2022 Mazda CX-30 AWD 2.5 Turbo: An Affordable Alternative To Some Of The Premium Luxury Compact Crossovers

Highlight: All-wheel drive is standard on all models. 

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $35,875 (Base model 2.5L: $23,425)

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: 18-inch wheels; a 12-speaker Bose audio system; SiriusXM; Apple/Android compatibility; HUD (heads up display system); a navigation system; a 360-degree camera; 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; adaptive front lighting system; a traffic jam assist system; 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

2.5 S Carbon Edition

2.5 S Premium Package

2.5 Turbo

2.5 Turbo Premium

Optional Features On Test Vehicle: 

cargo cover

cargo tray

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:  A Carbon Edition model, which is slotted between the Preferred and Premium model, is new for the 2022 model year. The Carbon Edition model spices up the vehicle with a red interior treatment package.

Why: 

An upscale, sporty design

8-way power memory driver’s seat

A host of standard driver aid features

Premium exterior color

Upgraded perforated leather seats

A turbo and non turbo powertrain are available

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

The engine use regular fuel

Sliding front center armrest

All-wheel drive is standard on all models

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

No radar activated cruise control system

Waiting for this model to become electrified

Engine performance doesn't translate into a premium-like driving experience

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. New for this year, the CX-30 is only available in an all-wheel drive configuration. 

Also a new sportier Carbon Edition model has been added. The Carbon Edition trim is only offered in a gray exterior, red interior and 18-inch aluminum wheels.

Moreover, buyers can continue to opt for a 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo or a non turbo engine. Both engines use regular fuel, which is a change from other Mazda engines.

Overall the CX-30 is the perfect alternative for buyers seeking a premium class compact crossover, but aren't willing to pay the price of entry required to step up to such luxury makes as an Audi, a BMW or a Mercedes-Benz. 

While the CX-30 isn't as refined as the luxury makes in term of driving experience and powertrains, the CX-30 provides a premium look and feel. In fact, the CX-30 can be outfitted with a high level of content ranging from a power memory operated driver's seat to a 360-degree camera to some of the latest safety driving aids, placing it on par with many luxury brands.

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