Fun & practical is what the 2024 Mazda CX-30 is all about

There are a lot of good, small SUVs out there to choose from. But if you are wanting a good, small SUV that is also fun to drive, well, that is a different story. But Mazda has your back, because the Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV that is surprisingly fun to drive. While others may offer more features or more cargo room, the CX-30 is very well-rounded little SUV.

The CX-30 is Mazda’s smallest SUV and fits right below the CX-5 and CX-50 SUVs. In many ways, it looks like a taller, more rugged version of the Mazda 3 hatchback, which is understandable, for underneath it’s sheetmetal, it is essential a Mazda 3.

Enter the CX-30 and you’ll discover an interior that looks and feels more on the upscale side rather than on the budget side. It comes standard with nearly the same number of technology features and advanced driver aids that you would find on Mazda’s larger and more expensive CX-5. Most of the interior is draped in soft leather and much of the hardware on the dash and center console is done in chrome. Protruding from the dash is an 8.8-inch screen that is standard on all models. It’s not a touch screen, instead you use a dial on the center console to control it, just like in other vehicles from Mazda. To the right of the dial is the volume knob, to the left the electronic parking brake. If you know Mazdas, you’ll feel right at home in the CX-30.

Interior space of the CX-30 is what you would expect in a vehicle of this size – small yet cozy and comfortable. The front seats have a great feel and form to them and should be no issue on long road trips. The belt line is a little high, making you look as if you are lower than you are. The rear seats are nicely padded and offer a good seating position that’s not too upright. Vents in the rear ensure backseat passengers get their share of the climate control system. Total accommodations in the CX-30 is five, but fitting 3 average-size adults in the back seat may be stretching it – two adults in the back seat is more
feasible.

Cargo space in the CX-30 is decent. Behind the backseat there is 20.2 cubic feet of space. If more is needed, the second row can be folded to get 45.2 cubic feet of space. Unfortunately, the backseat doesn’t lie flush with the cargo floor when folded, making it a little difficult when it comes to sliding things in and out.

Last year, the CX-30 received a boost in horsepower and fuel efficiency on models with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. For 2024, changes are even fewer – there is a new trim level, the Carbon Turbo, and last year Sport trim is now called the Select Sport.

Continuing along as an option to the base 2.5 liter four-cylinder, is a turbocharged 2.5 liter four-cylinder that makes 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. And as before every CX-30 uses a six-speed automatic transmission and comes with all-wheel drive.

Just like other Mazda’s, the real joy of the CX-30 happens when you’re behind the wheel. Much like the Mazda 3 hatchback, the CX-30 is nimble, athletic, and fun to drive. Its steering is crisp, and it moves with such fluid and grace, making it a pleasure to pilot on twisty roads. When simply cruising, it provides an excellent sense of stability. The turbocharged engine, which is how the tester came, is plenty powerful, and, along with its excellent handling dynamics, really makes for a fun driving little SUV. With an abundance of low-end torque, the CX-30 with the turbo engine is the quickest vehicle in its class, achieving sub-6 second 0-60 mph times and outrunning the likes of the Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, and Subaru Crosstrek.

The fact the CX-30 feels truly alive isn’t by accident either. Mazda feels that a car and driver should have a relationship similar to that of a horse and its rider, a philosophy called Jinba-ittai. They focus on giving their vehicles a feel that is refined elegant, and upscale. This idea, Mazda states, was applied in the design process of the CX-30.

Choosing a CX-30 can be challenging as there are no fewer than eight trim levels to pick from. The 2.5 S, Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, and Premium all come with normally aspirated 2.5-liter engine. The Carbon Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium and the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus use the boosted engine. As mentioned, all-wheel is standard across the lineup.

Pricing for the 2024 Mazda CX-30 starts right at $26,4155 for the base model 2.5 S, with the top-of-the-line Turbo Premium Plus carries a price tag of $38,220.

As stated above, there are a lot of good subcompact SUVs to choose from. And it’s hard to go wrong with any of them if you are looking for good, reliable transportation. But if you want a subcompact SUV that is not only good, but is also a little bit luxurious, athletic, engaging, and just plain fun to drive, the choice is a lot easier – the Mazda CX-30.
— Christopher A. Randazzo

By The Numbers:

2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus AWD

Base Price: $36,800.00
Price as Tested: $38,310.00
Layout: front-engine / all-wheel drive
Engine: 2.5 liter Skyactiv Turbocharged inline 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Horsepower: 227 hp
Torque: 310 lb-ft
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 city / 30 highway mpg

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