Subcompact SUV Crossover

2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus Ownership Review

2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo profile

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo profile

2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo2

2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo2

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo rear

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo rear

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo side mirror

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo side mirror

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo wheel

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo wheel

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo taillight

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo taillight

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo badge

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo badge

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo tailpipe

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo tailpipe

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Apple Carplay

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Apple Carplay

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo climate controls

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo climate controls

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo shifter detail

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo shifter detail

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo console cover

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo console cover

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo console storage

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo console storage

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo USB port

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo USB port

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo cargo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo cargo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo cargo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo cargo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo cargo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo cargo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo cargo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo cargo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo cargo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo cargo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

We’re spending 12 months with this 2021 Mazda CX-30, reviewing the full ownership experience with ongoing updates.

Traveling in Town

by Allyson Harwood on January 22, 2022

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 8,310 miles
Latest MPG: 22.1 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.5 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $85.25
Days out of Service: 0

While things are starting to get better with the pandemic, we are still being extremely careful where we travel. My husband and I wanted to go somewhere for the day but didn’t want to spend hours on the road. We are lucky enough to live in an area that has both incredible views and winding roads, so we got into the 2021 Mazda CX-30 and went on a tour of the area.

We started the day zipping around on some of the local roads that twist along the California coastline. It was cool out and a little windy, but there were still plenty of cars and motorcycles out who had the same idea. The Mazda CX-30’s handling continues to impress, and the day’s drive was highly entertaining.

We stopped to get sandwiches at a local market that I’d heard about but had never tried. Not only was the sandwich tasty, but there was a breathtaking view of the ocean right around the corner (image, below left). We finished off the afternoon driving down to the beach, which is actually very close to a major American port. We got a quick reminder of the multiple uses of this part of the coast when we saw a small sailboat make its way past a cargo ship.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Ocean View2021 Mazda Cx 30 Harbor


Bookshelf Delivery Made Easy

by Allyson Harwood on January 6, 2022

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 8,133 miles
Latest MPG: 19.7 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.6 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $85.25
Days out of Service: 0

In our ongoing slow-motion remodel project, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 continues to be incredibly helpful. We got rid of an old bookshelf that was falling apart and got a new medium-size 2-shelf unit to replace it. But would it fit in this subcompact SUV?

We took a chance that it would. (It was an educated guess, really, as we had measured the dimensions of the shelf ahead of time.) The only reason we weren’t positive it would fit is that sometimes when you load the back of a vehicle, there’s a post or a bolt sticking out that you didn’t account for.

However, that was not the case here, as you can see. Not only was there plenty of space for the shelf, but there was also enough room for the groceries we bought at a big box store on the way home. And the liftgate closed without any issues.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Bookshelf


Touring California

by Allyson Harwood on December 21, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 7,686 miles
Latest MPG: 22.9 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.7 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $85.25
Days out of Service: 0

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is small, quick, nimble, and has excellent handling. That combination is an absolute treat on the roads around Palos Verdes. So it seemed totally appropriate to take the Mazda on some of those aforementioned roads. Not only would it be a fun way to spend the day, but the views from there are spectacular.

In some cases, the 2-lane roads pass through neighborhoods, so it was best to stay below the speed limit. Other byways offered two lanes in each direction and had higher speed limits, making it easier to enjoy the performance this Mazda offers.

Even this far into our time with the long-term CX-30, I am so impressed with its smooth power delivery and quick acceleration. Most shoppers would find the base engine to be wonderfully satisfying. But I love that this SUV is available with a 250-horsepower engine that makes even a trip to a nearby store a lot of fun.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Pv2021 Mazda Cx 30 Coastline


The CX-30 Goes to Mammoth, Part 2

by Allyson Harwood on December 7, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 7,252 miles
Latest MPG: 26.1 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.8 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $85.25
Days out of Service: 0

While we were in Mammoth, there was one feature in particular of the CX-30 that was absolutely crucial. The 360-degree view monitor prevented potentially costly damage to the Mazda’s body.

