2025 MAZDA CX-30

The CX-30 is one of those rare SUVs that is appealing on many different levels. Sure, there’s the practicality of the body style, the ease of getting in and out. Safety scores are impressive and the amount of standard driver assistance features gets our approval. Yet there’s also that special Mazda way with design, the classy cabin, and how the driving experience (so typical of Mazda) enlivens the dullest errand-running and elevates the most entertaining roads.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact SUVs, including the Mazda CX-30.

The one-up-from-base S Select Sport now has Alexa Built-In, allowing drivers to control aspects like cabin temperature, music streaming, and even smart home devices — all through voice commands. The penultimate Turbo Premium trim, meanwhile, is upgraded with Mazda Online Navigation that includes live traffic and over-the-air updates. Aero Gray Metallic is a new exterior color choice.

It’s the second and third rungs on the trim level ladder that prove the most popular — the S Select Sport and the S Preferred. One of those would also be our preference, depending on budget.

Other top-selling subcompact SUVs include the Honda HR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, Kia Seltos, and Hyundai Kona. They’re in the same general pricing region as the CX-30, but keep in mind that this Mazda and the Subaru Crosstrek come with all-wheel drive as standard.

Before buying a new CX-30 SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Resale values are above the class average. Remember, recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The CX-30’s standard 2.5-liter engine is the most powerful base unit in the subcompact SUV class, generating 191 horsepower and enabling a standstill-to-60 mph dash in a relatively quick eight seconds. This is the more popular engine in the CX-30 lineup and the sensible choice for most buyers.

We’re convinced Mazda had Tennessee’s twisting Tail of the Dragon stretch of road in mind when it engineered this spirited little SUV. The same flow, feel, fun, and fleetness found 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 wonderfully responsive, and the suspension tuning is pitch-perfect. Granted, the suspension may feel somewhat stiff to more comfort-oriented drivers, but that’s a trade-off we would make for such handling dynamics.

If we had to come up with a gripe, we’d prefer Mazda offering rear parking sensors in a few lower trims, not just the top model. This was a complaint echoed in our owner reviews.

The other engine on offer is a 250-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder unit. This intensifies the CX-30’s already enjoyable driving dynamics while hitting 60 mph in about six seconds. We think the base engine is quick enough, plus it’s more affordable and more efficient — but it’s good to have the choice.

Fuel Economy

We think the fuel economy of the CX-30’s base engine is perfectly acceptable, achieving 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s matched by the Kia Seltos (with all-wheel drive). They both outdo the all-wheel-drive Honda HR-V. The CX-30’s turbocharged engine manages a still-respectable 25 mpg combined.

Our owner reviews praise the CX-30 for its quiet and comfortable cabin. Indeed, the CX-30 provides one of the more high-end cabins in its class. 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. High-quality materials are arranged expertly into a simple yet pleasing layout, topped off with a decent-sized 8.8-inch infotainment display. Turbo models get an even larger 10.25-inch touchscreen. The top Premium Plus trim’s interior quality rivals some luxury SUVs.

The CX-30 is a subcompact SUV, so space is not exactly plentiful. But adults will enjoy more than sufficient 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 cargo capacity. The Seltos and HR-V have noticeably more luggage space than the CX-30’s 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. However, we do like that the CX-30 offers a powered tailgate.

We like that the CX-30 follows the same exterior design approach as the rest of the company’s SUVs. That’s fine by us. When a core design works this well, why change the classy lines, sleek surfaces, and elegant proportions for no reason? This year, Mazda now offers an exterior paint choice from the glorious MX-5 Miata sports car: Aero Gray Metallic.

Ergonomics
This relates to how all the controls connect with the driver, along with seats designed to optimize correct posture and combat fatigue. Mazda clearly put some of its finest minds to work in this area. There are details like the location of navigation information 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
In our opinion, this is the CX-30’s superpower, what makes it different from the humdrum 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
All-wheel drive is standard in every CX-30. A transparent system, it can move engine torque from axle to axle and wheel to wheel, optimizing traction and power delivery. We find it reassuring and confidence-inspiring.

Driver aids
Every CX-30 comes with a set of safety and driver assistance technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, and lane-keeping assistance.

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

Proximity Keyless Entry
One of our must-have features available in the Select Sport trim and above, it allows the doors to unlock automatically if the key fob is on your person. Push-button start is standard on all trim levels. We argue that once you’ve experienced this feature, you won’t ever want to be without it.

The base (and most popular) engine of the CX-30 lineup is a naturally aspirated (not turbocharged) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit developing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This goes to all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The higher-performance alternative adds a turbocharger to create 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium gasoline. Save a few pennies per gallon at the pump using regular fuel and those numbers dip to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque — still a healthy amount of muscle for a subcompact SUV.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Mazda’s new-vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This is all typical for mainstream manufacturers.

Safety Ratings

The 2024 CX-30 has received the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the 2025 model achieved the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.