2024 Mazda CX-30 Review: Stylish And Sprightly In Top Trims

While most subcompact SUVs struggle to balance practicality with value for money, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 goes a step further and adds a bit of fun to the sometimes bland segment. This is largely thanks to the available turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque and a carefully considered chassis. The Kia Seltos and Hyundai Kona might have more space to offer at a similar price, but they aren't nearly as easy on the eyes or fun to drive. Still, what really helps launch the Mazda ahead is that it doesn't skimp on safety and infotainment features, and it should see the car maintain its popularity in the USA even longer.

New for 2024

The main change to the new Mazda CX-30 is that the Carbon Edition can now be had with the more powerful turbo engine. Unsurprisingly, it is called the Carbon Turbo, but it has a unique Zircon Sand paint and comes with Terracotta leather upholstery. Furthermore, the Select has been renamed the Select Sport. This better suits its flashier 18-inch wheels and back-accented exterior, which is mirrored inside with black leatherette. It also gets exclusive access to Ceramic Metallic paint. Further up the lineup, the Turbo trims get access to a 10.3-inch touchscreen.

2024 Mazda CX-30 Price: Which One to Buy

Though there are a lot of trims to choose from, the starting price of the 2024 Mazda CX-30 is quite reasonable at $24,995 MSRP. The new changes to the Select Sport haven't done much to change its price, which stands at $26,500. In the middle of the pack is the S Preferred at $28,790 and the cosmetically altered S Carbon Edition at $29,790. Topping the line of the non-turbo trims is the $31,990 S Premium. The new Carbon Turbo is the most basic model with the stronger engine and it will cost you $32,790. The Turbo Premium gives the top trim the same treatment for $34,990, but there is now an even better-equipped Turbo Premium Plus topping the charts at $36,800. Mazda also charges an extra $1,375 for destination and handling fees.

You really can't go wrong, even if you choose the base-level S trim. However, the crossover is very fun to drive with the turbocharged engine, so it is tempting to dish out an extra $8,000 for the Carbon Turbo. If that is more of an investment that you're willing to commit to, then the S Preferred offers a good balance between price and value.

Interior and Features

While there are some hard plastics around the cabin, the CX-30 uses high-quality materials and the build quality is impeccable.

With more interior space than its predecessor, the Mazda CX-30 is truly a family-sized subcompact, but the quality of the cabin and the materials used speak of sophistication. This is very much in line with the brand's move toward building more affordable premium-level vehicles. Mounted high atop an otherwise very clean dashboard is a moderately sized touchscreen interface, but climate control and a few other vital features can be accessed through physical buttons. These are actually a little easier to interact with than the infotainment system. Upper trim levels will see more refined trimming around the cabin and the addition of a power moonroof.

Space

Like most smaller SUVs, the CX-30 is surprisingly spacious, though trying to squeeze in more than four adults would be unwise. Headroom is quite good all around, but rear legroom may be too cramped for taller passengers, though three kids or teens should find it more than adequate. One of the reasons we recommend the S Preferred trim is because this is where power-adjustable front seats are added, making it easier for the driver to find a comfortable position that offers optimal visibility. This is aided by the large windows and high roof, even at the back of the car.

Cargo

A prime factor when buying a crossover is its practicality, but in this regard, the CX-30 falls behind the competition. It only supplies 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space in the trunk when all the seats are in place, though this is still sufficient for most daily needs or even your weekly grocery shopping. If you do need more room, you can fold down the rear seats to create a 45.2 cubic-foot loading area. Access to this space is helped by a high floor and a power-adjustable liftgate on the upper trims.

For smaller items, the cabin comes equipped with two cupholders - with another two added from the Select Sport upward - a standard glove compartment, four rather slim door pockets, and a pretty spacious center armrest cubby. There is an overhead console and a small tray under the central dash.

Materials and Colors

There are some cheap materials around the cabin, including hard plastics and a urethane steering wheel, but it is easy to overlook this thanks to the excellent build quality. You'll also find leatherette on the high-traffic areas around the dashboard in upper trims. Cloth is standard for the S, and the only color on offer is Black. This is upgraded to leatherette in the Select Sport, but you have to upgrade to the S Preferred to add Greige to the palette. From the Carbon Edition upward, leather becomes the standard, but it only comes in Red at first. More interior colors open up from the S premium, though some may find Black or White a bit plain in comparison. Unique to the Carbon Turbo is the Terracotta leatherette upholstery. All the Turbo trims stand out a little more with chrome accents.