Each cabin at the lodge where we stayed has a designated parking space. Unlike the parking in front of the main lodge, these spaces are lined by trees and large rocks. And if you park too far from the row of rocks for this cabin’s parking space, the vehicle will partially block the dirt road that leads to other cabins. To get out and go to the main paved road that heads back into town, you have to back up and around a tree to do a K-turn.

Thank goodness for the 360-degree camera. When you are close to hitting a rock, a tree trunk, or something equally difficult to move that would bend sheet metal, it’s nice to know you can rely on a camera system to keep you out of trouble. While in Reverse, it automatically shows you on the monitor what’s behind you. In Drive, it shows you what’s ahead. And because of this feature, the Mazda CX-30 came back from Mammoth without a scratch.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Cabin2021 Mazda Cx 30 Camera


The CX-30 Goes to Mammoth, Part 1

by Allyson Harwood on November 14, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 6,994 miles
Latest MPG: 30.9 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.7 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $85.25
Days out of Service: 0

Once South Bay Mazda gave the 2021 CX-30 a clean bill of health, my husband and I could focus on our next adventure: visiting the snow in Mammoth. We aren’t skiers, but the idea of going into the mountains for a long weekend away from it all sure sounded nice. We rented a cabin at the Tamarack Lodge, which has been open for business for 100 years. I’ve been going to Mammoth Lakes in the summer since I was a kid, so the idea of seeing in the winter — the way most visitors experience it — was appealing.

We had snow chains just in case, but the forecast didn’t look that foreboding. It was going to be cold at night, cool during the day, and a slight chance of flurries.

The CX-30’s seats are nice and supportive, but I did get a little uncomfortable after being on the road for a few hours. As long as I stopped to stretch once in a while, it was fine. We stopped in Bishop, California to pick up jerky at Mahogany Smoked Meats (highly recommend) and got to Mammoth at about 4 pm.

Getting to the Snow

We were hoping for there to be some snow on the ground at the lodge, but the hard-packed ground was dry. A chilly wind greeted us as we checked in and got the keys to our cabin. The temperature at night was in the upper 30s, but the wind made it feel much colder. The seat and steering wheel heaters came in handy.

The next day, we were bound and determined to get to the snow. We drove up to Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort and our boots crunched as we walked on the snow. At some points during the day, the gondola that took skiers and snowboarders up to the top of the mountain had to stop operation because of high winds. We stopped to pick up dinner in town and were done for the day.

On our final day in the area, I showed my husband some of my old haunts from family camping trips in the past. We’d only had a short time we could spend out of town, so it was time to check out and head home.

Throughout the trip, the CX-30 performed admirably. There was plenty of cargo space for our gear. The audio system sounded great. The turbocharged engine was terrific when I drove up significant grades. And on this trip, not only was fuel economy the best to date, but it was higher than the EPA-rated 30 mpg highway fuel economy with this engine and AWD.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Near Snow2021 Mazda Cx 30 Mammoth Mtn


Mazda CX-30 Scheduled Maintenance

by Allyson Harwood on November 3, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 6,350 miles
Latest MPG: 22.1 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.5 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $85.25
Days out of Service: 0

My husband and I were planning a road trip out of town within the next month, and I put over 6,000 miles on the long-term 2021 Mazda CX-30, so it seemed like an opportune time to take the Mazda in for service.

The techs at South Bay Mazda re-inspected the damaged wheel and tire, rotated the tires, and inspected the brakes. They performed an inspection they call a full-service report card. As another part of the service, the techs changed the synthetic oil and filter.

All of this was done as I sat in the well-maintained waiting area, connected to wi-fi, and worked for a little over an hour. When they were done, they washed the CX-30, drove it to the front of the dealership, and I was on my way. The service was thorough, efficient, and painless.

What I didn’t realize at the time was that they filmed the service, something they do for all of their customers. They showed me how they check the vehicle while it’s in for scheduled maintenance. You can watch it here.


Mazda’s Infotainment System

by Allyson Harwood on October 16, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 5,920 miles
Latest MPG: 25.9 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.5 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

The infotainment system is arguably the most controversial aspect of the Mazda CX-30. On the one hand, you can argue it’s one of the safest systems out there because it does not use a touchscreen. You have to control it through the main dial that’s near the transmission shifter. In addition, the screen is at the top of the dash, making it very easy to give it a quick glance without much distraction. In addition, our CX-30 has an excellent Bose audio system, which sounds terrific.

