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2021 Mazda CX-30

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Make
Mazda
Model
CX-30
Year
2021
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Used Car Price Range
$20,265 - $29,775
$20,265 $29,775
Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2021 2.5 S 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility
most popular
Price:   -  From $22,050
2021 2.5 S 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $23,450
2021 Select Package 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $24,050
2021 Select Package 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $25,450
2021 Preferred Package 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $26,450
2021 Preferred Package 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $27,850
2021 Premium Package 4dr Front-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $28,700
2021 Turbo 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $30,050
2021 Premium Package 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $30,100
2021 Turbo Premium Package 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $32,450
2021 Turbo Premium Plus Package 4dr i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive Sport Utility Price:   -  From $34,050
Expert Rating
3

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

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Overview

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.

Mazda CX-30

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.

Mazda CX-30

2.5 S - From $23,000

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.

Select - From $25,000

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.

Preferred - From $27,400

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.

Premium - From $29,650

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

CarsDirect Tip

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.

author image
Automotive Editor
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Expert Review

Pros
  • Appealing styling
  • Feels upscale
  • Athletic handling
  • Punchy turbo engine
Cons
  • Not the most spacious
  • Tricky infotainment system
  • Pricey for a subcompact
Expert Rating
3

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

Turbocharged grunt. The 2021 Mazda CX-30 gets a new turbocharged engine option. While the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor remains, the new turbo engine brings much more power.

For the majority of consumers, the standard engine provides more than enough with 186 horsepower. Those seeking more power can choose the new 2.5-liter turbo four-cylinder. It’s rated at 250 hp and a stout 320 pound-feet of torque. The turbo motor also comes with all-wheel drive as standard.

The new engine makes the CX-30 feel like a much peppier subcompact crossover SUV and is one of the most powerful motors offered in the class. It's a hefty upgrade, though, requiring an extra $6,600 over the standard engine.

Regardless of what one buyers choose, the CX-30 is one of the most engaging models to drive in its segment. Crisp steering, buttoned-down body movements, and the rev-happy engine give the CX-30 a major edge over the competition when it comes to driver enjoyment. Unlike some competitors, the CX-30 doesn’t trade refinement for sportiness.

Strong safety scores and tech. A lot of subcompact crossovers require consumers to upgrade to higher trim levels or tack on pricey packages to get the latest safety features. Thankfully, that’s not the case with the CX-30.

It comes with forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and driver attention monitoring as standard. Available features include blind-spot monitoring, a head-up display, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic jam assist, traffic sign recognition, and a surround-view parking camera.

On top of coming with a strong list of standard features, the CX-30 also has great crash test scores. The NHTSA has given the 2021 model a five-star overall safety rating. The IIHS hasn’t tested the new model year yet, but the 2020 CX-30 was named a Top Safety Pick.

Mazda CX-30

Model-like styling. Few can pull off the CX-30’s curvaceous design while looking slightly more rugged than the Mazda Mazda3 hatchback that it’s based on. In a class that’s known for some unattractive designs, the CX-30 stands out for being handsome.

The slim headlights, Mazda’s iconic shield-like grille, and high fenders give the CX-30 a serious, sporty face. Looking at it from the side reveals a heavily raked rear windshield that makes it look more hatchback than crossover. Sharp taillights and dual exhaust outlets are sporty elements at the back. The thick body cladding found on all of the lower parts of the body is the only clue that the CX-30 is a crossover.

Mazda has been making some of the nicest interiors in the mainstream market, and it’s the same case for the CX-30. The tiered dashboard has a striking angular design that gives the vehicle an uncluttered look. Material quality is high-end as well, as nearly every touchpoint is a soft-touch material.

The few qualms we have with the CX-30’s cabin include the high-gloss black plastic, which attracts fingerprints and scratches easily. While Mazda’s lack of a touchscreen and mandatory rotary dial to use the infotainment system is easy enough to get used to, it makes using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto a chore.

Not a good value option. With a price range that starts at $23,000 including destination and goes up to $35,000, the CX-30 is one of the most expensive subcompact crossovers on sale. Even with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as new standard features for the 2021 model year, it isn’t exactly packed with a whole lot of standard features for the price.

The majority of the CX-30’s competitors offer similar standard features for less. And if you move up to one of the higher trim levels, you’re spending roughly the same amount of money as one would on a larger vehicle. The CX-30 feels nicer and comes with more upscale materials than its rivals, but it costs a lot more.

Final thoughts. The 2021 Mazda CX-30 continues to offer things others in the subcompact class can’t. It’s an upscale vehicle that’s actually fun to drive and feels like a luxury rig. It also has one of the most powerful turbocharged engines available that makes it feel downright fast.

The majority of consumers won’t think that the CX-30’s gorgeous design and sprightly handling are worth the high cost of entry. Add that its annoying infotainment system controls and small list of standard features into the mix, and you can see why we struggle to call the CX-30 the go-to option in the segment.

The Hyundai Kona is a favorite in the class. Unlike the CX-30, it has a more unique design that’s a bit polarizing and comes with more standard features. It’s nearly as enjoyable to drive and is available with a 175-hp turbo engine.

The Subaru Crosstrek is the better alternative for consumers looking to do some light off-roading. With a standard all-wheel-drive system, more ground clearance, and a more rugged design, the Crosstrek is ready to go on terrain that isn’t smooth tarmac. Its engines aren't nearly as powerful as the CX-30’s and it’s not nearly as enjoyable to drive.

Check prices for the 2021 Mazda CX-30 »

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Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 186 HP / 186 ft.lbs.
Transmission
6-spd sequential shift control auto w/OD
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
25 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L I-4 / 186 HP / 186 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Front-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
25 / 33 / 29 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Semi-independent Torsion Beam Beam
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
13.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$51
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
45.2 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
94 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
173.0 "
Exterior Width
70.7 "
Exterior Height
61.7 "
Front Headroom
38.1 "
Rear Headroom
38.3 "
Front Legroom
41.7 "
Rear Legroom
36.3 "
Front Shoulder Room
55.6 "
Rear Shoulder Room
53.6 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,234 Lbs.
Wheel Base
104 "
Turning Radius
17.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
16.0 " Gray Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone / Pearlcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Front Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Black W/chrome Accents
Rear Spoiler
Lip
Exhaust
Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
8-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
8-way
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm/hd, Seek-scan
Speakers
8
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Front And Rear
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Driver And Passenger
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Smart City Brake Support (scbs) Forward Collision Mitigation
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Lane Keep Assist System (lkas) Lane Departure
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Smart Brake Support (sbs) W/pedestrian Detection Front Pedestrian Detection Prevention
Driver Attention Alert
Driver Attention Alert (daa) Driver Attention
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
High Beam Control System (hbc) Auto High-beam
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Used 2021 Mazda CX-30 for Sale

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