The engine powering the CX-30 is the same 2.5L 4-cylinder that's used in both the Mazda3 and the bigger CX-5. Producing 186 horsepower without the use of turbochargers means that the engine is always ready to go without the annoying wait that sometimes plagues turbocharged engines. Power is sent to either the front wheels or all-four wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission. Despite the relatively powerful engine, fuel economy remains good, with an EPA rating of up to 33 mpg on the highway. And even the top of the line, all-wheel drive model achieves 27 mpg in combined city and highway driving.
The CX-30 comes in four basic forms, each available with optional all-wheel drive. The base CX-30 comes standard with LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, body-colored power folding side mirrors, automatic headlights, rain sensing wipers and keyless entry with push button start. Inside, the CX-30 comes with steering wheel mounted controls for the cruise control and stereo, an 8.8-inch center display, a 7-inch LCD meter display, voice activated infotainment playing through an 8-speaker stereo, 2 USB audio inputs, Bluetooth, a rearview camera, lane departure warning, lane keep assist functions and a dynamic radar controlled cruise control with stop and go functions.
The Select Package adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a more advanced keyless entry system, integrated turn signals on the outside mirrors, leatherette trimmed seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Preferred package includes an 8-way adjustable power driver's seat with heating and a memory function, SiriusXM Satellite radio, a low profile antenna and illuminated vanity mirrors.
The top of the line Premium Package comes with fully leather trimmed seats, a power rear liftgate, adaptive front headlights, a full-color heads-up display, a power sliding glass moonroof, a Bose 12 speaker stereo, paddle shifters and roof rails. In addition, the Premium Package CX-30 uses just a bit less fuel than other versions, thanks to a cylinder deactivation system, which will turn off part of the engine under low or partial throttle conditions.
Sporty, Organic Styling
Luxurious Interior
Powerful Engine
Available All-wheel Drive
Driver Assistance Technology
Since the Mazda CX-30 is a newer vehicle in the Mazda lineup it carries over into 2021 with minimal changes.
With a starting price of below $22,000, the CX-30 splits the difference between $20,000 subcompact crossovers like the Honda HR-V and Ford EcoSport and more traditional, $25,000 compact crossovers like the Honda CR-V and the Ford Escape. In addition to filling a niche, the CX-30 has a few things going for it, most notably its interior. The CX-30 interior is beautifully designed and features soft-touch, high quality materials everywhere, making it absolutely the best interior at this price point. In addition, while the CX-30 wouldn't be accused of breaking any speed records, it does have the most powerful engine in its class, with a bit more pulling power than most people would expect from a crossover of this size.
