Starting Price: $22,950 | Price Yours
KBB Rating: 4.6 out of 5
The Mazda CX-30 is unique among subcompact SUVs. While most competitors come standard with front-wheel drive, Mazda builds every CX-30 with grippy all-wheel drive (AWD). And while many subcompact SUVs look squat and awkward, or cute at best, the CX-30 is genuinely handsome. It handles better than most of the pack, too.
It’s also one of the only subcompact SUVs to give buyers a choice of two engines. Which one is right for you? That depends on your priorities.
The Popular Engine
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 combined (26 city, 33 highway)
Price of entry: $22,950
The base engine in the CX-30 is a little surprising. Most ultra-small SUVs come with a 4-cylinder engine (or, in some cases, a 3-cylinder) that is merely adequate. But Mazda’s, at 191 horsepower, is more powerful than most. Honda, for instance, gives its HR-V just 158 horsepower. Chevy gives its Trailblazer a choice of two engines, but the most powerful one makes just 155 horsepower.
Mazda pairs this engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission – a more traditional approach than the buzzy, continuously variable transmissions of most rivals. This engine isn’t just enough for most buyers – it’s more fun than most competitors can give you at this price.
The More Powerful Engine
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 combined (22 city, 30 highway)
Price of entry: $33,800
Now, things get really interesting. Mazda also builds the CX-30 with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine. It makes 227 horsepower on regular fuel or 250 on premium. It comes paired with that same 6-speed automatic.
This is interesting because, frankly, that’s a LOT of power for this class. This engine makes the CX-30 almost the equivalent of a small luxury SUV. Our reviewer said it’s “a wild ride” in a vehicle so small.
So, is it right for you? That depends on whether you want a wild ride and are willing to pay for it. This engine won’t be the right choice for most drivers. But it might be the right choice for you if you’re not most drivers.
More 2023 Mazda CX-30
Now that you have a better idea of which engine is right for you, build and price your own 2023 Mazda CX-30 to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you.
