2021 Mazda CX-30 Test Drive Review: Boosted Fun

2021 Mazda CX-30 Test Drive Review: Boosted Fun

A year after its release, the Mazda CX-30 has made a splash in the US market. It fills a gap that many never knew needed filling, between the CX-3 and slightly larger CX-5. It does this by offering more space and practicality than its smaller sibling while still retaining its classification as a subcompact crossover. Going up against rivals like the Ford EcoSport or Subaru Crosstrek, it stands out for its well-constructed cabin and long list of features, all available at very attractive pricing. And, while it may have lost some fans to turbo-powered rivals last year, the 2021 CX-30 now offers a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, making an already sporty looking and well-handling SUV that much more enticing. We expect the latest iteration of this spunky crossover to be even more popular in the USA this year, but to see what we’re in for, Mazda sent us a Turbo version to get acquainted with.

Best Deals on 2021 Mazda CX-30

2021 Mazda CX-30 Trims

Mazda CX-30 Exterior

Mazda seems to have mastered the art of designing cars that appeal to the masses, and the CX-30, as one of the newest models, is a fine example of this. Sleek curves abound, with large wheel arches that house 16-inch alloy wheels on the base trim and 18-inch variants on the rest. The front fascia is dominated by a large pentagonal grille, finished in matte on the 2.5 S and gloss black on the upper trims. Thin automatic LED headlights border the grille, supplemented by LED daytime running lights, and complemented by signature LED taillights on the top trims. Rear privacy glass is added from the Select upwards, while the Preferred adds a power-sliding moonroof, and the Premium rounds things out with a power liftgate, roof rails, and a shark fin antenna. The 2.5 Turbo trims will deviate slightly from this aesthetic to advertise its stronger performance. The 18-inch wheels are coated in black, as are the side mirrors. It also gets larger tailpipes and bespoke badging on the tailgate.

Dimensions

Slotting between the CX-3 and the larger CX-5, the Mazda CX-30 is a well-proportioned subcompact. An overall length of 173 inches makes it ideal for the urban environment, while a 104.4-inch wheelbase creates surprisingly a spacious cabin. With the mirrors folded down, it measures 70.7 inches in width. Height varies a little bit between the trim levels, starting at 61.7 inches on the 2.5 S, and increasing to 62.2 inches from the 2.5 Preferred up. Ground clearance is standard at eight inches, so you can take it off-road in a pinch. Curb weight ranges from 3,234 pounds to 3,388 lbs, depending on the drivetrain selected.

• Length
  173.0 in

• Wheelbase
  104.4 in

• Height
  61.7 in

• Max Width
  70.7 in

• Front Width
  61.6 in

• Rear Width
  61.6 in

Exterior Colors

Mazda does not offer the most extensive choice of paint colors when it comes to customizing your ride. A total of seven are presented across the range, with the entry-level 2.5 S only getting access to Jet Black Mica for free, with Snowflake White Pearl Mica adding $395 to the bill. Most of the remaining paints are unlocked when you upgrade to the Select. Additional no-cost colors include Sonic Silver Metallic and Deep Crystal Blue Mica. For $495, you can opt for Machine Gray Metallic, but if the photos of the CX-30 are anything to go by, most shoppers will want the $595 option – Soul Red Crystal Metallic, which certainly bolsters the sporty image of the little crossover. The final color is Polymetal Gray Metallic, which is made available from the Premium upwards.

Mazda CX-30 Performance

Engine and Transmission

Handling and Driving Impressions

CX-30 Gas Mileage

Small SUVs boast pretty good gas mileage figures, and the CX-30 is on par with rivals in terms of economy. In its base FWD guise, it returns an EPA-estimated 25/33/28 miles per gallon across the city/highway/combined cycles. Naturally, upgrading to the optional all-wheel drivetrain sees these figures drop nominally to 24/31/26 mpg. The turbo model is only slightly less economical, rated at 22/30/25. We observed around 22.5 mpg in mostly city driving. The regular FWD models receive a 13.5-gallon fuel tank, while AWD variants get a smaller 12.7-gallon tank. This allows them to roam for 378 miles and 330 miles, respectively.

