2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Genesis GV80

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was a midsize SUV that radiated sophistication and grace, thanks to its quad-lamp headlights and bold grille. Measuring over 16 feet in length, it presented a stately presence on the road. The standard 19-inch wheels were impressive, but the Prestige trim took it up a notch with 22-inch alloy wheels. The rear design mirrored the front with four-part taillamps above the dual exhaust, and the hands-free liftgate maintained a boxy, yet elegant look, especially in the matte Brunswick Green paint. Inside, the dark green quilted leather seats exuded luxury, complemented by thin horizontal air vents, metal, and matte wood trim. The center console featured three large dials for infotainment, transmission, and drive modes, while the two-spoke steering wheel added a unique touch. The 14.5-inch infotainment screen, though slightly awkwardly placed, was a minor flaw in an otherwise spacious and luxurious interior.

In contrast, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two distinct models: the 2.5 S with a 191-horsepower engine and the 2.5 Turbo with up to 250 horsepower. All models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's design was artful yet marred by excessive gray body cladding, giving it a nose-heavy appearance. The 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model, with its Soul Red paint and stainless steel rear bumper guard, had an MSRP of $37,505. Inside, the upscale cabin featured quality materials, with off-white leather, a chocolate brown center console, and black accents. The interior was reminiscent of an entry-level luxury SUV, justifying its premium pricing. However, the exterior's ruggedness was more of a facade, as the cabin prioritized elegance and comfort.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was available exclusively with all-wheel drive and offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a turbo 3.5-liter V6 producing 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. While the GV80 wasn't particularly athletic or nimble, it excelled in highway driving, offering smooth power delivery and shifts. The electronically controlled suspension, combined with active noise cancellation, made for a serene freeway commute. However, its acceleration to 60 mph in about five and a half seconds was slower compared to some competitors.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained an additional five horsepower, totaling 191, with 186 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharged 2.5-liter engine in the Turbo models delivered up to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque on premium gas, or 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet on regular gas. Both engines were mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode, and all-wheel drive was standard. The CX-30's 3,525-pound weight allowed for robust acceleration, though the powertrain could be caught flat-footed in traffic. The small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited range, requiring frequent refueling. Despite a soft suspension, the CX-30 was enjoyable on twisty roads, thanks to its G-Vectoring Control Plus and excellent steering. However, the front suspension struggled with speed bumps, impacting ride quality.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 compensated for its lack of driving excitement with a plethora of luxury features. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard, with ventilated front and rear seats available. The Ergo Motion driver's seat offered fatigue-reducing inflation and deflation pockets. Nappa leather seats added to the sumptuous feel. A third-row option was available, though legroom was limited to 30 inches. The GV80 featured Genesis puddle lamps, a proximity key, and a digital key. The tri-zone climate control and optional 21-speaker stereo system enhanced comfort and entertainment. With 34.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row, expandable to 84 cubic feet, and a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds, the GV80 offered impressive utility.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided standard 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 offered only four-way manual adjustment. Rear air conditioning vents were standard on all but the base trim, though legroom was tight. Storage space was reasonable, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The power liftgate revealed 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 45.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. However, the lack of nooks, nets, or underfloor storage limited cargo organization.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, accompanied by a 12.3-inch 3D digital gauge cluster and a head-up display. While the infotainment screen was slightly out of reach, the dial offered a tactile experience, though navigating through icons was cumbersome. The system supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, albeit not wirelessly. Wireless charging, four USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and a 110-volt outlet ensured devices stayed charged. The remote smart parking assist allowed the GV80 to maneuver in and out of tight spaces without the driver inside, adding a cool factor to its tech offerings.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws: the lack of a touchscreen, non-conversational voice recognition, and no tuning knob. The center console controls required quick glances, and the steering-wheel controls were hard to read. The voice-recognition system had a 50 percent success rate, though Apple CarPlay and Android Auto offered alternatives. The 8.8-inch display was well-integrated, with pleasing graphics and a logical menu structure. All CX-30s included Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was an optional accessory.

The 2023 Genesis GV80 was equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver aids, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. A standout feature was the video feed of the car's blind spot displayed in the digital gauge cluster. Highway Drive Assist used cameras, radar, and navigation to provide hands-on/eyes-up driving aid, though it struggled with sun glare. The GV80 received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" crashworthiness rating from the IIHS, with "Superior" front crash prevention scores.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The CX-30 also featured a driver monitoring system, automatic high-beam headlights, and an E911 emergency notification system. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The Turbo Premium Plus included a surround-view camera, parking sensors, and Traffic Jam Assist. The forward-collision system worked effectively, though it could be overly sensitive in certain situations.