The 2022 Mazda CX-5 vs. The 2022 Mazda CX-30

The recent trend in the SUV segment, now that the subcompact and compact classes have become crowded, is to find that in-between SUV that can offer almost everything the compacts can, but in a tighter, sportier package. At Mazda, the introduction of the Mazda CX-30 was seen as the solution for folks who wanted something just a little smaller and nimbler than the CX-5, without giving up the usefulness. So how does the relatively new CX-30 compare to the veteran CX-5?

Performance

Since its introduction, the CX-5 has been noted for its responsiveness and agility, impressive for a compact SUV. Not surprisingly, Mazda based the performance of the CX-30 off of the CX-5, lowering the center of gravity slightly thanks to the smaller frame of the CX-30. In the big picture, it’s not something the average driver will notice – especially now that all CX-5 and CX-30 models feature standard all-wheel drive! These vehicles are simply 1A and 1B in the handling department for the class.

Under the hood, these two vehicles are identical. Both sport a 2.5-liter, four-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, offering 187 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This has been a workhorse for Mazda for years, showing off the engineering feats the powertrain team pulls off. Both vehicles feature a six-speed automatic transmission with sport mode. Both vehicles also offer the upgrade to the 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. A recent introduction to the CX family, the Dynamic Pressure Turbo revs the engine up to 256 horsepower, and 320 lb-ft of torque. Even with the standard engine the CX-5 and CX-30 are perky drivers – the turbocharged unit just adds quicker pick-up and a harder push ahead when you need to overtake on the open road!

Design & Comfort

Mazda has always had upscale touches in the cabin, and has always stood just a touch above their more budget-minded competition. Even the base S models of the CX-5 and CX-30 get soft-touch materials across the dash and along the door panels, along with leather-wrapped shifters and steering wheels with mounted controls. Fabric upholstery is standard, with synthetic or genuine leather optional. Heated seats are available in both vehicles, as are heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The largest difference between the CX-5 and the CX-3 is here in the cabin, when it comes to space. The CX-5 is wider and taller than the CX-30, meaning passengers get additional space – there’s an extra 1.5 inches of shoulder room in the second row, along with an extra 2 inches of hip room and 3 inches of legroom. This is enough to be the difference between an average adult feeling cramped in the second row of the CX-30 versus feeling comfortable in the second row of the CX-5 on a long trip.

Technology

Regardless of the CX-30 or CX-5 model you choose, you’ll get standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as three years of complimentary Mazda Connected Services. The CX-5 runs this through a 10.25-inch infotainment center display with easy-to-navigate touchscreen control – in the CX-30 the display is reduced to 8.8 inches, keeping a pretty relative ratio to the size of the dash. Both come with standard multi-speaker audio systems, and can be upgraded to Bose premium audio systems – a 10-speaker unit in the CX-5 or a 12-speaker unit in the CX-30. Both of these include AudioPilot, Centerpoint, and SurroundStage technologies. Navigation is available on both the CX-30 and CX-5.

Safety

The 2022 Mazda CX-5 is coming fresh off an impressive showing in last year’s new IIHS Side Impact test. This defeated many SUVs on the market, with the CX-5 being the only one to receive the top grade of “Good.”

On top of this high level of safety built in, both the 2022 Mazda CX-5 and 2022 Mazda CX-30 feature a wide array of standard safety systems. This includes Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Smart Brake Support, Advanced Smart City Brake Support, Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist. Both of them come standard with a rearview camera while pedestrian detection, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are optional advanced safety features.