2022 Mazda CX-30

　　

2022 Mazda CX-30 Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　, rating written byReese CountsAssociate Manager, Vehicle Testing and Operations

　　Rex Tokeshi-Torres has worked in the automotive industry for over 17 years. Rex is a vehicle testing technician and photographer at zzdcar and is responsible for coordinating vehicle testing and logistics, organizing data, and capturing photos for the site and social media. He has written over 100 vehicle-related articles and has rated, tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. He has also contributed content to Autobytel, Autotrader, Automobile, the Associated Press and DSport along with various motorsport teams. His affinity with cars started because of Hot Wheels and his love of modifying cars. He occasionally drives Subarus.

　　The quality of extra-small SUVs has generally improved over the last few years, and few vehicles are a better representative than the 2022 Mazda CX-30. It's small, but it's not cheap. The interior looks and feels upscale and comes standard with pretty much the same number of technology features and advanced driver aids you'll find on Mazda's larger and more expensive CX-5.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$141/mo  for CX-30 2.5 S

　　CX-30 2.5 S

　　2.5 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $22,500 MSRPSelect 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $24,900 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $27,950 MSRPCarbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $28,590 MSRP2.5 Turbo 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $30,500 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $30,800 MSRPTurbo Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $33,100 MSRPTurbo Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $34,700 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　Mazda even gives you the option of equipping the CX-30 with a 250-horsepower turbocharged engine. This is the same engine Mazda puts in the big three-row CX-9, so you know you're in for some fun when you put big power into the little and relatively lightweight CX-30. For 2022, Mazda has made all-wheel drive standard across the board without a significant bump in cost. There's also a stylish new Carbon Edition package.

　　There are other attractive picks in this class. The Chevrolet Trailblazer and Volkswagen Taos are two appealing newcomers, and the Subaru Crosstrek is a great pick if you want something with an outdoorsy vibe. Check out our test team's Expert Rating of the CX-30 below to help you decide on which model is right for you.

　　

What's it like to live with?

zzdcar spent a year testing a 2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium with all-wheel drive. First impressions are often undercut by a disappointing long-term experience, but the CX-30 held up well. It's comfortable, spacious and fun to drive, with an interior that's more premium than just about everything else in the class.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the CX-30 drive? The CX-30 is easy and engaging to drive. The base engine provides better-than-average power for this class. Our test CX-30 needed 9 seconds to reach 60 mph, where rivals take more than 10 seconds. Of course, you can always go with the turbocharged engine if you have the need for speed. The 0-60 mph time is just 6.4 seconds, making the CX-30 Turbo the quickest car in its class. (It even beats a Volkswagen Golf GTI.) The steering is sharp and gives you a good feel for the road. It complements the CX-30's excellent handling as it hugs corners and feels composed and at home on twisty roads.

　　The transmission, left in its default mode, likes to upshift early to help maximize fuel economy. The transmission takes a beat to kick down if you're trying to pass at freeway speeds. Using the Sport mode helps liven up the CX-30's character.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the CX-30? For a sporty SUV, the CX-30 is really quite comfortable. The front seats are supportive and comfortable enough for long drives. The rear seats are nicely padded and offer a good seating position that's not too upright. The suspension has a sporty tautness to it, but it's still adept at absorbing bumps and impacts.

　　Freeway cruising is especially nice. The CX-30 has one of the quieter cabins in the class, which lends it an upscale feel. The dual-zone climate control is a little weak for those who like it really cold, but the rear vents ensure rear passengers get their share. The heated seats take time to warm up but are nicely toasty once they are.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below