Yahoo Autos 2024 Mazda CX-30 Review: Buying guide to this premium, sporty small SUV
Pros: Best-in-class to drive; best-in-class interior quality; best-in-class turbo power; standard all-wheel drive; strong safety ratings
Cons: Worst-in-class passenger space; cargo space isn't much better; average fuel economy from base engine; expensive relative to mainstream competitors
Not everybody needs a big, family-ready SUV. That could be why the subcompact SUV class gained popularity, as they combine the sensible size of a sedan with the added utility and height of an SUV. Among these pint-sized utes, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 remains a favorite, if not one we'd recommend to everyone. As is the case with other Mazda vehicles, the CX-30 distinguishes itself from the rest with sleek styling, an interior that can easily be mistaken for an entry-level luxury car and more lively performance than rivals. In fact, those attributes make it a genuine alternative to luxury models like the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, especially the Turbo trim levels.
The trouble is, the non-luxury subcompact segment has expanded and evolved substantially since the CX-30 was first introduced. Choices like the Chevrolet Trax, Buick Envista, Kia Seltos and Volkswagen Taos are similarly well-suited to those with less substantial space needs than the "compact" size above provides, but they also provide a lot more space and versatility than the rather cramped CX-30. Even if they aren't family oriented, they could be a viable family vehicle, opening the door to a lot more buyers. The CX-30? No way. There's also the matter of subpar fuel economy from its base engine, the drawback for its better-than-average performance. The interior is also a bit behind the times, with unimpressive storage and some missing features. At least Mazda finally allows the infotainment system to be controlled via touchscreen when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but then only those functions. We don't hate controlling everything else with the old-school knob-and-screen setup as it keeps your eyes on the road, but we're probably in the minority there.
In the end, we still really like the CX-30 as we're in the niche of people who'd happily prioritize getting a small SUV that looks great and drives even better. That's admittedly a small niche, though. For the average shopper, there are more rounded choices available.
Interior & Technology | Passenger & Cargo Space | Performance & Fuel Economy
What it's like to drive | Pricing & Trim Levels | Crash Ratings & Safety Features
What's new for 2024?
A new Carbon Turbo trim has been added, making it the least expensive model to have the more powerful engine. These turbo models come with a larger 10.25-inch infotainment display that now has touchscreen functionality, but only when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. USB-C ports have also been swapped in to replace the old USB-As. Last year's blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert are now standard on all CX-30s along with a new rear-seat passenger reminder.
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. Lower trim levels are sadly no longer available with two-tone color treatments (we suppose most people just want plain-old black), but upper trims can still get red, white or reddish brown simulated leather trim. No matter the trim level, though, for a car in the $20,000-$35,000 range, CX-30 interior looks and feels special.
Functionality is a mixed bag. Storage is lacking compared to what you can get elsewhere. The cupholders and door bins don't hold bottles very well, the forward bin is of questionable use, and the sliding/flip-up center armrest covers a space that's just not as versatile as it might initially seem. Mazda's tech interface is also a bit love-it-or-hate-it. The dashtop screen is large and easy to see. The knob that controls it is large, not unlike BMW's old iDrive, and ergonomically placed on the center console. It's not always a touchscreen, though, as Mazda engineers determined that hunting for touch-operating icons can be distracting. They're not wrong, and the higher-mounted screen is certainly easier to read at a glance. That said, there are a lot of people who don't not care for this setup and specifically prefer a touchscreen like the ones offered in all of Mazda's competitors.
For 2024, touchscreen functionality has been added, but only when Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are in use. This is a big improvement even though you still have to use the dial controller for Mazda's native infotainment system.
How big is the CX-30?
Although it was originally an unusual size that bridged the gap between subcompact and compact SUVs, the rest of the subcompact segment has mostly been enlarged enough to not only join it but surpass it considerably. Among this grown-up subcompact field, the CX-30 is one of the smallest and 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 will be quite difficult without nearly eliminating the front passenger seat as a viable seating location. You even have to scoot the passenger seat far forward to provide enough space for kids' legs in forward-facing seats. Its competitors are much better in this regard. They also tend to feel more airy and spacious.
Cargo space with the rear seat raised is 20.2 cubic feet, which is lower than average for the segment. That number is virtually identical to the Mazda3 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 mainstream brand 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?
Every CX-30 comes with all-wheel drive, a six-speed automatic and the choice of two engines. Cars dubbed CX-30 2.5 S have a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four that produces 191 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. That's more than the base engines of most competitors, plus some of their engine upgrades. Fuel economy estimates for 2024 are 26 miles per gallon city, 33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined. Those figures remain low compared to other base engines, but again, the competition generally has less power.
As for the CX-30's upgraded 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 mpg.