However, you can also argue that because its controls aren’t intuitive, the driver may have to look away from the road to find what they’re looking for. That kind of distraction is an issue. If you use Sirius XM Satellite Radio and want to channel surf, when you make the selection to view the stations, it starts you at 1, not at the station you’re currently listening to. (And if you’re listening to a sports channel in the 200s and want to listen to something else in the 200s, having to scroll starting from 1 kinda stinks.)

Switching from Apple CarPlay to radio/Sirius also takes getting used to. Tap the knob to the right to get to Apple CarPlay. No problem. Want to get back to the radio? Scroll to the Mazda icon in CarPlay and scroll to get back to music.

Playing Favorites

The best solution for listening to satellite radio, as well as navigating between AM and FM stations, is to use the Favorites feature. It’s easy to set favorites, and once they’re in that folder, you’re scrolling through a lot fewer choices. (But you’re still scrolling.) And for a while, this was the easiest way to do it.

Yes, Favorites are great until they disappear. And that’s what happened to me one day. I’m still not sure what happened. The battery was never disconnected. Looking at some Mazda owner forums, this does seem to happen on occasion. I will say though, that now that I’ve re-entered my Favorites, they have stayed put.

This is a system that has a lot of capability, but it may take a little time to adapt to the way it works.

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo2021 Mazda Cx 30 Blank Screen


Wheel Mishap

by Allyson Harwood on October 1, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 5,443 miles
Latest MPG: 22.2 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.4 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

Well, it happened. One day I was on my way home, and the 2021 Mazda CX-30’s low fuel light was on. I had to stop for gas and had to go to an unfamiliar gas station. It had a narrow driveway close to a brick-walled planter. In trying to avoid the planter, I misjudged the curb and lost a chunk out of the sidewall of the tire. Shoot.

I still had to get gas, regardless of the damage. I filled the tank and then parked in a space at the gas station. Not only was the sidewall damaged, but so was the wheel. Ugh.

I took a chance and drove home at low speed, listening closely for any unusual sounds. I watched for a low tire pressure warning and paid close attention to how the CX-30’s steering and response felt. Everything felt fine and after I parked at home, I set a plan to go to the dealer the next day. I also called ahead to make sure they had a replacement tire in stock.

The service department at South Bay Mazda carefully examined the wheel and tire, and noted that while the damage looked bad, the tire was still structurally sound, as was the wheel. They said that I could replace the tire if I wanted to, but that the tire was safe to drive on. They also said that if anything about the driving characteristics changed that I should bring the SUV back in and they would replace the tire and wheel if necessary. I left there with peace of mind, and the inspection was free of charge.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Tire Mishap


Furniture Delivery

by Allyson Harwood on September 21, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 5,230 miles
Latest MPG: 26.6 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.4 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

It may seem difficult to believe, but my husband and I have used Kelley Blue Book’s 2021 Mazda CX-30 to transport furniture — on more than one occasion. On the latest run, we picked up a 2-drawer wood file cabinet, a side table, and a foldable rolling cart. We were picking them up from a place about 70 miles away from home (two hours each way in Los Angeles traffic) so we were motivated to get everything in one trip.

After a quick job of furniture Tetris, we discovered that not only did all three pieces of furniture fit, but we also had space left over to accommodate items we bought at Costco. And, as has been the case every time, we’ve been able to close the liftgate with everything inside. That’s impressive.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Rolling Cart


Center Console Issues

by Allyson Harwood on September 12, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 4,692 miles
Latest MPG: 22.3 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.2 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

The Mazda CX-30 uses a unique center storage area. Unlike other vehicles’ center storage, with the Mazda, you squeeze your hand on the lever, slide the lid back, and it tilts to open.

