Mazda's top-selling AWD CX-30 is a compelling choice among compact SUVs

​Mazda has become known for a superb line of SUVs catering to a wide variety of buyers ranging from singles to families, all of which have a variety of needs. We were privileged to test and review their most recent offering  in their  CX-30 AWD SUV. 

The 2024 CX-30 subcompact AWD SUV is offered in eight trim levels of 2.5 S, 2.5 S Select Sport, 2.5 S Preferred, 2.5 S Carbon Edition, 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Carbon Turbo, 2, 2.5 Turbo Premium and top-line 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus that we tested. 

CX-30 is the complete package as it offers impressive driving manners, has an upscale cabin, it’s loaded with features and has top government safety ratings. It’s also kind at the pumps. 

This fine SUV is one of Mazda’s top sellers with the three-row CX-90 coming on strong for folks who need added passenger/cargo space. 

CX-30 has a handsome stance with smooth, slippery, aerodynamic, elegant styling lines and LED headlights. Its rear end has a sporty touch with large diameter tailpipe extensions and a liftgate that sports a slight spoiler look along with LED taillights. 

Inside, CX-30’s cabin is simple in design with familiar, traditional controls and sumptuously padded heated/cooled front seats plus a heated steering wheel. The Premium Plus model came standard with a 10.25-inch infotainment display that is controlled by a rotary mouse on the console. The display provides Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa connectivity along with Mazda Connect services and a host of apps and serves the rearview and front cameras. Sharing the console with the 6-speed automatic transmission gear selector, is a toggle drive mode switch for Sport and Normal modes. It’s flanked by the rotary infotainment display switch behind it and a wireless cell charger in front. Over on the gauge cluster, it has a digital speedometer but uses an analog tachometer and gas gauge. 

With a low 18-inch step-in into the rear seat, rear doors open wide for easy ingress/egress and the seats themselves are nicely padded with marginal leg room for two tall adults but ample head room. 

Back in the cargo area that has a 30-inch lift-over onto the floor, it’s spacious. With the rear seats upright, there’s 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space that measures 31.5 inches deep, 40.5 wide and 30 high. Flip the seatbacks and cargo loading depth increases to 60 inches – a full five feet. Below the cargo floor is a space saver spare tire with some space around it to stow small items out of sight. 

CX-30 Premium Plus gets its grunt from a potent 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that generates 227-hp and a whopping 310 lb/ft of torque. Coupled to the 6-speed transmission, the CX-30 is one exciting performer that earns EPA mileage estimates of 22 city, 30-highway mpg. There’s certainly no want for power, especially in Sport mode. And paddle shifters make performance even more interesting. 

As for ride and handling, CX-30 rides smoothly and quietly on Bridgestone 18-inch tires. And it handles confidently in sharp, tight turns. With a short wheelbase, CX-30 parks easily with its tight turning radius. And when the weather gets snowy, an 8-inch ground clearance can handle modest snow depths and Mazda’s AWD system throws torque to the appropriate wheels for sure-footedness. 

This top-line Mazda was priced competitively carrying a base price of $36,800. And that came with a long list of standard features and safety features such as lane departure warning, driver attention alert, lane keep assist, radar cruise control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear smart brake support, rear crossing smart brake support, all of which go towards accident avoidance. For convenience it includes rain sensing wipers, windshield wiper deicer and heated side mirrors. Many of these are extra cost options on some cars. 

The only extra costs were for Soul Red Crystal metallic paint ($595) and rear stainless bumper guards ($135) along with delivery ($1,375) took the bottom line to an affordable $38, 905. CX-30 delivers a lot of content for the price.

Added to CX-30 attractiveness, CX-30 received a full five government safety stars for driver/passenger frontal crash and four stars for rollover. 

CX-30 also comes with a 60 month/60K mile powertrain warranty, 36 month/60K mile new vehicle limited warranty along with 24-hour roadside assistance. 

If in the market for a reasonably priced SUV that’s loaded with content and has top safety scores, impressive fuel economy and is actually fun to drive, go test drive a CX-30. You’ll be pleasantly impressed.