- The Mazda CX-30 gets standard AWD and a new Carbon Edition trim for 2022
- The CX-30 is one of the most competitive subcompact SUVs in its class with an upscale interior and engaging driving dynamics
- Pricing for the 2022 Mazda CX-30 starts at $22,200 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you
The CX-30 is a bit small for most family applications, but it’s a top choice for shoppers seeking the versatility of an SUV with the drivability, fuel economy, and price tag of a compact car. The base engine will satisfy most drivers, but those with an appetite for performance will love the more exciting turbocharged option.
Mazda added some nice perks to the CX-30 for 2022 like standard AWD on every trim and a slick new Carbon Edition trim.
Passenger Room and Comfort
Front-seat occupants will find little to complain about in the Mazda CX-30. The front seats are comfortable and supportive with plenty of legroom and headroom for all but the tallest adults. The two front seats share a wide center armrest which helps with long-distance comfort.
The back seats are a little tight. They’re good for children, but wouldn’t be very comfortable for grown-ups on long distances. Granted, this is a small SUV, but some of its rivals have more room in the back seats. If you’re looking for maximum interior space in a subcompact SUV, your back-seat passengers would prefer the Kia Seltos or Honda HR-V.
Features and Tech
Even the base 2.5 S trim of the Mazda CX-30 is pretty nice on the inside. On top of the upscale interior design, standard features include push-button start, steering wheel audio and cruise control, air conditioning, cloth seats, 60/40 split-folding back seats, and the basics like power windows and locks.
The standard infotainment system is an 8.8-inch display loaded with Bluetooth, HD Radio, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Other tech features include two USB inputs, 8-speaker audio, and a 7-inch driver information screen.
For most drivers, making the modest upgrade to the Select trim or higher is worth the extra cost. Added interior features over the base trim include faux leather seating surfaces, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter.
The back seats are more pleasant at this level thanks to rear air vents and a rear center armrest with cup holders.
Upgrading to the Preferred, Carbon Edition, or 2.5 Turbo adds power-adjustable, heated front seats, and the Carbon Edition has unique red leather seats. The Premium model also has standard leather seats plus some more tech features like SiriusXM, navigation, and Bose 12-speaker premium audio.
The Premium and Premium Plus trims of the turbocharged CX-30 make this SUV even more luxurious. On top of the performance upgrade, they add a heated steering wheel, paddle shifters, and a frameless, auto-dimming mirror.
Materials and Design
The exterior design of the Mazda CX-30 speaks the design language of the other stylish Mazda SUVs, and that’s not a bad thing. It has an upscale look with standard alloy wheels and LED headlights. The Carbon Edition adds some extra attitude with Polymetal Gray paint and black wheels.
The interior design also follows the brand ethos for Mazda SUVs. It’s a premium interior without a premium price tag. The base trim has cloth seats, but the mid-range trims have more upscale faux leather seating surfaces and the more luxurious trims have genuine leather seats. Although this is an affordable SUV, nothing on the inside feels cheap.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
The cargo space in the CX-30 is about average for a subcompact SUV. It has 20.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. That more than doubles to 45.2 cubic feet with the back seats folded down. All CX-30 models have 60/40 split-folding back seats allowing for some flexibility in passenger and cargo space.
It’s not the roomiest option in the subcompact SUV space, but the CX-30 is fun to drive and stylish inside and out.
More 2022 Mazda CX-30
Build and price your own 2022 Mazda CX-30 to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more. If you’re ready to pick one out for yourself, see the CX-30 models for sale near you.
