MazdaCX-30

　　

2023 Mazda CX-30 Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　, rating written byMichael CantuAssociate 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 2023 Mazda CX-30 is an extra-small crossover SUV and one of the best-driving and most premium vehicles in its class. Introduced in 2020 to slot between the diminutive Mazda CX-3 and the larger CX-5 and CX-50, the CX-30 drives and feels more like a hatchback than an SUV. That's because it shares much underneath the sheetmetal and from behind the wheel with the Mazda 3, one of zzdcar' favorite compacts. The CX-30 is entertaining to drive thanks to its athletic handling and available turbocharged engine. It also sports an upscale interior design that's not found in most rivals.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 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

　　$131/mo  for CX-30 2.5 S

　　CX-30 2.5 S

　　2.5 S 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $22,950 MSRPSelect 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $25,400 MSRPPreferred 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $28,550 MSRPCarbon Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $29,290 MSRPPremium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A) - $31,500 MSRPTurbo Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $33,800 MSRPTurbo Premium Plus 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A) - $35,400 MSRP

　　vs

　　$167/mo

　　Avg. Compact SUV

　　For 2023, Mazda has made a few tweaks to the CX-30. Most notably, the base 2.5-liter engine now gets better fuel economy, with the EPA's combined driving estimate rising a significant 3 mpg compared to last year. The engine also makes 5 more horsepower. You're unlikely to notice the power boost, but the improved fuel economy largely addresses our previous concern with the CX-30's subpar fuel economy. The CX-30's turbocharged engine is still available but Mazda has discontinued the previous entry-level 2.5 Turbo trim, leaving the pricey 2.5 Turbo Premium and Premium Plus trims as the only way to get it.

　　Still, we're fond of the CX-30 and find it to be a smart pick for a small crossover alongside the Buick Encore GX, Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek and Volkswagen Taos. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below to read our test team's full report on the 2023 CX-30.

　　

What's it like to live with?

Initial short-term reviews don't always tell the whole story. Fortunately, zzdcar tested a 2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium for a year and more than 17,000 miles. It confirmed our positive initial impressions and proved to be a very enjoyable SUV to drive around. Check out the whole story to learn more about the CX-30's real-world fuel economy, maintenance costs and more.

　　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