Flash Drive

2020 Mazda CX-30

October 23, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium Package AWD

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is outwardly the same as the 2019, which is to say, one of the best looking compact SUVs.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 186 horsepower, 186 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 25-mpg city, 32-mpg highway, 27-mpg combined

Base Price: $29,600

As Tested: $31,670

Performance:

Enjoyable driving experience

Responsive steering

Nimble size for urban traffic

The Mazda CX-30 looks almost sedan or hatchback from the rear 3/4 view. That’s good aesthetically, but the sloped rear roof cuts into cargo capacity.

Solid off-road/snow capabilities

Excellent fuel economy—our best was 34.9-highway

Paddle shifters

Sport mode button next to shifter

Off-road button on dashboard

Comfort:

Stretch-out driver/front passenger legroom, but at expense of rear seat room

Three temps heated front seats

Quite firm driver power lumbar support

Soft, tall headrests

Front seat room and comfort are excellent, but at the expense of rear seat room.

Quality interior materials and contemporary design

Extra long telescopic steering column range

OK tilt range

Medium thick slightly contoured leather steering wheel

Lots of auxiliary controls, but hard to read

Tight rear seat legroom unless fronts are moved up considerably

Good rear shoe room under front seats

Wheelwell intrusion affects rear seat in/out

Good rear headroom

Rear center position too height cramped for adults

Driver controls are plentiful and fine once you get used to them, but the small steering wheel auxiliary controls are difficult to rear.

Soft, wide rear armrest

Utility:

OK size cargo area, but not great

Roof slope affects cargo capacity

Medium size console bin with padded, sliding armrest

Medium size glovebox, but no lock

Deep, medium size front door bins with bottle notches

Power liftgate

Liftgate doesn’t open high enough for tall people

Flat cargo deck

Split folding seats have noticeable slope

Cargo space behind the rear seats is OK, but remember, this is a compact SUV.

Small rear door bins

WOW Factors:

Handsome styling

Head-up display

Strong value

Excellent safety features

Whines:

Small, chrome, engraved auxiliary buttons tough to read

Inexpensive, flocked headliner

Bottom Line:

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is a compact

A power rear lift gate is part of the Premium Package.

crossover SUV that’s loaded with features more often associated with larger, more expensive SUVs. The Mazda CX-30 has all the pluses of a small hatchback, but with the extra height, looks, and performance of an SUV. It’s economical, loaded with great features, and competitively priced.