2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, a continuation of a 2019 redesign, maintained its position as a leader in the SUV market. Over the years, the RAV4 evolved from its original "cute-ute" category into a mature crossover SUV, appealing to a broad audience. Its exterior design, while fitting in with current crossover trends, featured distinctive angular flourishes and expressive headlights that gave it a playful yet aggressive look. Inside, the RAV4 boasted a layered dashboard with contrasting textures and colors, anchored by a straightforward center stack. The interior design included unique circuit-board-inspired patterns that tied various elements together, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30, on the other hand, presented a sleek and stylish design reminiscent of a downsized CX-5. Its upright grille and smooth fenders gave it a refined appearance, while the raked windshield added a unique touch, albeit with some visibility challenges for taller drivers. Inside, the CX-30 offered a comfortable and quiet cabin with a blend of conventional and digital displays. The infotainment screen, integrated into the dashboard, contributed to the elegant design, though its usability was hindered by a steep learning curve. The CX-30's interior was well-crafted, with solid-feeling buttons and doors, but the focus on form over function was evident in the infotainment system's complexity.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 offered three powertrain options, with the gasoline-only model featuring a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and immediate power delivery, making it suitable for everyday driving. The RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, delivering 217 horsepower and impressive fuel economy ratings of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway. The RAV4 Prime, a plug-in hybrid, boasted 302 horsepower and could run up to 42 miles on electricity alone, with an efficiency rating of 94 MPGe combined. The RAV4's handling was car-like, with a four-wheel independent suspension and dynamic torque vectoring for improved cornering.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. Our test model featured the upgraded turbocharged engine, offering 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque on regular fuel, and 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on premium fuel. The turbocharged engine provided lively acceleration, especially in Sport mode, which altered throttle response and shift mapping. The CX-30's ride was sporty and refined, with well-weighted steering and quick turn-in. However, its firm suspension resulted in a rough ride over potholes and imperfections, though it handled dirt and gravel roads decently.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4, classified as a small SUV, offered ample cargo space with 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. It had a healthy payload capacity and towing capabilities, with Adventure and TRD Off-Road models able to tow up to 3,500 pounds. Inside, the RAV4 provided a roomy and comfortable space for four adults, with plenty of legroom and storage options. The front row featured individual bucket seats and a spacious center console, while the second-row bench seat could accommodate a fifth passenger if needed.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded and 20.2 cubic feet with the seats in use. The Turbo Premium Plus model included a power rear liftgate for added convenience. The front seats featured a sliding center console cover, though its design could be problematic 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 adequate headroom for short-to-medium trips, though longer drives might be less comfortable due to limited space.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 came equipped with a range of technology features, starting with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio, and compatibility with Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay. Higher trims offered a 9-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system with navigation. The RAV4 Prime showcased advanced technology, including multiple USB ports, auxiliary power outlets, and a Qi-compatible wireless charging pad. A bird’s-eye view camera system and a 10-inch head-up display were available on top trims, enhancing the vehicle's tech offerings.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured an elegant dash design with an infotainment screen integrated into the dashboard. Controlled by a rotary dial and toggle buttons, the system lacked touch functionality, which complicated its usability. Inspired by luxury-car systems like BMW's iDrive, the setup was not user-friendly, especially when navigating Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Despite its challenges, the system allowed easy access to CarPlay from the home screen. However, switching between presets remained cumbersome, even after familiarizing oneself with the system.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 included Toyota’s Star Safety System, featuring enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, and anti-lock braking. It also offered LATCH child-seat anchors, child-guard locks, and eight airbags. Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, standard on all models, provided driver-assist systems like pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with the RAV4 Prime earning a Top Safety Pick+ award.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features such as forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Adaptive front headlights and a 360-degree parking camera enhanced safety, while the head-up display provided clear graphics. The CX-30 earned five stars from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, achieving top marks in crash tests and driver-assistance technology.