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo console cover2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo console storage

It’s unusual, but it doesn’t take long to get used to. Unless you have the rear seats folded to make room for cargo. If you have been reading Kelley Blue Book’s updates on the long-term Mazda CX-30, you know that I have been using it to carry a considerable amount of gear. The first time it happened, I thought the lid was out of alignment with its track, because I could only open the lid a couple of inches and it would not slide. But with a quick glance at the second row, I saw that the center headrest abutted the back of the console, keeping the lid from sliding and opening. That isn’t the most convenient thing in the world, especially if you’ve stored your phone and garage door opener in there and you have to work at fishing them out.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Console Jam2021 Mazda Cx 30 Headrest Jam


Hello, Dolly!

by Allyson Harwood on August 25, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 4,197 miles
Latest MPG: 25.7 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.1 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

So far, Kelley Blue Book’s long-term 2021 Mazda CX-30 has been a joy to drive and a surprisingly versatile subcompact SUV. While it doesn’t have the cargo space you would get in a larger SUV, I’ve discovered that it is extremely helpful to have the CX-30 around.

Our refrigerator recently gave up the ghost, and we had the unpleasant task of moving the old fridge out, getting it in the right spot to be recycled, and bringing in a different fridge. No, you can’t fit a refrigerator into a CX-30 — unless you’re moving into a dorm — but I was pleased to discover that the appliance dolly plus additional bulky items fit easily in the Mazda’s cargo area. Once I folded down the rear seats, the dolly slid in and the liftgate easily closed.

Driving back, I heard a rattle now and then, but the carpeted cargo area and the rear seatbacks created a mostly flat cargo floor that didn’t carry too much sound.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Dolly


Driving up the Coast

by Allyson Harwood on August 13, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 3,767 miles
Latest MPG: 25.9 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 23.0 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

My husband and I were ready to get out of the house, so we decided to drive up the coast in the Mazda CX-30 to Santa Barbara for the day. It’s a long drive, about two hours each way if you’re lucky, but the area is beautiful and there are plenty of things to do up there.

We were making good time until we were about 45 minutes away from Stearns Wharf, according to Apple Maps, when the estimated time of arrival nearly doubled. Apparently, we weren’t the only ones who wanted to visit a scenic beach town on a pleasant Saturday in August.

After a quick huddle, we opted to exit the 101 and visit Carpinteria, a sleepy town south of Santa Barbara that I hadn’t visited since I was in high school. And while I couldn’t get a shot of the Mazda near the sand, it was easy to find a parking spot thanks to the CX-30’s tidy dimensions. We parked about 20 feet from the City Beach sign pictured here.

We discovered a cafe that was an absolute gem. After lunch, we toured the area, enjoying the mild weather. We stopped at a candy shop that’s a local institution (Robitaille’s, if you’re in the area), and bought too many sweets.

After a terrific day, we headed back home. Not only was the Mazda CX-30 a fantastic chariot for this trip, but it also netted the best fuel economy of this long-term test to date: 25.86 mpg.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Carpinteria2021 Mazda Cx 30 Beach Sign


Pride of Ownership

by Allyson Harwood on July 25, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 3,074 miles
Latest MPG: 24.8 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 22.8 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

I’ve been overseeing Kelley Blue Book’s long-term 2021 Mazda CX-30 for a few months now, and its Soul Red Crystal paint job is one that is just too beautiful to let hide under a layer of dirt. Perhaps it’s goofy to feel this way because I don’t actually own this SUV, but seeing it get treated to an excellent car wash made me smile. Watching the dirt and dust get rinsed away, and that brilliant red, on “my car for now,” was incredibly rewarding.

This is that intangible part of having a vehicle you really like sitting in your driveway. It isn’t just the practicality it provides or the purposes it serves. It’s the appreciation for your investment, that bit of joy you feel knowing that you made the right choice. And there’s nothing like a wash to revive that pride of ownership.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Car Wash2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo


The CX-30 at the Drive-In

by Allyson Harwood on July 10, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 2,270 miles
Latest MPG: 24.4 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 22.6 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

When I think of the 4th of July, the first movie that comes to mind is “Jaws.” A giant shark terrorizes a popular beach on Independence Day Weekend? A buddy movie that makes references to the USS Indianapolis? Terrific cast, great suspense, and directed by Steven Spielberg? Count me in!

