2021 Mazda CX-30 Premium 2.5 L AWD: The Brand’s Entry-Level Compact Crossover Adds More Punch!

Highlight: In 2022, the CX-3 will be dropped as the CX-30 fills the void.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $35,895 (Base model 2.5L: $23,225)
Seating Capacity: 4
Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; temporary spare tire; a tire pressure monitoring system; rain sensing wiper system; a rear-view camera; a driver attention alert system; a lane departure warning system; a smart brake support system; high beam control; a lane keep assist system; and a traction control system

Standard Equipment: 16-inch wheels; front wheel drive; an 8-inch infotainment screen; a push button ignition starter system; a remote keyless entry system; LED headlights/taillights, cloth seats, manual adjustable front seats; electric parking brakes; and rear seat 60/40 split fold down rear seat

Standard Equipment Turbo Premium Plus: a12-speaker Bose audio system; SiriusXM; Apple/Android compatibility; HUD (heads up display system); a navigation system; an automatic climate control system; leather seats; eight way power memory driver front seats with power lumbar support; heated front seats;  a power liftgate; an adaptive front lightening system; roof rails; paddle shifters; gloss finish speaker grille; LED signature illuminated headlights and taillights; a power moonroof; rear center armrest with cupholders; a rear privacy glass; rear ventilation vents; a keyless entry system; a Blindspot monitor with a rear cross traffic alert system; roof rack; and a traffic sign recognition

Other Trims:

2.5 S with Select Package

2.5 S with Preferred Package

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: 

machine gray metallic paint                     

all weather floor mats, low wall

rear bumper guard, stainless steel

cargo cover

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-speaker AM/FM audio

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 turbo/186-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
25-city/ 23-hwy

What’s New:  The brand’s sporty looking compact crossover made its debut in 2020. For the 2021 model year, the major news is a new turbocharged engine.

Why: 

8-way power memory driver’s seat

A host of standard driver aid features

Premium exterior color

Upgraded perforated leather seats

Turbo engine adds a much-needed power boost, 250-horsepower!

Sliding front center armrest

All-wheel drive availabilty

Nimble

Android and Apple smartphone compatible

But: 

Traffic sign recognition speed limit is not always accurate

Limited rear leg room

Central control system takes time to master (Mazda needs duplicate knobs)

Still rides like a compact sedan

Smaller fuel driving range, when compared to its competitors

Verdict: While the Mazda brand will never be known as a volume sales leader, it continues to up the ante with its upscale appeal in the mainstream crossover compact segment. The CX-30, which was introduced in 2020 add more horsepower this year, with its 2.5-liter turbo charged, pushes out a whopping 250-horsepower.

Mazda engineering team added the right mix to make this vehicle walk a fine line between competing with the mainstream Subarus and the premium Infinitis of the world.

For buyers looking for something with a different look and feel from its competition, but lower than the pricing of the MINI and Mercedes luxury brands, the Mazda CX-30 is worth considering. The CX-30, when well-equipped could be a more affordable alternative, when comparing the vehicle against some of the base entry-level compact crossovers from Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Competition: Jeep Compass; Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross; Nissan Rogue Sport and Subaru Crosstrek