Yahoo Autos 2022 Mazda CX-30 Review | A handsome, well-dressed athlete
The gap between subcompact and compact SUVs originally didn't seem like one that needed filling. Yet, whattya know? The growing number of midcompact SUVs, as we've started calling them, are actually some of the most interesting, diverse and appealing small SUVs on the market. The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is one of the best and plays the role of the handsome, well-dressed athlete in the segment. It's the best to drive and has the most stylish, high-quality interior; two attributes that actually make the CX-30 an alternative for various subcompact luxury models like the BMW X2 and Audi Q3. Seriously, it's that good.
Of course, there are tradeoffs that might make one of its midcompact competitors more appealing. Yes, it's taller than the mechanically related Mazda3 Hatchback and has some unsightly quasi-rugged fender flares, but if you're likely to venture off the beaten path, the Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Crosstrek are better bets. Also, that slinky styling does mean it doesn't offer as much passenger or cargo space – a Kia Seltos or VW Taos would be better bets there. But that's the beauty of this growing segment: there's a little something for every taste rather than a collection of blah cookie-cutter choices.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Features | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2022?
Every CX-30 now comes standard with all-wheel drive. A new Carbon Edition also debuts. Only available with the base engine, it is effectively a Preferred trim level that's only available in Polymetal Gray paint and exclusive red leather interior. As the name implies, it has black wheels and gloss-black mirrors.
What are the CX-30 interior and in-car technology like?
Like the Mazda3 with which it shares so much, the CX-30's cabin makes you go "wow" considering its price and the vehicles with which it competes. Whatever trim level you're considering, the key to this wow factor is how Mazda's current interior design scheme removes visual clutter by reducing switchgear and effectively hiding air vents and door handles. It's then augmented by standard multi-tone color schemes – cars with cloth or leatherette vinyl upholstery are accented with black and blue dash/door trim, while those with leather get black and brown. The new Carbon Edition is red and black. For a car in the $20,000-$35,000 range, it looks and feels special.
It's also of a high quality and quite functional. The steering wheel, which looks sensational, is an absolute treat to hold and has intelligently designed buttons/switches for the infotainment and cruise controls. There's considerable center console space, including a configurable under-armrest bin, and a decently sized forward bin for a smartphone.
Mazda's tech interface, which had been a liability in Mazdas, is substantially more advanced in the CX-30. The dashtop screen is large and easy to see. The knob that controls it is big, ergonomically placed on the center console, and like BMW's iDrive controller, can rotate through menus or move up/down, left/right among icons. This latter feature is key for using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wheeling through playlists or contacts is actually easier with a knob, but selecting icons on the menu screen is time consuming and annoying. So too is going between the Apple/Android interfaces (below left) and Mazda's native interface.
How big is the CX-30?
Although it was originally an unusual size, the CX-30 now finds itself among a growing number of midcompact SUVs that slot inbetween subcompacts like the Hyundai Kona and compacts like Mazda's own CX-5. Others include the Ford Bronco Sport, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen Taos. In terms of space, the CX-30 is the smallest of that group and is definitely the least family friendly. Two tall passengers will be able to sit front-to-back on the passenger side, but not on the driver side. Fitting a rear-facing child seat in the middle will be a squeeze.
Cargo space with the rear seat raised is 20.2 cubic feet, which is only a bit better than subcompact models and considerably less than the midcompacts mentioned above. That number is virtually identical to the Mazda 3 hatchback, but in our testing, we found the CX-30's extra height allowed it to swallow an additional suitcase (surprisingly, the Mazda3 sedan can carry more than them both). Although its suitcase count trailed its midcompaact competitors, it was superior to a pair of small luxury models, the BMW X2 and Audi Q3. We could also fit a golf bag diagonally across the cargo area.
What are the CX-30 fuel economy and performance specs?
For 2022, every CX-30 comes with all-wheel drive, plus a six-speed automatic. There are then two choices of engine. Cars dubbed CX-30 2.5 S have a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. That's more than the base engines of most competitors, plus some of their engine upgrades. Fuel economy estimates were not available at the time of this writing, but we don't anticipate much change for the final 2021 figures of 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. These are low compared to other base engines, but again, they have less power.
As for the CX-30's upgrade engine, nothing in the segment can touch it. The turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four produces 227 hp and 310 lb-ft on regular gas. It'll do 250 hp and 320 lb-ft if you feel like filling it with 93 octane. Fuel economy is basically the same as the base engine at 22/30/25.
