The CX-30 is Mazda’s smallest and most affordable SUV, but it’s just as refined as the brand’s larger SUVs, offering similar features and build quality. It’s a bit on the pricey side when compared to direct rivals, but it has a lot to offer. As with all Mazdas, the CX-30 is entertaining to drive thanks to its ample power and athletic handling. But that doesn’t come at the cost of comfort — the little SUV boasts supportive seats and a comfortable ride. It also sports an upscale interior design that’s not found in most rivals.
We don’t expect any significant changes for the 2023 model year, but that’s OK. The CX-30 already comes standard with all-wheel drive, offers a powerful turbocharged engine and packs more standard advanced driver aids than many rivals do. The little Mazda is a compelling choice for an extra-small SUV.
As much as we like the CX-30, there are some drawbacks to consider. It has subpar fuel economy when compared to the rest of the segment, and the size of the cargo area is also below average. Lowering the rear seats expands the space, but it doesn’t create a flat surface. The extra-small SUV segment has other competitive rivals to consider including the highest-ranked Volkswagen Taos, the Buick Encore GX and the Hyundai Kona. Check out our test team’s Expert Rating below to get a full review of the CX-30.
What’s it like to live with?
Initial short-term reviews don’t always tell the whole story. Fortunately, Edmunds tested a 2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium for a year and more than 17,000 miles. It confirmed our positive initial impressions and proved to be a very enjoyable SUV to drive around. Check out the whole story to learn more about the CX-30’s real-world fuel economy, maintenance costs and more.
Mazda hasn’t released official information on the 2023 CX-30 as of this writing. We’ll update our recommendation if anything changes, but based on last year’s CX-30, we recommend the Select trim. It keeps the price in check and includes all of the features from the base trim and adds upgrades such as simulated leather upholstery, keyless entry and blind-spot warning. If you want the turbocharged engine, you’ll have to pay significantly more, but the extra power will be worth it for some.
[Editor’s note: The following unofficial information is based on last year’s CX-30. We expect the 2023 model will have a similar lineup and we’ll update this section once we have complete information.] The Mazda CX-30 is an extra-small SUV with seating for five. It’s available in 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim levels. Feature highlights include:
2.5 S
The CX-30 in base 2.5 S comes respectably equipped with:
- 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (186 horsepower, 186 lb-ft of torque)
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- All-wheel drive
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- 8.8-inch infotainment display
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
- Eight-speaker audio system
Every CX-30 also comes with:
- Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
- Lane keeping assist (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
- Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
- Drowsy driver monitor (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
- Automatic high beams
Select
Adds comfort and convenience by way of:
- 18-inch wheels
- Keyless entry
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Center armrest for rear passengers
- Tinted rear windows
- Blind-spot warning (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
Preferred
Similar to the Select but with:
- Sunroof
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory functions
- Heated front seats
Carbon Edition
The Carbon Edition includes all of the Preferred trim’s features and then adds or replaces:
- 18-inch black-painted alloy wheels
- Special gray paint
- Heated side mirrors with black caps
- Red leather seats
Premium
The Premium trim is the nicest CX-30 you can get with the standard engine. It has the Preferred trim’s features as well as:
- Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
- Power liftgate
- Roof rails
- Paddle shifters
- Leather upholstery
- Navigation system
- 12-speaker Bose premium audio system
- Satellite radio
- Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
- Traffic sign reader
2.5 Turbo
It comes equipped with the features of the Preferred trim plus:
- Turbocharged 2.5-liter engine (227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque or 250 hp and 320 lb-ft with 93 octane fuel)
- Roof rails
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
2.5 Turbo Premium
This trim bundles the turbocharged powertrain with the features of the Premium trim.
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
The Premium Plus trim is only offered with the turbocharged engine and tops off the features list with:
- Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking)
- Rear cross-traffic with automatic braking (brakes if sensors detect an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
- Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings for tight parking situations)
- Traffic Jam Assist (enhanced adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist at speeds under 40 mph)
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