Going to a movie theater isn’t a thing these days, but after some quick googling we found several independent theaters that were doing pop-up drive-ins. My husband and I bought tickets to see “Jaws,” which was projected on the wall of the Gardena Cinema. It had been a really long time since I had been to a drive-in, so it took me a bit to recall how it worked.

Once we parked the CX-30, I set the radio to 106.9 FM and put the SUV in Accessory mode. The movie theater owner came on and said they had jumper cables in case anyone needed them. Soon after, the Mazda screen showed a Low Battery Risk warning. This is where things felt a little dicey. Oh, boy. Were we going to have to use those jumper cables?

Fortunately, the answer was no. The Mazda displayed the warning a few more times, then that stopped. We enjoyed the movie and the CX-30 started right up afterward.

Advantages of the drive-in: You can bring your own snacks, you’re COVID-safe, and you can chat as much as you want during the movie. Downsides? Since the SUV wasn’t running, the climate control was off, and it was cool that night. I was bundled up. And even though the Mazda’s seats are pretty comfortable, they aren’t nearly as comfortable as movie theater seats. I was shifting in my seat throughout the movie.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 At Drive In2021 Mazda Cx 30 Jaws


Another Cargo Load in the CX-30

by Allyson Harwood on June 26, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 1,803 miles
Latest MPG: 23.2 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 22.2 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

The long-term Mazda CX-30 is proving to be a handy tool during what’s turning out to be a remodel. To make it easier to work from home, I needed to create a space with enough room for my work computer, monitor, etc., and my previous desk was ancient and no longer a viable option. (How old, you ask? It still had 20 built-in slots to hold CD-ROMs.)

Once we got an idea of what the new home office should look like, I ordered a new desk and my husband and I dismantled the old one (that came from a Swedish big box store). I looked up how to properly dispose of treated wood, we realized the only option was to take it to the dump.

So, we got the desk pieces downstairs and into the back of the 2021 Mazda CX-30. While I was initially skeptical that everything would fit, we folded the rear seats, slid in the pieces, and closed the hatch. We even had enough room to include a badly damaged barstool.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 The Dump


Recycling Electronics

by Allyson Harwood on June 11, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 1,185 miles
Latest MPG: 22.3 mpg

Lifetime MPG: 22.5 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

One of the biggest tests for a subcompact SUV is making use of its cargo space. I decided to start with a relatively easy task: taking old and outmoded electronics to our local recycling center. My husband and I are doing a slow, gradual “sprucing” of our place, and this is the first big step in creating more space in a home that lacks storage.

But once we decided to offload our old electronics, we discovered we had a lot more items to recycle than we originally thought. We found old copiers, useless hard drives, broken computers, and some antiquated hand-me-downs. It ended up being a good-size load, which all fit nicely into the cargo area of the 2021 Mazda CX-30. We were able to stow everything in back and I still had plenty of rear-view visibility.

2021 Mazda Cx 30 Recycling


First Day? Road Trip!

by Allyson Harwood on May 17, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 294 miles
Latest MPG: 25.2 mpg
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

When I first picked up the 2021 Mazda CX-30, I was so excited to get into this long-term SUV that the first thing I did was put luggage in the cargo area and drove to Palm Springs with my husband. That day. Got in the Mazda in the morning and had lunch in the Coachella Valley.

I figured this would be a great way to start off the year with the Mazda. After all, the first time I drove the (non-turbo) CX-30 was on a trip to Palm Springs, so why not repeat that pleasant experience? I could test out the additional power the turbo engine offers, get a feel for fuel economy on the open highway, and see how this vehicle performs as a road-trip car.

Great Power, When Traffic Allowed

This long weekend has mixed results. On the plus side, the CX-30’s turbocharged engine is terrific. Power comes on predictably and feels linear, and makes this SUV feel like it should have a Mazdaspeed badge on it. Instead of power that comes on quick and harsh, the turbo’s response is refined and forceful. That smoothness makes the CX-30’s speed somewhat deceptive. It doesn’t feel like you’re going as fast as you are. Then you notice that the surrounding traffic is falling back. This happened to me a few times when traffic was flowing freely. And, since speeding in a bright red vehicle isn’t a wise idea, I slowed to a more reasonable speed.

