2023 Mazda CX-30

2023 Mazda CX-30 is the small SUV to buy if you've got taste and tact. It has nearly all the same moves as the excellent Mazda 3 hatchback with slightly more practicality. It wears Mazda's latest design language quite well and also sports a cabin that's lined with class-above materials, so you can pretend you spent more money than you really did.

Uplevel models could even be said to compete with rivals such as the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1, even if their prices align more with similarly equipped versions of the Hyundai Kona and the Volkswagen Taos. While it has a higher ride height than the Mazda 3, the CX-30 is certainly no off-roader, and its base engine delivers only mediocre performance. Upgrade to the optional turbocharged engine, however, and the CX-30 becomes the driver's choice it was engineered to be.

The CX-30 sees only one change this year, but it's a boost in horsepower and fuel efficiency on models with the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The changes are mild, however, as that engine's horsepower rating climbs to 191 from 186, and fuel economy estimates go from 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined to 26 city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined.

Engine Performance

The CX-30's standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic which chooses gears wisely based on driving conditions. A turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is optional and provides 250 horsepower. If you're a fan of the Mazda 3 hatchback, which we are, you'll find the CX-30 just as nimble, athletic, and fun to drive. Its crisp steering and fluid body movements make it a pleasure to pilot on a twisty road and provide a sense of stability when cruising.

At our test track, the CX-30 dawdled to 60 mph in 8.1 seconds, slower than rivals such as the turbocharged Kona but much quicker than other non-turbocharged SUVs such as the Nissan Rogue Sport and the Subaru Crosstrek. A CX-30 with the optional turbocharged engine delivered substantially quicker acceleration times and managed a 5.8-second zero-to-60-mph time.

Safety Features

There are several impressive standard driver-assistance features that come on the CX-30, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning, and automated emergency braking. Optional features include a head-up display and blind-spot monitoring.