2021 Mazda CX-30

A year after its release, the Mazda CX-30 has made a splash in the US market. It fills a gap that many never knew needed filling, between the CX-3 and slightly larger CX-5. It does this by offering more space and practicality than its smaller sibling while still retaining its classification as a subcompact crossover. Going up against rivals like the Ford EcoSport or Subaru Crosstrek, it stands out for its well-constructed cabin and long list of features, all available at very attractive pricing. And, while it may have lost some fans to turbo-powered rivals last year, the 2021 CX-30 now offers a 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque, making an already sporty looking and well-handling SUV that much more enticing. We expect the latest iteration of this spunky crossover to be even more popular in the USA this year, but to see what we're in for, Mazda sent us a Turbo version to get acquainted with.

Constructed on the frame of the sporty Mazda 3, the CX-30 handles more like a car than a burly SUV, which is not all that surprising, considering its tight subcompact dimensions. Naturally, it rides higher than a sedan or hatchback, which gives the driver better visibility and more confidence. Still, its small size and sleek design allow it to be more playful than a traditional high-rider.

Steering is tight and direct, but light enough to facilitate nimble maneuvers when you need to snag that last parking spot at the mall. Pick up some speed and it gains a little heft, though feedback remains limited. Selecting Sport mode from the drive options tightens up throttle responses to turn up the fun level of the CUV, but the steering weight remains unchanged.

Ride comfort is adequate though not luxurious, given the size of the vehicle. The rear torsion beam suspension is the lone weak point, causing the back end to go jolting into the air over large bumps and crests in the road. But wind and road noise are well managed without needing to turn the sound system up to full blast. The available all-wheel drivetrain is great for slippery road conditions, but given the limited ground clearance, unaggressive tires, and overall city-friendly design of the CX-30, it is not advised that you take it off-road, even though the i-Activ system does include off-road traction assist.

Mazda added the CX-30 to its lineup to meet a specific need within the market. It is targeted at shoppers who want more utility and space than a smaller CX-3 provides, but who also don't need as much as what the CX-5 offers (or who simply can't afford it). But being affordable doesn't mean cheap, especially when it comes to Mazda.

The subcompact is remarkably well-appointed, with enough passenger and cargo space for a budding family. High-quality materials are used throughout, and comfort is always fore of thought. The Japanese automaker hasn't gone overboard with the tech, which helps to keep the price down, but all the essentials are included and the safety suite is comprehensive. We wish Mazda would have leaned into the luxury direction a little further, but the CX-30 still feels more premium than many of its competitors. It's not quite on par with an Audi or BMW, but it feels somewhere in the middle.

While it does offer all-wheel-drive, it is not a rugged off-roader like some of the competition. Instead, it feels at home around town, delivering a lively but comfortable driving experience. For fans who fell in love with the Mazda 3 hatchback, but who also want to move with the times and get a high-rider, the CX-30 is less of a compromise and more of an upgrade.

Although there have been some updates to the standard features across the range, they were minor and did not affect the price of the Mazda CX-30 for the new year. The entry-level 2.5 S carries a base price of $21,900, while the Select asks for $23,900. The now mid-tier Preferred goes on sale for $26,300, and the Premium raises the stakes to $28,550. Each of these models can be equipped with an all-wheel drivetrain by adding $1,400 to the bill. This is already included on the all-new 2.5 Turbo which starts at $29,900. It can also be upgraded to the Turbo Premium for an additional $2,400 or to the exclusive Premium Plus, which has the highest base price of $33,900. These are MSRP figures and do not include tax, registration, licensing, or Mazda's $1,100 destination charge.

There will be seven models for the Mazda CX-30 in the USA this year. The 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, and Premium carry over mostly unchanged, but the 2.5 Turbo is a brand-new addition to the lineup, which is also presented as the Turbo Premium or Turbo Premium Plus. The established trims have a 2.5L four-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed automatic that develops 186 hp and 186 lb-ft. It is available in either FWD or AWD configurations. The new Turbo keeps the gearbox but upgrades to a 2.5L turbocharged inline-four that develops 250 hp and 320 lb-ft for all four wheels only.

