Used 2023 MAZDA CX-30

Mazda anchors its stable of crossovers with the subcompact CX-30. Yes, it’s small, but it’s about average size among rivals like the Kia Seltos, Chevy Trailblazer, and the somewhat bigger Honda HR-V. It’s roughly the same price, too. However, the CX-30 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD). We like it for its well-crafted cabin and fuel-stingy 4-cylinder engines.

Small crossovers aren’t the first, second, or even third choice for people who really like driving. Unless it’s a Mazda CX-30.

The same flow, feel, fun, and fleetness that comes in other Mazda vehicles are all here in the CX-30. We believe anything better than this probably has a BMW badge and a price to match. The steering is outrageously responsive, and the suspension is tuned like a Stradivarius. We’re convinced that Mazda had Tennessee’s twisting Tail of the Dragon road in mind when it engineered this spirited little crossover.

It’s not a niche vehicle, however. The 2023 CX-30 is easy to drive and live with, capable of handling all the usual everyday duties with a comfortable efficiency. If we had to think of a gripe, we would have preferred it if Mazda offered rear parking sensors in a few other trims, not just the top version.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours testing and researching the current crop of subcompact SUVs, including the Mazda CX-30.

Many mainstream manufacturers are upping their interior design game, making their cabins look good enough for a premium marque. Mazda has long been ahead of this particular curve and consolidated its position with the CX-30.

High-quality materials are arranged expertly into a simple yet pleasing layout, topped off with an 8.8-inch infotainment display that’s among the largest in this class. In the top Premium Plus trim, the interior quality rivals some luxury SUVs, and the S Carbon Edition comes with unique red leather seats.

This is smaller than a compact crossover like the Mazda CX-5 or Honda CR-V, so space is naturally not so plentiful. But adults will enjoy plenty of room up front, and 36.3 inches of rear legroom is about average, although the Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V have more.

Where the CX-30 does dip a bit below average is in its cargo capacity. The Seltos, HR-V, and Trailblazer all have measurably more luggage space with the rear seat folded or in place.

2023 Subcompact SUV Roominess

We like that the CX-30 follows the same exterior design approach as the rest of the company’s SUVs/crossovers. That’s fine by us. When a core design works this well, why change the classy lines, sleek surfaces, and elegant proportions just for the sake of it?

Replacing the 16-inch wheels on the 2.5 S for 18-inch ones is another reason we suggest moving up to the 2.5 S Select.

Ergonomics
This relates to the way all the controls connect with the driver, along with things like seats designed to optimize correct posture and combat fatigue. Mazda has clearly put some of its finest minds to work in this area. There are details like how the navigation information is located, or an amber light indicating when the wipers are in their Auto setting. Yet they all merge into a general feeling of things being just right.

Driving dynamics
This is the CX-30’s superpower, what makes it different from the ho-hum competition. It’s responsive and enjoyable, especially when the turbo engine is in residence. The fun is accessible, yet the CX-30 remains a sensible crossover.

All-wheel drive
Every CX-30 comes with AWD. A transparent system, it can move engine torque from axle to axle and wheel to wheel, optimizing traction and power delivery.

Bundle of driver aids
Every CX-30 comes with a suite of safety and driver-aid technologies like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keep assist.

Rain-sensing wipers
Standard across the board, this system senses moisture on the windshield and automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts according to the volume of the rain.

Proximity Keyless Entry
One of our must-have features, this is on the Select and all upper trims. The doors automatically unlock if the key fob is on your person. Push-button start is standard on all trim levels.

What makes most 2023 Mazda CX-30 models — those with 2.5 S in their name — go is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. It makes 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque fed to all the wheels by a 6-speed automatic transmission. These performance numbers are significantly more than for the base Seltos, HR-V, or Trailblazer. For example, the Trailblazer’s 3-cylinder engine delivers 137 horsepower.

In our time with the 2.5 S four-banger, we found it more than sufficient to get the CX-30 not just moving, but moving with enough gusto to make things fun. However, there are those of us who always demand more, right?

To fill that need, Mazda also provides a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine. It populates the two CX-30 models with “Turbo” replacing the “S” in their nameplates. It generates 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium gasoline. If you save a few pennies per gallon at the pump by using regular fuel, the performance numbers drop to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This still makes for a wild ride in the small CX-30.

2.5-liter 4-cylinder (2.5 S)
191 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
186 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel economy: 29 mpg (26 city, 33 highway)

2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder (2.5 Turbo)
250/227 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm (93/87 octane)
320/310 lb-ft of torque @ 2,000 rpm (93/87 octane)
Fuel economy: 25 mpg (22 city, 30 highway)

More CX-30 fuel-economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

Great Safety Ratings

The Mazda CX-30 earns the IIHS Top Safety Pick award because of its perfect ratings in every crashworthiness category.

3-year/36,000-mile Warranty

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is protected by the automaker’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, plus 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage. For the duration of the basic warranty, Mazda also provides 24/7 roadside assistance. This bundle of warranty protection is most common among CX-30 rivals; however, Kia and Hyundai provide significantly longer coverage.