What's New
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 returns with hardly any changes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, and the Preferred trim gains a power moonroof. The CX-30 debuted last year, and we don’t expect a major overhaul anytime soon.
Mazda has promised an optional 250-horsepower turbocharged engine, but it won’t join the lineup until later this year.
Choosing Your Mazda CX-30
At launch, the CX-30 comes in four trim levels: 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, and Premium. The CX-30 starts at $23,000 including destination for the base 2.5 S and reaches $29,650 for the Premium.
Engine Choices
The CX-30 sticks with a single engine for now. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder mill makes 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, which is strong for the class. This engine is a familiar sight around the brand’s showrooms – you’ll also find it on the Mazda3 and Mazda6 sedans as well as the CX-5 crossover.
The EPA estimates that the CX-30 is good for 25 miles per gallon city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 combined. Front-wheel drive is the default, but all-wheel drive is an option for $1,400. Adding it drops fuel economy to 24/31/26 mpg (city/highway/combined). Every powertrain uses a six-speed automatic transmission.
The upcoming turbo engine will make a considerable 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, as long as you pair it with 93-octane fuel. All-wheel drive will be standard on Turbo models, which will likely start above the $30,000 mark.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
The CX-30 seats five passengers comfortably, with more cabin space than the related Mazda CX-3. Its 36.3 inches of rear leg room is strong for the class and superior to rivals like the Hyundai Kona.
Cargo capacity starts at 20.2 cubic feet, which is almost identical to the Mazda3 hatchback. Fold the seats, and the hold expands to 45.2 cubic feet.
Safety Features
Mazda has quietly pulled alongside the industry leaders in the safety department. A full suite of standard safety tech includes automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert join the list on all but the base trim.
The CX-30 received excellent crash test scores from federal and independent testers. Last year’s model earning a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, which we expect to carry over, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating.
Connectivity
Mazda is an outlier among modern car makers. The 8.8-inch infotainment display in the CX-30 is generous for the class, but it isn’t a touchscreen. Mazda believes that drivers shouldn’t be fiddling with touchscreens while driving, so they’ve stuck with a traditional click-wheel interface. Voice commands, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD radio, an eight-speaker audio system, and two front USB ports come standard.
The range-topping Premium model adds a head-up display, navigation, satellite radio, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
The cheapest CX-30 balances features with affordability. Seats are manually adjustable and upholstered in cloth, but push button start and keyless entry come standard. The exterior wears 16-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, and LED lights front and rear.
The Select trim adds a number of minor upgrades, including blind-spot monitoring, a 7-inch digital gauge cluster, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The seats are trimmed in synthetic leather, and the steering wheel is wrapped in leather. Outside, the wheels grow to 18 inches and the side mirrors gain integrated turn signals.
The CX-30 Preferred gains a power moonroof for 2021, which joins a glossy front grille and side mirrors with memory settings. Inside, the front seats are heated and the driver’s seat is eight-way power adjustable.
The Premium trim adds all the luxury Mazda can muster to justify the price tag. This means a head-up display, Bose sound, wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and leather upholstery. The liftgate is powered, and safety gets a boost with adaptive headlights and traffic sign recognition.
Compare CX-30 Trims Side-By-Side
Value is best toward the bottom of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 range. We like the Select for its blind-spot monitoring and premium feel.