Unfortunately, the chances to stretch the Mazda’s legs were few and far between, as my husband and I weren’t the only ones who had the idea of going out of town for the weekend. So I didn’t get a good baseline highway fuel economy. It ended up being a mix of some open road and a lot of traffic.

But for us, this Mazda was a good travel companion. There was plenty of room for our luggage. We had no issues with headroom and legroom in the front seats. The infotainment system is what it is (more on that in another update, I promise), and the audio system sounded great. We were both happy with the seat comfort, too. The one big gripe: the front passenger seat doesn’t have power controls.

2022-mazda-cx-30-palm-springs2021-mazda-cx-30-wind-farm


Say Hello to Our Little Friend

by Allyson Harwood on May 3, 2021

Price: $36,095 | Price yours
Current Odometer: 27 miles
Latest MPG: N/A
Maintenance/Service Costs: $0
Days out of Service: 0

Getting a new vehicle can seem overwhelming. However, once you start to consider what you need, what you can afford, and factor in what you want, it’s easy to narrow down the list of potential vehicles. That’s how we concluded that the 2021 Mazda CX-30 was an SUV we wanted to test out for a year.

When the CX-30 first went on sale in 2020, it joined an already-hot subcompact SUV segment. What sets this Mazda apart from the rest of the pack is its combination of a fun-to-drive nature, style, and upscale interior in a safe, practical vehicle. In 2021, the CX-30 became even more appealing with the availability of a 250-horsepower, 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Okay, Mazda. You win. You’ve made the CX-30 sound nearly irresistible.

This brings us back to narrowing down what you need/want/can afford. During the early phases of the pandemic, the complex where I live changed its parking rules. In a very short amount of time, I lost my assigned parking space, which was big enough for a 3/4-ton crew cab truck (ask me how I know). Instead, I would have to park in a very small spot in another location. I needed a smaller vehicle than the 2-row midsize SUV I was in (Subaru Outback), but one that provided plenty of cargo space. But something within that same basic price range would still work. And I wanted features like Apple CarPlay, seat heaters, and parking alerts. It all added up to the top-of-the-line Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus with all-wheel drive.

Value

Not everyone who is shopping for this Mazda is going to look at the highest trim level. However, choosing this one as our tester means that we can look into the features that cost more, or are part of additional packages. This is a golden opportunity to see whether the bells and whistles are worth the extra bucks.

And if you look at the $36,000-plus as-tested price, you may say something to the effect of, “Wowzers, that’s pricy.” Here’s the thing: The Mazda CX-30 has a starting price of $23,225. At that price, this subcompact SUV comes with a 186-horsepower engine and it competes nicely with the Kia Seltos, Toyota C-HR, and Subaru Crosstrek.

However, the CX-30 has impressive interior refinement, upscale amenities, and power — especially with the optional turbocharged engine — making it a lower-priced yet competitive alternative to models like the Lexus UX. Compare its safety tech, horsepower and torque, handling and steering, and comfort and convenience features to luxury subcompact SUVs, and the Mazda holds up as a viable rival.

Mazda CX-30 Features

In addition to the 250-horsepower engine upgrade, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 we are testing has leather seats, shifter, and steering wheel, plus the seats and steering wheel are heated. It has a 12-speaker Bose audio system, dual-zone automatic climate control with vents for rear-seat passengers, and an overhead-view camera. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus navigation settings and audio controls are all handled through the Mazda Connect infotainment system via an 8.8-inch color screen. There’s a heads-up display, paddle shifters, and the full complement of safety features that are offered in the CX-30. (Not all of them come standard.) The only other add-ons were a cargo cover ($150) and the choice of Mazda’s dazzling Soul Red paint ($595). The bottom line for this CX-30 is $34,920 plus $1,175 destination.

We’re looking forward to seeing if the CX-30 can handle the demands of SUV shoppers. In addition, we’ve already scoped out some fun, curvy roads for our new sporty long-termer.