2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, with its blunt and bulbous nose creating a striking first impression. Over time, however, its unique styling became more familiar and less polarizing. The SUV's black windshield pillars gave the illusion of a floating roof, while its swollen haunches attempted to balance the overall design. Despite the availability of 20-inch wheels on higher trims, the Highlander's flared quarter panels often overwhelmed its appearance. Inside, the cabin offered a two-tone look with leather upholstery in higher trims, though the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy detailing could suffer from reflections. The mix of illumination colors in the gauges added to a busy nighttime appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 boasted a sleek design reminiscent of a downsized CX-5, with an upright grille and smooth fenders. Built on the Mazda3 platform, it resembled a raised hatchback. The CX-30's raked windshield acted like a greenhouse, potentially causing distractions for taller drivers due to its curve. Inside, the cabin was praised for its comfort and quietness, with a blend of conventional and digital displays. The infotainment screen, though elegantly integrated, lacked touch functionality, relying instead on a rotary dial, which could be challenging to use. The interior design was considered one of the best among affordable cars, despite the steep learning curve of its infotainment system.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, achieving an EPA rating of 36 mpg combined. With 243 horsepower, it offered adequate power but lacked excitement, especially in hilly areas where the engine sounded strained. The steering was lifeless, though the regenerative brakes performed well. The Highlander Hybrid's ride was soft, leading to unwanted body movement on uneven roads. However, it excelled in providing a smooth and quiet freeway experience, despite not being particularly enjoyable to drive.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, while the turbocharged version delivered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. The turbo engine provided lively acceleration, especially in Sport mode, with quick and precise steering. The CX-30's sporty ride came at the cost of a rough experience on bumpy roads. Its conventional shifter design and paddle shifters added to the driving enjoyment, making it a more engaging option for those seeking performance.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered roomy front accommodations with power-adjustable seats and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was generous, with up to 84.3 cubic feet available, though storage solutions were less accommodating than previous models.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 provided up to 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The front seats featured a sliding center console cover, though its design could be problematic. Rear seats offered decent headroom for short trips but were less spacious than larger models. The CX-30's interior was well-designed, with ample storage in the center console and door pockets.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The top infotainment system featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. While the system was user-friendly, the sound quality varied. Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror added convenience, while the driver information display offered detailed data.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30's infotainment system was elegantly integrated into the dash but lacked touch functionality, relying on a rotary dial. This design choice, inspired by luxury systems, was criticized for usability issues. Navigating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was challenging, though entering CarPlay was straightforward. Despite its elegant appearance, the system's complexity could be frustrating for users.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance had some quirks, but overall, the safety systems were effective. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 came with standard driver-assistance features like forward collision avoidance and lane-keeping assist. The Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, and a 360-degree parking camera. The head-up display was clear and easy to read. The CX-30 earned a five-star rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, highlighting its strong safety credentials.