Mazda CX-30 Interior

Not to be mistaken for the cheaper CX-3, the slightly larger subcompact has a far more spacious interior, which includes better choices of materials, smarter design, and a more satisfying overall feel. The controls for the extensive array of features are laid out with ergonomic precision, and interacting with the knobs and buttons is gratifying. This more hands-on philosophy extends to the infotainment suite, since Mazda has opted to stick with rotary controls so that drivers are not distracted by finicky touchscreen interactions. Naturally the tech gets better as you move through the trim levels, but even the base model boasts a decent list of safety features and a pleasing sound system. Those in the back will have little to complain about with such entertainment, and there is more than enough room to go around.

Seating and Interior Space

There is seating for up to five inside the seemingly small CUV, but if you’re carpooling your coworkers, we’d suggest sticking to a maximum of four adults. However, the legroom in the rear isn’t quite so generous that you’d want to be stuck back there over longer journeys. It is worth noting that the CX-30 outmatches the Mazda3 hatchback in this regard. Headroom is ample throughout, but there isn’t an abundance of shoulder room, so you may bump elbows with your front seat passenger from time to time. Until you get up to the Preferred trim, you will have to settle for manually adjustable seats. Thereafter, you get an eight-way power driver’s seat. Both front seats are heated from this point on, too. Overall visibility is excellent, thanks to large windows and the high riding height of the crossover.

Interior Colors and Materials

While not all Mazdas are premium machines, even the most affordable never feel as cheap as they are. Sure, you’ll find hard plastics around the cabin on the 2.5 S, and the steering wheel and gear shifter are low-budget urethane, but the build quality is excellent. The seats are upholstered in basic cloth, offered only in Black. Leatherette becomes the norm inside the Select and Preferred trims. The former is still restricted to Black, but the latter can choose Greige for a softer color scheme. The shifter and steering wheel receive an upgrade at this price point too, wrapping the steering wheel and shifter is in more pleasing leather. The upper-tier Premium upgrades to genuine leather and, while Black is still a staple color choice, it adds classy White leather to the options list. The new 2.5 Turbo will be offered in three trim levels: standard, Premium, and Premium Plus. Each Turbo adds chrome finishes around the cabin to announce its sportier aspirations.

Mazda CX-30 Trunk and Cargo Space

Features

The list of features on the CX-30 starts off pretty basic, but it quickly grows to rival that of far more expensive competitors. The 2.5 S is relatively bare-bones, sticking to the essentials like air conditioning, keyless ignition, a 12-volt power outlet, and basic driver-assistance tech such as a rearview camera, cruise control, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. The Select bolsters this with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while upgrading to automatic dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, and added advanced keyless entry. Most of the upgrades on the Preferred are focused on comfort, with the addition of heated front seats, an eight-way power driver’s seat, and a power moonroof. Near the top of the range, the Premium expands the driver aids with traffic sign recognition and a head-up active driving display. It also adds paddle shifters for a more hands-on driving experience. The Turbo Premium Plus will get all of this along with reverse smart brake support, rear cross-traffic braking, traffic jam assist, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.

Infotainment

Mazda decided to go back to the basics when it comes to infotainment. There is a large 8.8-inch display in the upper dashboard, but it does not offer touchscreen interaction. Instead, users navigate the functions using a smartly designed dial on the center console or via the voice command system. This grants access to HD Radio, Pandora, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The standard sound system comprises eight speakers with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics. The only upgrades to this setup come in at the Premium level, where Sirius XM and navigation expand the basic functions, and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system replaces the standard offering. Charging of smart devices is facilitated by a pair of USB ports, but you can opt on a wireless charging pad.

