Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $31,670 (Base Model: $23,000)
Seating Capacity: 4
Standard Safety Features: airbags; side airbags; ABS; hill launch assist; traction control system; stability control; automatic on/off headlights; rain sensing wipers; a rearview camera; a lane keep assist system; a lane departure warning system; a tire pressure monitoring system; sunvisor extensions; a smart city brake support system; and a driver fatigue monitor system
Standard Equipment (Base Model): 16-inch wheels; front wheel drive; an electronic parking brake; dual power exterior mirrors; a manual a/c; center console armrest with covered storage compartment; cloth seats; manual adjusted front seats; a push button ignition starter system; a keyless remote system with a panic button; and an 8-inch infotainment screen
Standard Equipment (Premium Package Model): 18-inch wheels; paddle shifters connected with the steering wheel; electric assist power steering; front/rear signature LED illuminated headlights; a power liftgate; roof rails; a dual zone ventilation system; rear ventilation vents; leather seats; heated front seats; power driver’s seat with a memory control feature; overhead console with sunglass holder; vanity mirror illumination; rear armrest with cupholders; a 12-speaker Bose AM/FM audio system; SiriusXM; Andorid/Apple CarPlay; a 9-inch infotainment system with Pandora ready radio integration; a drive attention alert system; a radar activated cruise control system; a blindspot monitoring system with a rear traffic cross alert system; a heads up display (HUD) system; and an active front lighting system
Optional Features On Test Vehicle: paint color; frameless auto dimming mirror; navigation system; active driving display system; an adaptive front lighting system; leather seats; front/rear LED signature illumination; power moonroof; paddle shifters; and power rear liftgate roof rails
Other Trim Levels:
Select
Preferred
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-speaker AM/FM/HD radio
Apple CarPlay/Android: Available
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder/186-hp (horsepower)
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage (Non AWD): 25-city/33-hwy
What’s New: For the 2020 model year, the CX-30 compact crossover is a new addition to the Mazda portfolio.
Why: The stylish designed CX-30 is available in four trim levels in either a front wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration. The trim levels are Base, Select, Preferred and Premium.
The CX-30 is only available with a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine. The powertrain produces 186-horsepower and runs off of regular fuel. It seemed adequate for the vehicle. Due to its size, the vehicle is easy to navigate on the road and in crowded spaces.
Mazda has a done a great job infusing premium-like features in the all-new CX-30. In fact, the vehicle can be easily be pitted against entry-level luxury crossovers from BMW and Mercedes. The BMW X2 and the Mercedes-Benz’s GLA both have starting prices in the $37,000 range. The CX-30 has a much lower starting price. Even a well-equipped model like our Premium model with options undercuts its luxury competitors.
The CX-30, with its comfortable well proportioned front seats, has one of the largest infotainment screens we’ve seen in a Mazda. It seems larger than the one found in the CX-3, which is also considered a compact crossover. And depending on the trim, the vehicle can be outfitted with a number of premium features too.
The layout of the instrument panel gives a clean contemporary look. Its not overly busy, as in the case of a number of interior designs.
In the Premium model we reviewed, our vehicle was outfitted with everything from leather seats to a frameless rearview mirror to a navigation system to a memory control driver’s seat to a high end audio system to a heads up display system. The vehicle also carried the latest semi-autonomous features too, ranging from an electronic blind spot monitor to a radar activated cruise control system to a lane keep assist system.
Moreover, Mazda’s all-new CX-30 offers a standard driver monitoring system. Like with Subaru, the vehicle observes the driver’s face and eyes to determine if there are signs of fatigue.
But: Due to its size, the rear seating area is limited. While Mazda claims that the crossover is capable of seating five, realistically its more suitable for four. Also as a result of the compact size, one will find the cargo area to be quite limited too, especially when the rear seat area is being occupied.
And like with all Mazdas, the all-new CX-30 uses an iDrive-type controller to navigate, no pun intended, the infotainment system. The downside of Mazda’s central control unit is that is requires unnecessary steps to change the radio stations and the like. Its time for Mazda to take a page from Genesis, Hyundai or Kia, simplifying the steps needed to utilize the infotainment system with their controller.
Furthermore, the driving range according to fueleconomy.gov is only 330 miles, when one opts for the all-wheel drive model. This is due to the diminutive tank size. In fact, the combined gas mileage in the Mazda is slightly higher than the BMW X2, which is powered by a turbo engine.
Also we must note, the fuel economy of the CX-30 is lower than its sibling the CX-3 too. To be fair, the CX-30 is outfitted with a 2.5-liter engine, while the CX-3 is outfitted with a 2.0-liter engine.
Verdict: Over the past few years, Mazda’s design team has made great strides to push their line up away from such mainstream brands as Hyundai, Ford and Chevy. The brand is moving in the same lane as such premium brands as Infiniti and Buick while keeping its eyes on Lexus and BMW.
The all-new CX-30 for buyers looking for a premium vehicle without having to step up to the pricing range of a Mercedes or a BMW.
Overall the CX-30 is easy to navigate and available with a number of premium features.
Competition: Jeep Compass; Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross; Nissan Rogue Sport; and Subaru Crosstrek
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