At the entry level, the crossover rides on 16-inch alloy wheels and is equipped with LED headlights, daytime running lights, and taillights, along with rain-sensing wipers. Cloth fabric dresses the interior, while manual air conditioning regulates it. Features include cruise control, push-button start, and basic safety tech such as a driver attention system, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, and a rearview camera. The infotainment comprises an 8.8-inch display, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, channeled through an eight-speaker sound system.

With the Select Package equipped, the CX-30 upgrades to 18-inch alloy wheels on the outside, and leatherette upholstery inside. Other upgrades include automatic dual-zone climate control with rear vents, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter.

The Preferred installs a power moonroof and an eight-way power driver's seat with memory settings. It also adds heating functionality to both front seats, and installs an overhead console.

The penultimate Premium trades out the standard taillights for signature variants, while adding a shark fin antenna, roof rails, and a power liftgate. Inside, the steering wheel gains paddle shifters, the seats are dressed in leather, and the infotainment is bolstered with SiriusXM, navigation, and a new 12-speaker Bose premium sound system. A windshield-projected active driving display makes it easier to monitor car information and driving aids, which now include traffic sign recognition.

The Turbo is equipped with all the standard features of the Preferred, though it boasts a sportier exterior with 18-inch black alloy wheels, gloss black mirror caps, and larger tailpipes.

The Turbo Premium naturally adds the extra features found on the regular Premium, paired with the Turbo engine.

The Premium Plus is a trim level that is unique to the Turbo. It gets access to brand-new i-Activesense features, including reverse smart brake support and rear cross-traffic braking. It also receives traffic jam assist, a surround-view camera, and front and rear parking sensors.

The CX-30 has been separated into distinct trim levels to ensure that every buyer is accommodated, and Mazda is so sure that it has perfected each model that there are almost no customization options to spec your vehicle differently. However, there are still some independent add-ons available, such as a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror ($275), illuminated door sills ($425), a wireless charging pad ($275), or an interior lighting kit ($230). Several cargo management add-ons are available, as well as all-weather floor mats, and a couple of roof rack adjustments.

The CX-30 is a great deal, no matter which trim you opt for. Even the base model is well-equipped, especially with the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range. However, the new turbocharged engine on the 2.5 Turbo models is an extremely tempting proposition. Unfortunately, these models are significant;y more expensive, starting at around $30,000, so they may not suit every wallet.

If you are on a tighter budget, the mid-tier Preferred would be a great place to start, and you can build on it with navigation and the wireless charging pad, and still have some cash left over for one of the premium paint options without the cost of your Mazda CX-30 breaking the $30k mark.

While the CX-30 is modern and sporty, the Crosstrek looks more like a rugged off-roader shrunk down to subcompact proportions. However, the Subaru's entry-spec engine is even less powerful than the base CX-30, developing only 152 hp and 145 lb-ft, and it looks pitiful beside the newly available turbocharged engine in the 2.5 Turbo. The Crosstrek can feel more engaging to drive at times, thanks to its manual gearbox, but the optional CVT is less impressive. However, it is more economical, with mileage returns of 28/33/30 mpg. Despite having a higher starting price than the Mazda, the Subaru doesn't feel it on the inside. Both subcompacts are outfitted with a decent list of features, though, and they match each other almost perfectly on cargo space. Still, the Mazda CX-30 seems like the smarter choice, with better overall appeal, and an available turbocharged engine, if you are willing to dole out some extra dough.

The Honda CR-V is one of the most popular midsize SUVs in the USA, so it is hard for the CX-30 to compete with it. An extra ten inches of length means that it offers loads more cargo capacity - 39.2 cubic feet in total behind the rear seats - and more comfortable rear-seat passenger accommodations. However, the new turbocharged four-pot on the Mazda gives it loads more power than the 190 hp developed by the 1.5L turbo on the CR-V, and the smaller crossover handles far more gracefully. In terms of tech, the two are almost neck-and-neck, so what it really comes down to is whether or not you need the extra space. The Honda has a more expensive starting price of $25,350, but you'll need to pay over $30k to get the CX-30 2.5 Turbo. Still, if you have smaller children and don't need the extra trunk space, the Mazda seems like the more pleasing purchase.