LOOKS

The 2025 CX-30 features one of the more stylish designs in the subcompact category. Its sporty looks and smooth-flowing shape are a perfect match for its sporty drive quality.

The CX-30 features the traditional Mazda lip up front over the grille area, and my test vehicle featured 18-inch black alloy wheels, as well as LED lighting.

Other design features included a gloss black front grille, black signature grille wing, black rear roof spoiler, roof rails, a power sliding-glass moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, black heated side mirrors, and dual tail pipes.

Moving inside, Mazda shines with a nearly luxury-level experience provided.

The downside of the interior, of course, is the limited cargo space and rear passenger space — which is to be expected in a subcompact offering. But the high-end, beautiful and comfortable two-tone seating make the CX-30 look like a much more expensive vehicle, and rivals the design quality of luxury subcompacts like the BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Mercedes-Benz GLA.

The CX-30 technically seats 5 people, but I would put kids and short adults in back. Honestly though, if you have passengers regularly, it’s best to move up to a bigger SUV than the CX-30, or you’ll always have someone feeling cramped. The CX-30 is best as a commuter car for someone who doesn’t usually have rear seat sitters.

The Terracotta leatherette seating in my test vehicle featured a stylish two-tone design of brown and black.

It also featured heated front seats, power driver seat with power lumbar and position memory, 60/40 split fold-down rear seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, rear armrest with cup holders, and dual-zone automatic climate with rear vents.

While the interior is of higher quality than its rivals, one downside the CX-30 does have is a below-average cargo capacity — coming in at 20.2 cubic feet with rear seats up, and 45.2 cubic feet with rear seats folded down. Some rivals in the segment can reach upwards of 60 cubic feet of space.

HOW’S THE RIDE?

Two engines are offered in the CX-30 — a base four-cylinder engine, and a turbo-four with additional power.

The non-turbo base provides 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. And the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine steps it up significantly to deliver 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, which are the best performance numbers you’ll find without moving up to much more expensive luxury compact offerings.

The CX-30 comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, and features standard all-wheel drive to ensure a capable ride even when facing tough weather and road conditions. The CX-30’s ride quality benefits from Dynamic Stability Control, Traction Control, and G-Vectoring Control Plus — which improves the vehicle's steering and stability to boost overall driving experience.

Like all Mazdas, the CX-30 is a car built for people who love to drive, and don’t just want an A-to-B vehicle. Its 0-to-60 time is respectable at just below 6 seconds with the turbo (and closer to 8 seconds with base engine). It moves quickly and with agility around corners. Combining its small size and powerful engine makes it nimble and a ton of fun to drive.

Other vehicles in the class may beat the CX-30 on fuel mileage, but they can’t match the sporty driving experience it provides — especially with the turbo engine.

Sport mode can be engaged by the driver via a switch in the center console and greatly enhances ride quality.

 
TECHNOLOGY, SAFETY

The infotainment setup in the CX-30 is controlled by a dial in the center console. 

Initially I was not a huge fan of using this dial setup, but I quickly got used to it, though I would still have preferred to have touchscreen access as well. The only touchscreen capability on the CX-30 comes when you enable Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for phone mirroring.

On the plus side, voice commands worked very effectively in the CX-30. And its screen size (8.8 inch comes standard, and Turbo trims come with a 10.25 inch screen) is adequate.

You also get a wireless phone charger, USB inputs, Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and Bluetooth for streaming calls and audio. Mazda Connected Services are included, allowing drivers to lock, unlock, remote start and monitor vehicle health through an app. A navigation system is optional.

An upgraded Bose audio system is also available.

Moving on to safety, highlights in the CX-30 include a helpful rearview monitor and a ton of features you might not expect on a smaller vehicle like this. Also impressive is the 5-star overall government safety ratings of the CX-30, which is excellent for a subcompact.

Safety features included on the CX-30 include:
— Driver Attention Alert
— Lane Departure Warning System
— Lane Keep Assist
— Mazda Radar Cruise Control
— Blind Spot Monitoring
— Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
— Antilock brakes
— Airbags throughout the vehicle
— Smart Brake Support with Pedestrian Detection
— Tire Pressure Monitoring System
— Rear Seat Alert

MPG

Official fuel mileage numbers on the 2025 Mazda CX-30 with the turbo engine are 22 city/30 highway/25 combined.

With the non-turbo engine, drivers will see fuel mileage of 26 city/33 highway/29 combined.

I averaged around 25 mpg while driving the turbo version of the CX-30, so these numbers proved to be accurate.

The numbers on the turbo are a few ticks below what rival small SUVs offer, but the drive quality is much more powerful and enjoyable.

PRICE

The CX-30 I tested was priced at nearly $35K, which was near the top of the price range, but the CX-30’s base price is much more reasonable at roughly $25K. This price range is pretty close to most rivals, and is only undercut by a few vehicles such as the Chevy Trax and Buick Envista.

You’ll have to pay on the higher end of that range to get the turbo engine, so it may not fit all budgets. But it’s the better engine choice.

Trim levels include: Base, Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus.

Warranties on the CX-30 are about average for the segment, including:
60 month/60,000 mile powertrain warranty
36 month/36,000 mile new vehicle warranty

Rivals such as Hyundai and Kia are more comprehensive with powertrain coverage up to 10 years/100,000 miles. And there is no complimentary maintenance included on the CX-30.

BOTTOM LINE

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is a strong choice for subcompact SUV buyers who don’t need much space for cargo or extra people inside their ride, but want a vehicle that’s attractive, quick to get moving and a blast to drive.

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