2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 Genesis GV70

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered two distinct models: the 2.5 S and the 2.5 Turbo. The 2.5 S featured a standard 191-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, while the 2.5 Turbo boasted a turbocharged version capable of producing up to 250 horsepower. Both models came with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The CX-30's design was characterized by a long hood, dramatic flanks, and a stubby rear end, giving it a nose-heavy appearance. Despite its appealing design, the excessive gray body cladding detracted from its overall aesthetic. Inside, the CX-30's cabin was upscale and elegant, featuring quality materials and a tasteful combination of off-white leather, chocolate brown, and black accents, making it resemble an entry-level luxury SUV.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out with its sleek design, featuring split headlights and a large shield-like grille for brand recognition. It was sleeker than its larger sibling, the GV80, and avoided the quirkiness of the smaller GV60. The GV70's styling struck a balance between SUV size and luxury-car style, surpassing competitors like the Audi Q5 and BMW X3 in finesse. The Electrified GV70 maintained the same styling as the gasoline models, with a shiny grille housing the charge port. Inside, the GV70's interior was distinctive, with quilted Nappa leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and unique details like an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary controller for the infotainment system. The dashboard had a rounded cross-section, adding to its unique appeal.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S models gained five horsepower, totaling 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque from the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This improvement was accompanied by a notable increase in fuel economy, achieving 29 mpg in combined driving. The 2.5 Turbo model, when fueled with premium gas, delivered 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, while regular gas resulted in 227 hp and 310 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The CX-30's eight inches of ground clearance and Off-Road traction assist function made it suitable for light off-road adventures. However, the suspension struggled with speed bumps, and the small 12.7-gallon fuel tank limited its range. Despite these drawbacks, the CX-30 excelled on twisty roads, offering a rewarding driving experience.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 retained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 was also available, delivering 375 hp and 391 lb-ft. Both engines were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Electrified GV70 featured front and rear electric motors, producing a combined 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, with a "Boost Mode" providing 483 hp for short bursts. While the GV70 offered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning fell short of sportier rivals. The suspension struggled with bumps, and the ride quality was average for its class. The Electrified GV70 maintained similar handling characteristics despite its additional weight, and its regenerative braking system allowed for one-pedal driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 featured 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 passengers had limited legroom, but the seatbacks were padded for comfort. Storage space was reasonable, with a center armrest bin, glove compartment, and door panel bins. The CX-30's cargo space measured 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 45.2 cubic feet with them folded, which was below average for its class.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom than others. Its cargo space measured 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Electrified GV70 had minimal impact on interior space, with slight reductions in legroom and headroom. The GV70's stylish interior design came at the cost of limited small-item storage, but it included a dedicated phone storage nook and rear-seat climate controls. The Electrified GV70 featured automatic side bolsters for the front seats, enhancing support during spirited driving.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's Mazda Connect infotainment system had three significant flaws. It lacked a touchscreen display, requiring drivers to use center console controls that were distracting. The system also lacked conversational voice-recognition technology, making it challenging to use effectively. Additionally, there was no tuning knob, limiting radio station navigation. Despite these shortcomings, the 8.8-inch display was well-integrated into the dashboard, and the system offered Bluetooth, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and connected services. Turbos added SiriusXM, navigation, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

The 2024 Genesis GV70's infotainment system borrowed from Hyundai, offering a simpler but effective setup. It featured a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Lower trims had an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, while higher trims offered a 12.3-inch unit with a 3D effect. A 12-inch head-up display and a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system were available. The touchscreen had an intuitive layout, and the rotary controller on the center console provided a high-quality feel. The GV70 also included a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and digital key functionality.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, thanks to improved side-impact crash protection and standard rear side airbags. It featured adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, and a head-up display. The CX-30's safety systems worked well, but a forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking event on a freeway seemed excessive.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 received the IIHS's highest Top Safety Pick+ award for both gasoline and Electrified models. NHTSA ratings for the 2024 model were incomplete, but the 2023 GV70 received a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and Highway Driving Assist. The Highway Driving Assist 2 system added automated lane-change capability and blind-spot monitoring. The GV70 also offered a safe exit assist function and a radar-based rear occupant alert system.