2026 Mazda Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus: A Cozy Subcompact Commanding a Premium Price

Highlight: This entry-level Mazda’s is the premium-like brand most affordable crossover.

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $40,135 (Base Mazda3): $27,470

Seating Capacity: 4 (with limited legroom for rear occupants)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; rear view monitoring; stability control; traction control system; a blind spot monitoring system; a lane departure warning system; a rear cross traffic alert system; a hill start assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Test Model): AWD; 18-inch wheels; a push button ignition system; leather-like seats; power driver’s seat with two-position memory; a leather wrapped manually controlled tilt/telescopic steering wheel; heated steering wheel; heated front seats; a keyless entry system; frameless dimming rearview mirror; rear privacy glass; carpeted floor mats; power moonroof; rear roof spoiler; heated side mirror with tilt/reverse feature; 10-inch infotainment system; a dual zone automatic temperature control system; front and rear parking sensors; power liftgate; a radar-activated cruise control system w/a stop-and-go feature; Alexa built-in; and wireless phone charger

Options: cargo cover; illuminated door sill plates; and a navigation system 

Other Trim Levels:

Non turbo trim available

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 12-speaker Bose AM/FM/HD audio with Sirius

Android/Apple CarPlay: Yes

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower (Test Vehicle): 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo engine/250-hp

Standard Fuel Mileage: 26-city/35-hwy (test model)

What’s New: The subcompact CX-30 adds a new 10-inch infotainment screen, as well as a new trim, the CX-30 2.5 S Aire Edition. According to Mazda, this new trim features black gloss badging like its larger sibling, the CX-50.

Why:

Two powertrains available

Leather or leather-like seats available on select trims

AWD configuration only

A variety of trim levels

Thoughtful interior design

Sporty design

10-inch infotainment screen

A nimble vehicle that’s easy to navigate

In-vehicle wireless smartphone charger

18-inch wheels

A high-level of safety driving aids

A radar-activated stop-and-go cruise control system

A dual zone automatic temperature system

A keyless entry system

Power moonroof

Heated front seats

Heated steering wheel available

Power rear liftgate

But:

Test model was somewhat pricey with its $40K MSRP!

The tech-free rotary controlled central infotainment system requires additional steps

Limited rear legroom

Fuel economy is not on par with other vehicles

No hybrid model available

Only available in an AWD

Premium fuel is required to access the 250-horsepower

Verdict: Mazda’s peppy and nimble CX-30 is designed for singles and empty nesters seeking a premium feel. Due to the limited rear seating compacity, the CX-30 really isn't equipped for growing kids or adults. 

At a starting price of $27,470, the CX-30, with its standard AWD configuration, is Mazda’s most affordable crossover. However, depending upon the trim and accessories, the compact crossover can quickly zoom into a lane, where one might reassess their purchase decision due to the price.

In fact, our test model stickered just a hare over $40,000. While the Premium Plus trim was outfitted with a peppy 4-cylinder engine, which spewed out 250-horsepower when gassed-up with premium fuel and was wrapped in leather-like seats, it was incomprehensible for us to justify the suggested asking price. Even with such features as wireless charging, 18-inch wheels and a small sunroof, it was difficult to justify the price. 

Yet, for those willing to downgrade to Mazda's base non turbo engine while foregoing some of the premium features, the CX-30 could move toward a more affordable price point, making for a better business case. Unlike its competitors, we wholeheartedly agree the CX-30 is a spirited crossover offering an engaging driving experience. Unlike its cousin, the Miata MX-5, which can command a premium price due to the tiny roadster's uniqueness, the CX-30 can't say the same. Shoppers will have to decide is it worth biting the bullet and paying the commanding premium price? Or, should shoppers step up to a larger model within the Mazda line up or possibly consider stepping outside of the brand? The sales numbers will let us know what the buyers decide. 

Competition: Buick Encore GX; Chevy Trailblazer; Chevy Trax; and Hyundai Kona