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 191 horsepower without the use of turbochargers means that the engine is always ready to go without the annoying wait that sometimes plagues turbocharged engines. But for the driving enthusiast that want a little more fun, the turbo engine produces 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque using regular fuel. Power is sent 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 24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway with the non-turbo and 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway with the turbocharged engine. It offers seven different trims: 2.5S, Select, Preferred. Carbon Edition, Premium, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
The base CX-30 comes standard with LED headlights, taillights and daytime running lights, 16-inch alloy wheels, body-colored power side mirrors, automatic headlights, auto high-beam, 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, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 7-inch LCD meter display, voice activated infotainment playing through an 8-speaker stereo, 2 USB audio inputs, Bluetooth, rearview camera, lane departure warning, lane keep assist functions, forward collision braking with pedestrian detection, driver attention alert, and a dynamic radar-controlled cruise control with stop and go functions.
The Select Package adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, proximity keyless entry system, integrated turn signals on the outside mirrors, leatherette trimmed seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel and gear selector, tinted rear windows, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Preferred package includes an 8-way adjustable power driver's seat with heating, memory function for the driver seat and exterior mirrors, sunroof, roof side rails, and illuminated vanity mirrors.
The Carbon Edition adds 18-inch black aluminum wheels, special paint, heated side mirrors, and red leather seats.
The Premium Package adds to the Preferred trim a fully leather trimmed seats, power rear liftgate, adaptive front headlights, full-color heads-up display, satellite radio, paddle shifters, traffic sign reader, and navigation system with voice activation.
The top of the line 2.5 Premium Plus adds more to the great list of features in this vehicle has, front and rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic with automatic braking, surround view camera, and traffic jam assist (at speeds under 40 mph).
Sporty, Organic Styling
Luxurious Interior
Smooth Engine
Standard All-wheel Drive
Driver Assistance Technologies
The Mazda CX-30 drops the Turbo trim but otherwise carries over with minimal changes for 2023.
With a starting price of around $22,000, the CX-30 is in close competition with other similar vehicles. 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.
