2023 Mazda CX-30 vs 2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2023 Mazda CX-30, available in Canada in four trim levels, presented a striking design with its long hood and dramatic flanks, though its appearance was somewhat marred by excessive gray body cladding. The GT Turbo model, with its black wheels and Soul Red paint, exuded a sense of luxury, further enhanced by an upscale interior featuring off-white leather and polished metal accents. Despite its premium pricing, the CX-30's cabin, especially in the GT Turbo trim, offered a refined and elegant atmosphere, reminiscent of an entry-level luxury SUV.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-5 maintained its classic design, which had aged gracefully since its second-generation debut in 2017. The new Suna trim, with its exclusive Zircon Sand paint and Terracotta leather seats, added a touch of exclusivity. The CX-5's interior, with its premium materials and thoughtful design, provided a comfortable and upscale environment. Despite its compact size, the CX-5 managed to offer a snug yet comfortable space for four adults, with features like heated seats and a padded centre console enhancing the driving experience.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offered a range of powertrains, starting with a 155-horsepower 2.0-litre engine in the base GX trim. The GS and GT models featured a 191-horsepower 2.5-litre engine, while the GT Turbo boasted a turbocharged 2.5-litre engine producing up to 250 horsepower on premium gas. Despite its robust acceleration and engaging driving dynamics, the CX-30's small fuel tank and less intuitive brake pedal were notable drawbacks. The vehicle's suspension, while compliant, struggled with speed bumps, impacting overall ride quality.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 Turbo, with its 256-horsepower engine on premium gas, offered a different driving experience. The powertrain was more rewarding with a steady acceleration approach, and the vehicle's handling was enhanced by Mazda's G-Vectoring Control Plus technology. However, the CX-5's fuel efficiency was less impressive, with a combined rating of 9.8 L/100 km. The CX-5's suspension improvements provided a smoother ride, and its handling was sophisticated, making it enjoyable on both highways and twisty roads.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 provided a comfortable driving experience with features like dual-zone climate control and a power-adjustable driver's seat. However, the front passenger seat lacked adjustability, and rear legroom was tight. The cargo space, at 572 litres, was adequate but not impressive for its class. The interior storage was practical, with various bins and compartments for organization.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5, while smaller in interior space compared to some competitors, offered a comfortable environment for four adults. The seats were supportive, and the cabin's design and quality elevated the vehicle's appeal. The CX-5 provided 871 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. The interior storage was functional, though the cupholders were somewhat awkward to use.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system had several drawbacks, including the lack of a touchscreen and conversational voice recognition. The controls required frequent glances away from the road, and the absence of a tuning knob was inconvenient. Despite these issues, the system offered features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bose sound system in the Turbo models.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 offered a more user-friendly infotainment experience, with traditional controls for various functions. While Mazda's approach differed from the touchscreen norm, the system allowed touchscreen operation for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The 10.25-inch display was easy to navigate, and the Bose sound system in higher trims added to the premium feel. Mazda Connected Services provided additional convenience features, enhancing the overall technology package.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 excelled in safety, earning a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS. It featured a range of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. The GT and GT Turbo trims offered additional features like a surround-view camera and traffic sign recognition. The driving assistance systems generally performed well, though the forward-collision warning system was occasionally overly sensitive.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered additional safety features like adaptive headlights and a driver monitoring system. While the CX-5 did not receive a "Top Safety Pick" designation in 2024, it maintained high safety ratings from the NHTSA, ensuring a secure driving experience.