Flash Drive

2022 Mazda CX-30

April 16, 2023 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo AWD Premium

The Mazda CS-30 is a handsomely styled compact SUV with standard AWD.

Engine: 2.5-liter turbo I-4, 227/250 (regular/premium fuel) horsepower and 310/320 lb.-ft torque

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

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

Base Price: $34,400

As Tested: $36,345

Performance:

Strong turbocharged four cylinder engine

Front row space is excellent and rear seat space depends on how far the front seats are moved up.

Excellent torque

Smooth engine and transmission

Sport mode makes a noticeable improvement

Nimble, athletic handling with still comfortable ride

Standard all-wheel drive

2.5-liter turbo engine makes 227 hp on regular and 250 hp on premium

Comfort:

Excellent winter car with heat seats (3 temps) and heated steering wheel

The steering wheel is comfortable and heated on the Premium Plus package but the auxiliary controls are tiny.

Quality interior materials

Handsome, conservative interior design

Interior looks above its price point

Medium thick slightly contoured steering wheel

Stretch-out driver legroom

Power lumbar support for driver

Manual controls for front passenger

Snug back seat unless fronts moved up a lot

Utility:

Medium size glove box but no lock

Power lift gate

Medium size center console with sliding armrest

The cargo deck is flat and the rear seats are split.

Decent size cargo space

Sloped roof affects cargo space

WOW Factors:

Quality Bose sound system

Power lift gate

Great value proposition

Fun handling

High quality interior/comfort

Roomy front seat

Standard all-wheel drive

Whines:

Infotainment controls not super intuitive

Small, hard to read auxiliary steering wheel controls

The power lift gate is a welcome feature.

Pretty small sunroof

No lock on glove box

Tight backseat

Bottom Line:

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 Turbo is minimally changed from the previous model–the most notable change is that AWD is standard. The AWD adds to the car’s versatility and all-weather driving abilities. The Mazda CX-30 is a fine compact SUV that’s fun to drive with sporty handling and a lively turbocharged engine. The ride is both athletic and highway comfortable. The Mazda CX-30 is a good

The Mazda CX-30 has crisp styling and looks good from all angles.

value with ample standard tech and safety features along with good (although not great) fuel economy.