Mazda CX-30 Problems and Reliability

Warranty

Mazda CX-30 Safety

Safety reviews for the CX-30 are quite superb. The NHTSA gives it an overall rating of five stars, and only the rollover crash test returned a less than perfect score of four stars. The IIHS similarly awarded the Mazda CX-30 a rating of Good in every single category, as well as its coveted Top Safety Pick status. It is worth mentioning that this only applies to models equipped with the top-tier headlights.

US NHTSA crash test result

• Overall Rating

• Frontal Barrier Crash Rating

• Side Crash Rating

• Rollover Rating

Key Safety Features

Even the base-model CX-30 gets a fair number of standard safety features. Naturally, it has ABS, EBD, traction and stability control, as well as a set of eight airbags: dual front, front side, front knee, and side curtain. More advanced features include a rearview camera, smart brake support, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, and lane departure warning. Moving up through trim levels adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, and an active driving display. At the top-tier, you are offered the option of adding a surround-view camera.

Verdict: 🏁Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 a good car?

🚘What’s the Price of the 2021 Mazda CX-30?

Although there have been some updates to the standard features across the range, they were minor and did not affect the price of the Mazda CX-30 for the new year. The entry-level 2.5 S carries a base price of $21,900, while the Select asks for $23,900. The now mid-tier Preferred goes on sale for $26,300, and the Premium raises the stakes to $28,550. Each of these models can be equipped with an all-wheel drivetrain by adding $1,400 to the bill. This is already included on the all-new 2.5 Turbo which starts at $29,900. It can also be upgraded to the Turbo Premium for an additional $2,400 or to the exclusive Premium Plus, which has the highest base price of $33,900. These are MSRP figures and do not include tax, registration, licensing, or Mazda’s $1,100 destination charge.

2021 Mazda CX-30 Models

Additional Packages

The CX-30 has been separated into distinct trim levels to ensure that every buyer is accommodated, and Mazda is so sure that it has perfected each model that there are almost no customization options to spec your vehicle differently. However, there are still some independent add-ons available, such as a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror ($275), illuminated door sills ($425), a wireless charging pad ($275), or an interior lighting kit ($230). Several cargo management add-ons are available, as well as all-weather floor mats, and a couple of roof rack adjustments.

🚗What Mazda CX-30 Model Should I Buy?

2021 Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek

While the CX-30 is modern and sporty, the Crosstrek looks more like a rugged off-roader shrunk down to subcompact proportions. However, the Subaru’s entry-spec engine is even less powerful than the base CX-30, developing only 152 hp and 145 lb-ft, and it looks pitiful beside the newly available turbocharged engine in the 2.5 Turbo. The Crosstrek can feel more engaging to drive at times, thanks to its manual gearbox, but the optional CVT is less impressive. However, it is more economical, with mileage returns of 28/33/30 mpg. Despite having a higher starting price than the Mazda, the Subaru doesn’t feel it on the inside. Both subcompacts are outfitted with a decent list of features, though, and they match each other almost perfectly on cargo space. Still, the Mazda CX-30 seems like the smarter choice, with better overall appeal, and an available turbocharged engine, if you are willing to dole out some extra dough.

2021 Mazda CX-30 vs Honda CR-V

The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular midsize SUVs in the USA, so it is hard for the CX-30 to compete with it. An extra ten inches of length means that it offers loads more cargo capacity – 39.2 cubic feet in total behind the rear seats – and more comfortable rear-seat passenger accommodations. However, the new turbocharged four-pot on the Mazda gives it loads more power than the 190 hp developed by the 1.5L turbo on the CR-V, and the smaller crossover handles far more gracefully. In terms of tech, the two are almost neck-and-neck, so what it really comes down to is whether or not you need the extra space. The Honda has a more expensive starting price of $25,350, but you’ll need to pay over $30k to get the CX-30 2.5 Turbo. Still, if you have smaller children and don’t need the extra trunk space, the Mazda seems like the more pleasing purchase.

2021 Mazda CX-30 Video Review