Features and Infotainment

Considering its reasonable pricing, it makes sense that the Mazda CX-30 is modestly equipped as standard. The S comes with manual air conditioning, keyless entry and start, an 8.8-inch display with rotary and voice controls, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth streaming, and six speakers. Moving up the trims gets you dual-zone climate control, advanced keyless entry, a power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, and a power moonroof. The top-most trims boast a heated steering wheel, a larger 10.25-inch display, navigation, SiriusXM, HD radio, wireless smartphone connectivity, a wireless charging pad, and either an eight- or a 12-speaker premium sound system. Options include an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Performance

While the base powertrain doesn't quite live up to the Mazda's sporty looks, the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is really punchy, especially with premium gasoline.

There are two engine options for the Mazda CX-30, starting with the base-level 2.5-liter four-cylinder that develops 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. This engine is more than adequate for the small vehicle, but if you want real performance, the turbocharged 2.5-liter four-pot is the way to go. With up to 250 hp and a much more impressive 320 lb-ft, it can really get the crossover hustling. Both engines come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drivetrain.

At its best, the Mazda C-X-30 can accelerate from 0-60 mph in a little over six seconds and it hits a top speed of 126 mph. In either configuration, the subcompact is a joy to drive thanks to its responsive handling and carefully tuned chassis. The only complaint we have is that Mazda tried to make the suspension work for both the laid-back and sporty versions of the CX-30, but this lack of focus means that it sits somewhere in the middle and doesn't feel perfect for either; it is either too stiff or not quite stiff enough.

Fuel Efficiency

Despite its athleticism, the Mazda CX-30 gets good mpg returns, but the base four-cylinder engine has superior gas mileage. Across the city/highway/combined cycles, it achieves 26/33/29 mpg. The more potent powertrain remains competitive at 22/30/25 mpg.

Both models boast a fuel capacity of 12.7 gallons, which means the crossover can cover between 318 and 368 miles.

Safety

Near-perfect safety scores and a previous Top Safety Pick+ award guarantee that the Mazda CX-30 is an extremely safe vehicle.

Safety is clearly a focus for the Mazda CX-30, with top ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS both backing this sentiment. The only less-than-perfect score was for the rollover crash test. Still, the car earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS for 2023.

The base model comes well-equipped with ABS, EBD, stability and traction control, and ten airbags, along with numerous advanced driver aids. These include a rearview camera, smart brake assist, a driver-attention system, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and lane departure warning. Models bearing the Premium tag add adaptive LED headlights and traffic sign recognition, and the Premium Plus gets exclusive access to a surround-view camera, and cruising and traffic support.

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Reliability

Mazda has a strong reputation for reliability, but the CX-30 is only slightly above average with 80 out of 100, according to JD Power's consumer survey. Despite this, there has only been a single recall across the 2022 and 2023 production years, for a damaged ABS hydraulic control unit. So far, it seems the issue has been resolved for the new year.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's warranty includes three years/36,000 miles for limited repairs and five years/60,000 miles for powertrain problems. Around-the-clock roadside assistance is also provided.

Warranty

Design

It is harder to find a Mazda that people don't like than it is to find a stunning one. The subcompact SUV may not be as flashy as the brand's sports cars, but it still has a lot of sleek curves that accentuate its modern sensibilities. The wheel arches are particularly large for such a small vehicle, even if the standard wheels are just 16-inch alloys, with top trims maxing out at 18 inches. The large, pentagonal grille has a matte finish and is surrounded in chrome on all but the Select Sport, which takes a more aggressive and darker approach. Finishing up the front fascia is a broad lower bumper and slanted signature LED headlights. Aside from larger wheels, all Turbo models get more black exterior accents, including rims and mirror caps. The rear end has LED taillights placed quite high up and overlapping the liftgate, and twin round exhausts located very near the wheels.

Verdict: Is The 2024 Mazda CX-30 A Good SUV?

The subcompact SUV segment is one of the most fiercely competitive, but the 2024 CX-30 continues the nameplate's strong history, despite the minimal changes. It pairs good looks with an interior that comes across as more upscale than it actually is, which makes you feel like you're getting a lot more value for your money. The standard features are generous enough, with a strong focus on the driver-assistance suite, and if you opt for the turbocharged engine that turns the Mazda into a very fun car to drive, you also get a more advanced infotainment system. As great as it is, the SUV lacks some practicality with less second-row and cargo space than rivals, but for younger buyers or those with budding families, it is a top choice that we feel confident recommending.