Flash Drive

2021 Mazda CX-30

June 21, 2021 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2021 Mazda CX-30 turbo AWD

The newly available turbocharged engine makes the Mazda CX-30 even more fun to drive than previously.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 227 horsepower, 310 lb-ft torque

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

EPA Rating: 22-mpg city, 30-mpg highway, 25-mpg combined

Base Price: $33,900

As Tested: $35,400

Performance:

Impressive turbocharged engine ups sporty factor

Sport mode makes noticeable

The Mazda CX-30 profile is quite handsome and more sport wagon than lumbering 4×4.

improvement

Off-road mode

Fun to drive

Smooth highway ride

Lots of great standard safety features

Good nimble size for urban traffic challenges

Comfort:

High quality interior

Very roomy front seat legroom

Comfortable, supportive seats

Heated front seats (3 temps)

Front seat room, comfort and amenities are excellent in the CX-30.

Excellent driver’s power lumbar support

Manually adjustable passenger seat

Very good range on tilt/telescopic steering

Nice heated contoured leather steering wheel

Tight rear seat legroom

Tall, wide rear floor tunnel

Adults can’t fit in middle position

Good rear headroom

Soft rear armrest with cupholders

Utility:

Power tailgate

The cargo area is decent, but the slope of the rear window does impact the ability to carry boxy items.

Ample tailgate clearance

OK size flat cargo deck

Four-inch lift-over

Split folding seats have some slope and higher than cargo deck

Large, deep console bin with sliding armrest

Good infotainment screen at top of dashboard

Medium non-locking glovebox

Four grab handles

Medium size sunroof

Overhead sunglasses holder

Front end styling is clean and simple, not overly busy like some competitors.

Medium size front door bins

Small rear door bins

One rear seatback pouch

WOW Factors:

Handsome hatchback styling

Athletic turbocharged engine

Excellent standard safety features

Very nice head up display

Comfy, high quality interior

Whines:

Auxiliary controls hard to read

Small sunvisors don’t slide

Tight backseat

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo is a great city car due its athletic size and performance.

Lots of back seat wheelwell intrusion

Bottom Line:

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 subcompact SUV is little changed from the 2020 model with the notable exception of the optional turbocharged engine. This is an option well worth getting, because it significantly changes the car’s personality boosting it to a much sportier level. The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is an excellent value proposition packing a lot of performance, style, luxury and utility into an affordable small SUV.