2020 Mazda CX-30 Test Drive Review: A More Practical And Stylish CX-3
When Mazda first announced the CX-30, there were many raised eyebrows in response. Mazda already had the subcompact CX-3 crossover on the market alongside the compact CX-5, and the midsize CX-9 model. The CX-30 is also a subcompact crossover, but it exists alongside the similar CX-3 and is, according to Mazda, aimed more squarely at the US market to fit the gap between the CX-3 and CX-5 as, basically, a Mazda 3 hatchback raised on stilts to mimic what fellow Japanese brands have done with models like the popular Subaru Crosstrek. There's just a moderate price increase over the CX-3, but the CX-30 brings extra cargo space and legroom for the money - the latter being the Achilles heel of the CX-3.
The CX-30 looks more expensive than it is due to its pretty-yet-handsome design. It also comes packed with standard features and an incredibly well thought out interior design. The single available engine is a slightly underwhelming 2.5-liter four-cylinder unit, but that doesn't dampen the spirit of the CX-30 at all.
What's the Price of the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 has a starting MSRP of $21,900 for the base model, representing just a $1,260 premium over the base price of the Mazda CX-3. Moving up to the Select Package costs $23,900 and the Preferred Package pushes the cost of the Mazda CX-30 up to $26,200. Finally, the top-line Premium Package goes for $28,200. Every model is FWD but Mazda's i-Active AWD system costs $1,400.
These prices for the Mazda CX-30 exclude tax, licensing, registration, and a destination charge of $1,100.
2020 CX-30 Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
173.0 in | 104.5 in | 61.7 in | 70.7 in | 61.6 in | 61.6 in | 3,232.0 lbs |
2020 CX-30 Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The subcompact crossover blurs the line between the hatchback and the SUV, and Mazda's CX-30 is no exception. The riding position is taller, but the chassis is agile, responsive, and playful on a curvy road, and then cultured and responsive on the freeway. In town, the CX-30 will be whatever you need it to be, whether it's patiently and comfortably keeping pace with traffic or wheeling through backstreets to avoid the traffic. The CX-30 does feature a sport mode, and the most noticeable difference it creates is a sharpening up of the throttle response, which is more useful at times than worth seeking out for fun.
Our test vehicle came with the all-wheel-drive option, which proved to help the CX-30 remain sure-footed and nimble in treacherous conditions, including the icy mountain roads we found ourselves on while looking for spots to take photographs. The transmission chooses its gears well for the most part, and only stumbled occasionally on those more challenging roads.
2020 CX-30 Interior
2020 CX-30 Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Mazda CX-30 A Good car?
It's a specific niche that the CX-30 sits in for people that want a small utility vehicle, but don't want to spend their money on something the size of a CX-5. To that end, the CX-30 is an excellent car, as it balances enough space for a small family to grow with while also delivering a premium product in a lower price range. For adventurous single people and couples, its style, comfort, tech features, and performance along with the reasonable cargo space makes the CX-30 an excellent little lifestyle vehicle and commuter car. There's remarkably little to fault as Mazda has built on what it has learned developing the Mazda 3 to come up with a marked improvement on the CX-3. It might not be quite as rugged as a Subaru Crosstrek, but it is vastly more refined, and as an on-road alternative to the Mazda 3 hatchback, this caters to the crossover craze brilliantly.
What Mazda CX-30 Model Should I Buy?
No matter which trim level of the CX-30 somebody buys, it's going to feel like they spent more than they did. Even without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the base trim offers Bluetooth connectivity, necessary safety technology, keyless entry, a decent sound system, an 8.8-inch dashboard display, rain-sensing wipers, and even LED headlights. We would step up to the Preferred trim and enjoy the leatherette seats and Apple and Android connectivity, and dual-zone climate control while passengers also enjoy the rear air conditioning vents.
The Preferred package provides enough for a small but premium experience for those that are seeking it. Still, we wouldn't blame anyone for taking advantage of Premium trim's leather seats, moonroof, power liftgate, head-up display, and adaptive lights for $28,200. We would even be tempted to add wireless charging, frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, and have the dealer install remote engine start and still come in around $30,000.
2020 Mazda CX-30 Comparisons
2020 Mazda CX-30 vs Subaru Crosstrek
Where the CX-30 looks like it wants to be in competition with some small luxury crossovers, the Subaru Crosstrek is more of a rugged alternative in this segment and the only true rival with its basis found in the Subaru Impreza. The Crosstrek starts at a slightly pricier $22,145 and, with a ground clearance of close to nine inches, Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, and beefy plastic body cladding, it's more confident heading off-road than the CX-30. But on-road, the CX-30 is quieter, smoother, and handles with more accuracy. The Subaru's engine is also down on power at just 152 hp and, when equipped with its available CVT transmission, it just doesn't respond with the vigor of the Mazda. The Crosstrek is lighter on fuel, though. Both SUVs have very similar cargo capacities behind the second row, but the CX-30 employs classier cabin materials and has a more sophisticated overall look and feel. At a lower price, the CX-30's more consistent spread of abilities wins the day.
2020 Mazda CX-30 vs Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V may be more expensive (it starts at just over $25,000), but it's also a bigger SUV at nearly ten inches longer than the CX-30. For starters, the CR-V has far more cargo capacity, with 39.2 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and an impressive 75.8 cubes when the rear seats are folded. At the back, the Honda also offers 4.1 inches of extra legroom. Both cars are equipped to the hilt with safety gear and both have high-quality cabins, but the top-spec CX-30 does feel a touch more special. An available turbocharged engine with 190 horsepower also endows the CR-V with better acceleration than the CX-30, despite the Honda's extra weight. If the CX-30 is big enough for you, you'll probably be happier with a higher-spec version of the Mazda. But if space matters, the CX-30 is outclassed by the bigger CR-V.