2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Mazda CX-30

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma pickup, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look. However, its side profile introduced a softer character line, creating a somewhat disjointed appearance. The rear echoed the front's trapezoidal theme, but overall, the design felt less cohesive compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash and metallic styling elements added interest, while the infotainment screen was positioned for easy visibility. The Bronze Edition's light grey fabric seats, however, were prone to dirt and felt less durable, with Softex synthetic leather that lacked the quality of genuine leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 resembled a smaller CX-5 with its upright grille and smooth fenders. Built on the Mazda3 platform, it had a raked windshield that could distort the view for taller drivers. The cabin was comfortable and quiet, with a well-designed interior that combined conventional and digital displays. However, the infotainment system, controlled by a rotary dial, was less user-friendly. The CX-30 offered various trims, each adding features like leather upholstery and advanced driver assistance, with the Turbo Premium Plus model providing a comprehensive suite of safety features.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD, with optional AWD. It reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick initial response, but the engine's hum became a drone under heavy acceleration. The ride was soft, with a suspension that smoothed out bumps, and the cabin remained quiet on highways.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 featured a base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower, while the turbocharged version offered up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission and AWD provided lively acceleration, especially in Sport mode. The CX-30's steering was precise, with minimal body roll, but the ride was rough over potholes. The suspension handled dirt roads well, but paved roads felt bumpy.

The Highlander Hybrid's front seats were comfortable with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage was plentiful, with trays and bins for personal items. The second row was spacious, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable for children. Cargo space was 16 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Mazda CX-30 offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with rear seats up, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet when folded. The front seats had a sliding center console cover, which could get stuck, but overall storage was adequate. Rear seats provided decent headroom for short trips, though longer drives might be cramped.

The Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on higher trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons and climate controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, with navigation and premium audio available on top trims.

The CX-30's infotainment screen was integrated into the dash, controlled by a rotary dial. This setup, inspired by luxury systems, lacked touch functionality, making it cumbersome to use, especially with Apple CarPlay. The system required a learning curve, and switching between presets was challenging.

The Highlander Hybrid earned a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. However, some systems needed fine-tuning, like the adaptive cruise control's abrupt stops.

The CX-30 also received a five-star NHTSA rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It came with standard driver-assistance features, and the Turbo Premium Plus model added blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The adaptive headlights and 360-degree camera were particularly useful.