2020 Mazda CX-30 Review

Mazda's proven it knows how to make a really good small SUV. The CX-5 is in a numerical tie in our rankings with the class-leading Honda CR-V, and the smaller CX-3 is one of the better picks in the subcompact crossover segment. So apparently Mazda figured, "Well, let's keep going!" and came up with the 2020 Mazda CX-30.

Despite the similar name, Mazda is not using the CX-30 to replace the smaller CX-3. It instead fills the space between that compact crossover and the larger CX-5. You get the premium look and feel of the CX-5 without having to step up to the larger, more expensive and less efficient vehicle.

Prices start at $22,945 for the base trim. A 2.5-liter four-cylinder powers all trim levels and produces 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels, and all-wheel drive is available on all versions.

Standard equipment highlights include 16-inch wheels, LED exterior lighting, an 8.8-inch infotainment display, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Mazda's i-Activsense suite of advanced safety features (adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic high beams and a drowsy driver monitor), and Mazda Connected Services (remote control, monitoring and emergency telematics).

The Select trim costs an additional $2,000 and equips the CX-30 with 18-inch wheels, keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, faux leather upholstery, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The Preferred trim starts at $27,245 and comes with a Bose audio system, heated front seats, a power driver's seat with memory settings, and satellite radio. At the top of the range, the $29,245 Premium trim adds a power liftgate, a sunroof, adaptive headlights, roof rails, a gas-saving cylinder deactivation system, upgraded exterior lighting, a head-up display, and leather upholstery. All-wheel drive on any trim adds $1,400 to your total.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 could fill a niche for shoppers who need more space and want more power than the CX-3 delivers (along with a more premium experience) but perhaps don't need something as large as the CX-5. Crossovers in these size groups are wildly popular, and the CX-30 has the potential to be a "just-right" fit for small families.

The recently redesigned Mazda 3 showed off an incredibly upscale interior for a mainstream small car, and the CX-30 aims to bring that quality to a smaller entry-level SUV. Mazda continues to try to reinforce its image as a near-luxury make, and the CX-30 should give shoppers an attractively priced way to experience that in a popular segment.

Occupying a middle ground between subcompact and small SUVs, the CX-30 doesn't have any direct rivals. On the smaller side, the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul rank highly in our evaluations, with the Hyundai offering a sportier driving experience and the Kia and the Honda providing plenty of practicality and cargo flexibility.

Stepping up a class, the Honda CR-V takes our top spot. And while it's a more practical vehicle for families, it doesn't have the premium touches Mazda offers. The larger Mazda CX-5 certainly does offer those touches, but it also comes with a higher price tag.

It exhibits far more refinement than you might expect from a vehicle at this price. The CX-30 soaks up bumps with the poise of a larger, more sophisticated (and more expensive) vehicle. It's also fun to drive around turns thanks to poised handling and steering that gives you a decent feel for the road.

The 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is pretty much the same one that Mazda uses as the standard engine in the larger CX-5. Acceleration is more than adequate when you need to make a pass or accelerate quickly to highway speeds. Overall, Mazda remains steadfast in its determination to make every one of its vehicles engaging and enjoyable to drive, and the CX-30 is no different.

Adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system and lane keeping assist are all standard features. We found they worked in our limited testing. The controls were easy to set, and the adaptive cruise maintained a proper distance behind vehicles ahead without abruptly braking or being too slow to accelerate.

In short, stunning. The CX-30 is essentially a Mazda 3 hatchback with a slightly higher stance and some styling tweaks, so it benefits from that car's handsome and clean interior design. No other crossover at this point offers an interior that looks and feels this premium. Every surface you touch is soft, and every button or knob you press or turn has a substantial feel to it.

The interior itself is spacious and comfortable. There is plenty of room for front passengers and more room than you might expect in the rear. The interior dimensions slot right between those of the smaller CX-3 and the larger CX-5. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. In our limited testing, we didn't notice much fatigue after a full day behind the wheel.

Adults might find the rear legroom a little lacking, but the seats themselves are comfy. The Select trim and above come with rear-seat air vents, a rarity for vehicles in this class.

The CX-30 is also quiet, which again helps to promote that premium-car experience. There's not much wind or tire noise, and you really only hear the engine when you floor the gas pedal. Mazda's engineers have done a fine job of tuning out unwanted road noise or harshness.