Used 2020 MAZDA CX-30

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is a large subcompact SUV, larger than the company’s CX-3 and smaller than the CX-5. Among subcompact SUVs, it’s closer in size to a Subaru Crosstrek or Toyota C-HR than the smaller Ford EcoSport or Hyundai Kona. Mazda isn’t the only company to expand to more than one subcompact SUV in the lineup, as Hyundai just introduced the smaller-than-Kona Venue, Nissan sells the Rogue Sport and the Kicks, and Jeep has the Renegade and Compass.

Where the CX-30 differs is in its execution. This beautiful SUV offers the most power in its class and is arguably the most fun to drive. The upscale interior is quiet and uses high-quality materials. The CX-30 comes with a long list of standard safety features and advanced driver assists, as well as plenty of options for upgraded creature comforts and connectivity. And it achieves all of this while coming in at a competitive price.

The new CX-30 made so many fans among the world’s top journalists that it was a 2020 World Car of the Year finalist.

#1 in Best Subcompact SUVs of 2020

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is a fine example of how far subcompact SUVs have come in a short amount of time. Once purpose-built and utilitarian, subcompact SUVs now have more personality and features. This all comes together nicely in the CX-30. This stylish subcompact Mazda offers 186 horsepower in its sole engine, and while there is no turbo boost to add extra oomph, there is plenty of power.

The 6-speed automatic transmission is well-matched to the engine, and putting it in Sport mode holds gears longer. Steering is fantastic, and handling is the right balance of comfort and response. If you have no interest in driving one of those twisty roads that seem tailor-made for car commercials, you’ll still thoroughly enjoy the pleasant ride and willing response the CX-30 offers on your daily drive.

The interior is arguably the nicest you can get in a subcompact SUV. The front row is spacious, more so than you would expect in a vehicle this size. There’s also a lot of shoulder room and a feeling of open space, making it easy to forget you’re in a subcompact. Mazda has worked hard on how materials feel and look, and their efforts have paid off, with beautiful accents in the cabin and a pleasant tactile feel to the controls.

That feeling of quality continues in the back row, but legroom is limited for passengers who are above six feet tall. One other note: The infotainment system is mostly controlled by a knob and a few buttons, a choice Mazda made to ensure that drivers aren’t spending time looking down at a touch screen, with their eyes off the road. The Mazda’s screen sits higher on the dash, making it easier to keep an eye on traffic, but learning the controls can take a little time. If you like to channel surf, it’s easier to use the Favorites feature.

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Craftsmanship and thoughtful design define the Mazda CX-30’s interior. The cabin uses high-quality materials and elegant style, making this feel like the interior of a more expensive vehicle. Buyers can choose from warm brown/parchment, brown/black, and navy/gray color combinations, with seats in cloth, leatherette or leather. Every CX-30 comes with the Mazda Connect infotainment system and an 8.8-inch screen that sits atop the dash.

The dash layout is narrow and wide, and controls sit fairly high, making them easier to reach while driving. Infotainment controls are near the transmission shifter, falling where your hand would naturally reach. Center console storage uses an unusual lid, where you slide it back first and then tilt it to open.

The infotainment was designed to be easy to use without having to look away from the road, so there are few buttons and one knob to control it. Speakers for the audio system have been relocated from the doors into the cowl, improving audio quality. The seats were designed to emulate the natural position of the spine, for better posture and more comfort.

Mazda is known for designing strikingly beautiful cars and SUVs, and the CX-30 fits right in. The CX-30 continues to evolve the brand’s design language, with flowing curves and lines that add some coupe feel to this SUV. The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was designed with beauty and simplicity in mind, so some of the angles and lines are subtle, and can only be seen at certain angles.

Base models come with 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and a matte grille. Select-and-higher trim levels replace those with 18-inch alloy wheels. Preferred CX-30s add a gloss front grille, and the Premium has LED headlights and taillight accent lights, plus roof rails.

DRIVING DYNAMICS
Mazda continues to prove that practicality can be fun. This small, efficient SUV boasts smooth, responsive steering and a sporty ride without detracting from the vehicle’s cargo- and people-carrying capability or ride comfort.

THOUGHTFUL ENGINEERING
Mazda placed the navigation screen near the top of the dash to make it easier to use without taking your eyes off the road. They simplified infotainment controls to reduce distraction, and put the remaining fuel range right next to the fuel level. They moved the location of the speakers to reduce buzzing and rattles. Seats were designed to ensure the best posture for comfort. There’s even an amber light on the stalk that illuminates when the windshield wipers are in Auto mode.

All models of the CX-30 start with a 2.5-liter 186-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive (FWD). They ride on 16-inch wheels and tires, have LED lighting, and use an electronic emergency brake.

The interior uses cloth seats, and has power windows and door locks, plus keyless entry. There are two USB ports, and Mazda Connect is standard, with an 8.8-inch screen, Multifunction Commander control (the knob that controls infotainment), and in-car Wi-Fi. However, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity is not standard on the base model.

On the safety side, in addition to airbags – including driver and front-passenger knee bags – adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and automatic high beams come standard. But blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are options.

While every CX-30 comes with a 2.5-liter engine, the Premium model version comes with cylinder deactivation to improve fuel economy in AWD models, as well as paddle shifters.

Other options include all-wheel drive (available with all trim levels), head-up display, leather or leatherette seats, moonroof, rear power liftgate, 12-speaker audio, power-adjustable driver’s seat (power passenger seat isn’t available), heated front seats, 18-inch wheels, power side mirrors with memory, rear vents and center armrest, and blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Navigation is a port-installed option.

The CX-30 comes with one engine choice: a 2.5-liter 186-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, backed by a 6-speed automatic transmission. The only variation is that Premium models come with cylinder deactivation. This feature gives all-wheel-drive Premium CX-30s fuel economy that’s nearly identical to that of any front-wheel-drive version of the SUV.

Two-wheel-drive Mazda CX-30s have EPA-rated fuel economy of 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 mpg combined, while the Premium AWD CX-30 nets 25/33/27 mpg. For the rest of the CX-30 line, all-wheel-drive models net 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined.

2.5-liter inline-4
186 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
186 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg (FWD), 24/31 mpg (AWD)

2.5-liter inline-4 (Premium)
186 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
186 lb-ft of torque @ 4,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 25/33 mpg (FWD), 25/33 mpg (AWD)