2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

Introduced in North America back in 1996 as a nimble alternative to bulkier SUVs, the Toyota RAV4 certainly evolved through five generations from its initial "cute-ute" categorization into a sophisticated, mature crossover SUV. The 2022 model represented the latest iteration following a significant redesign in 2019.

At first glance, the 2022 RAV4 blended seamlessly with the current crossover design trends but closer inspection revealed distinguishing details. The exterior boasted angular flourishes in the wheel arches and crisp lines contrasting with organic body-side bends. The expressive headlights, snub-nosed grille, and grinning lower fascia openings bestowed a playful yet aggressive persona, reminiscent of a Kabuki-like anthropomorphic face. Toyota's attention to exterior fit-and-finish enhanced the overall feeling of quality.

Inside, the RAV4 flaunted a layered dashboard full of contrasting textures and colors, coupled with an uncomplicated center stack centered around a conveniently located touchscreen interface. Further inspection uncovered an array of distinctive design cues, like a circuit-board-inspired geometric pattern that unified various cabin elements, from cloth seat inserts to dash pieces. The Adventure-trim test vehicle even featured 19-inch matte gray alloy wheels repeating this design theme.

When it came to the 2023 Mazda CX-30, buyers could choose between two models. The 2.5 S with a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, or the 2.5 Turbo producing up to 250 horsepower. Our test vehicle was the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, highlighted by its sleek exterior featuring Soul Red paint and an optional stainless steel rear bumper guard.

The CX-30's dramatic design elements, such as its long hood and stubby rear end, imparted a nose-heavy appearance. Excessive gray body cladding contrasted sharply with the otherwise artful design, emphasizing its SUV identity. Moreover, the 2.5 Turbo's black wheels blended almost invisibly into the surrounding black cladding, lessening their visual impact.

Opening the driver's door revealed a luxurious cabin filled with quality materials. Except for the base trim, all CX-30 models featured either artificial or genuine leather upholstery. Mazda added gloss black trim and polished metal accents for a refined look. Our test car combined off-white leather with a chocolate brown center console and black dashboard, door panels, and carpeting, resembling a modest luxury SUV.

The 2022 RAV4 offered three distinct powertrain options. The gasoline-only model, our focus here, utilized a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission came standard, with the choice of front-wheel drive (FWD) or optional all-wheel drive (AWD). The FWD model's fuel economy rated at 27-28 mpg city/35 mpg highway/30 mpg combined, whereas AWD yielded slightly lower figures at 25-27 mpg city/32-34 mpg highway/28-30 mpg combined.

The RAV4 Hybrid combined the same 2.5-liter engine with an electric motor, generating a net 217 horsepower, with an impressive EPA rating of 41 mpg city/38 mpg highway/40 mpg combined. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid excelled with 302 horsepower and an EPA rating of 40 mpg city/36 mpg highway/38 mpg combined. Additionally, it offered up to 42 miles of electric-only range with a 94 MPGe rating.

Our Adventure AWD model's naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine proved potent for daily driving and highway cruises, offering smooth and immediate power delivery without turbo lag. The eight-speed automatic transmission provided a familiar and satisfying driving experience, especially when accelerating quickly.

The RAV4's car-like handling benefited from its MacPherson struts at the front, multi-link rear suspension, and stabilizer bars. AWD models introduced Multi-Terrain Select tuning to adapt to different road conditions, along with dynamic torque vectoring to enhance cornering abilities.

In 2023, the Mazda CX-30 2.5 S engine received a five-horsepower boost, totaling 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the 2.5 Turbo model produced 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas.

Mazda paired both engines with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30 offered 8 inches of ground clearance and an Off-Road traction assist function, though it displayed delicate responses to speed bumps.

Weighing 3,525 pounds, the CX-30 2.5 Turbo offered brisk acceleration and an appealing engine sound. However, the powertrain occasionally stumbled in heavy traffic unless switched to Sport mode, which then held engine revs excessively. The 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited the driving range, necessitating frequent refueling stops.

Mazda equipped most CX-30 models with 18-inch alloy wheels and its G-Vectoring Control Plus selective braking technology, enhancing its road performance. The CX-30 displayed excellent handling on twisty roads, with a compliant suspension that felt a bit soft.

In everyday driving, the CX-30 exhibited refined highway manners and effortless freeway merging. However, the brake pedal lacked intuitive feel, and the suspension struggled with speed bumps, transmitting impacts into the cabin.

The 2022 Toyota RAV4 grew in size and functionality over the years. It could hold up to 37.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. This capacity proved impressive for the compact SUV segment.

Depending on the configuration, the RAV4's payload ranged from 1,050 to 1,230 pounds. Towing capacity varied, with most trims capable of hauling up to 1,500 pounds, while Adventure and TRD Off-Road models managed 3,500 pounds.

Inside, the RAV4 accommodated four comfortably and five in a pinch. The front seats offered ample legroom, hip room, shoulder room, and headroom. Numerous cupholders and storage spaces abounded, including a spacious glove compartment and a covered center armrest storage.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured a well-appointed interior, with most models offering dual-zone automatic climate control, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power sunroof. The Turbos added a heated steering wheel.

While the driver's seat was comfortable, the front passenger seat lacked sufficient adjustment options. Rear passengers faced limited legroom but found the padded and upholstered seatbacks comfortable. Storage space included decent bins and cupholders, but the cargo capacity disappointed.

With only 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, the CX-30 lagged behind its competitors in practical utility.

The RAV4's tech started with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, expanding to 9 inches in higher trims. Standard features included a six-speaker audio system, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay compatibility, SiriusXM satellite radio, and multiple trial subscriptions for various connected services.

Higher trims boasted an 11-speaker JBL audio system, navigation, additional USB ports, 12-volt power outlets, and blue ambient lighting. The RAV4 Prime XSE added a wireless charging pad, bird’s-eye view camera system, and a head-up display.

The CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had several flaws. It lacked a touchscreen display, forcing reliance on console controls that required frequent glances, distracting the driver. Voice recognition struggled to understand commands, and there was no tuning knob for the radio.

Despite these drawbacks, Mazda Connect featured an attractive 8.8-inch display, Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose audio system. Wireless smartphone charging was an optional accessory.

The 2022 RAV4 came standard with Toyota’s Star Safety System and Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 driver-assist features, including pre-collision detection with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and road sign recognition. Higher trims offered additional safety aids like blind-spot monitoring and a rear cross-traffic alert system. The 2022 RAV4 earned top safety ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, receiving updates for improved crash protection. The IIHS awarded it a "Top Safety Pick" rating, and it included standard driver-assist features like adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The higher trims added more advanced aids, including a head-up display and surround-view camera.