. The CX-5’s driving dynamics were improved with increased structural rigidity and reworked suspension, offering a quieter and smoother ride with reduced body roll and enhanced grip.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30’s base engine was a 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded 2.5-liter turbocharged engine delivered 227 hp and 310 lb-ft 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, especially in Sport mode, which altered throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30 had well-weighted steering and quick turn-in, with minimal body roll in corners. However, the sporty suspension resulted in a rough ride over potholes and bumpy roads.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 addressed previous complaints with new, more supportive seats and a sportier driving position. Most trims included a height-adjustable front passenger seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated and ventilated front seats. The back seat remained snug but offered heated outboard cushions and air conditioning vents. The control layout was frustrating due to the non-touchscreen Mazda Connect infotainment system. Storage space was adequate, with a small center armrest bin and wireless smartphone charging. Cargo space was 30.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, which was competitive with entry-level luxury SUVs but less impressive compared to mainstream compact crossovers.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with the 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 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. The rear seats provided decent headroom for adults on short-to-medium trips but lacked the headroom of the larger CX-5, making longer drives less comfortable.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 retained the Mazda Connect infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, controlled via center console and steering wheel controls. The system lacked touch functionality and natural voice recognition, making it less user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with text-messaging support, E911 automatic emergency notification, and Mazda Connected Services with a three-year trial subscription. The 2.5 S Premium trim and above included a 10-speaker Bose premium sound system and SiriusXM satellite radio.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen controlled by a rotary dial/joystick and toggle buttons. The lack of touch functionality made it difficult to use, especially with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was inspired by older versions of BMW’s iDrive, which had poor usability. Navigating between presets and exiting CarPlay was cumbersome. Despite the attractive design, the infotainment system was frustrating to operate, even after spending time learning it.

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 came with a comprehensive i-Activsense package, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims added adaptive headlights, a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, automatic rear braking, and a driver monitoring system. The CX-5 earned a “Top Safety Pick+” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 included standard driver-assistance features such as 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 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS.