- The Mazda CX-30 has an appealing price, with near-luxury materials and design
- Pricing starts at $26,615 | Price it your way
- On sale now | See Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is the brand’s least expensive SUV and its second-least expensive vehicle behind the Mazda3 sedan. But don’t let its price fool you — the Mazda CX-30 brings a lot to the table.
Before we get into the tangibles, let’s touch on the first thing you notice about the CX-30 — its design. This is one fantastic-looking subcompact SUV. Unlike others in its class, whose proportions can feel shrunken and odd, the CX-30 is a natural beauty. A long hood, squat stance, curves, and paint colors that would be at home on a luxury SUV are all apparent here. We wouldn’t argue if you said the Mazda CX-30 is the best-looking vehicle in the subcompact SUV class.
Another way in which it’s a leader is found under the hood. The Mazda CX-30 has an excellent powertrain. Make that two powertrains, as you get a choice. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower. Some rivals make less than 150, which is a significant advantage in acceleration and passing power. For driving enthusiasts who want a serious kick, that’s available, too.
Turbo CX-30 models have — you guessed it — a turbocharged version of that engine that makes 250 hp. And even more important to some buyers, especially those in cold-weather states, every CX-30 comes standard with all-wheel drive (AWD).
We’re only getting started on the merits of Mazda’s gateway SUV. Let’s look inside to see what else it has to offer.
Passenger Room and Comfort
The Mazda CX-30 has a small footprint, but its front seats offer plenty of space. Our editors have found little to fuss about up front, even those on the taller end of the spectrum. The two base models have manual driver’s seat adjustment. Still, the other six trims come standard with 8-way power adjustability, power lumbar support, and even 2-position memory — a rarity in this class.
Like other subcompact SUVs, the rear seats are on the tighter side, but with 36.3 inches of legroom, it doesn’t feel like a penalty box back there. In addition to a power driver’s seat, another reason to step up to at least a 2.5 S Preferred trim is that starting on that model, you get rear air-conditioning vents. If you regularly carry passengers or pets in the back, this will help them be more comfortable.
Features and Tech
Mazda CX-30 models with the naturally aspirated (non-turbo) engine come with an 8.8-inch infotainment screen above the dash, just to the right of your direct line of sight. Turbo models get a larger, 10.25-inch display. While other screens rely on touch, Mazda takes a different approach, giving drivers a command dial directly below the gear selector in the center armrest as well as voice control. The idea is a driving experience with fewer distractions.
All models have up-to-the-minute Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, with wireless connectivity standard in higher trims. The plusher models get a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system and wireless phone charger.
Materials and Design
The majority of CX-30 models boast either leatherette or genuine leather upholstery. If you still like cloth, choose the base model. Beyond material type, we laud Mazda for offering a dash of color inside, too. In addition to the tried-and-true black, you can opt for a tan-like leatherette that Mazda calls “Greige” or red leather that really pops in the upper trims.
We praised the CX-30’s exterior design above, but that sentiment also extends to the cabin. From the contours of the seat design to the large center console and the way the steering wheel feels, the CX-30 is a joy to the senses and feels a cut above the crowd. The ergonomic layout of the interior makes everything easy to see or adjust without taking your eyes off the road.
Cargo Room and Flexibility
The Mazda CX-30 has 20.2 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seat, substantially more than you get in a car trunk, but less than some of its competitors. Folding the 60/40-split rear seats down more than doubles that measurement to 45.2 cubic feet. Again, this space is shy of some rivals with boxier designs, but it is still adequate for a subcompact SUV.
Furthermore, the CX-30 offers something rare in this class: a power liftgate. This is one of those features that, once you have it, you’ll never want another vehicle without it.
Build and price your version of the 2025 Mazda CX-30 to see this week’s Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price, or check out Mazda CX-30 models for sale near you.