The 2024 Mazda CX-30 continues to impress in the competitive compact crossover market by offering a blend of upscale design, engaging driving dynamics, and a host of advanced features. Slotting between the smaller CX-3 and the larger CX-5, the CX-30 is designed to appeal to urban drivers looking for a practical yet stylish SUV. Its combination of high-quality materials, athletic performance, and impressive fuel efficiency make it a strong contender in its class.
The CX-30’s exterior styling follows Mazda’s signature Kodo design language, which emphasizes flowing lines and a sleek, modern look. Its bold front grille, slim LED headlights, and sculpted body panels give it a dynamic presence on the road. The smooth curves and clean profile are complemented by a slightly elevated ride height, offering a more rugged appeal. The CX-30 strikes a perfect balance between a city-friendly footprint and a confident, SUV-like stance, making it stand out in a crowded segment.
Under the hood, the 2024 CX-30 offers two powertrain options. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 191 horsepower, providing sufficient power for daily commuting and highway driving. For those seeking more performance, a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is available, delivering up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. Both engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, ensuring better traction and stability in various driving conditions.
The driving experience of the CX-30 is one of its highlights. Mazda’s focus on driving dynamics shines through, with precise steering, minimal body roll, and a well-tuned suspension that offers a smooth yet engaging ride. The turbocharged model offers a noticeable boost in acceleration, making it a joy to drive on winding roads or during overtaking maneuvers. Even with its higher ride height, the CX-30 handles more like a sporty sedan than a traditional SUV, making it one of the more fun-to-drive options in the segment.
Fuel economy is also a strong suit for the CX-30. The base 2.5-liter engine is rated at 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, while the turbocharged variant achieves 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. These numbers are competitive for the class, making the CX-30 a practical choice for drivers looking to minimize fuel costs without sacrificing performance.
In terms of safety, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 comes equipped with an impressive array of standard safety features. The i-Activsense suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. These features help the CX-30 achieve excellent safety ratings, with top marks from both the IIHS and NHTSA.
Inside, the CX-30 offers a premium feel with high-quality materials and a minimalist, driver-focused design. The dashboard is clean and uncluttered, featuring a standard 8.8-inch infotainment display that is controlled via a rotary knob. Seating is comfortable, and there is ample space for both front and rear passengers, despite the compact size of the vehicle. Cargo space is competitive, with 20.2 cubic feet available behind the rear seats, expanding to 45.2 cubic feet with the seats folded down.
The 2024 Mazda CX-30 also impresses with its technology features. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and higher trims offer additional features such as a premium Bose audio system, satellite radio, and a head-up display. The interface is easy to navigate, and the system’s rotary controller helps reduce distractions while driving.
The CX-30 is available in several trims, including the base 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, and the turbocharged trims: Turbo and Turbo Premium Plus. Pricing starts around $25,000 for the base model and can reach up to $36,000 for the fully-loaded Turbo Premium Plus. Each trim level adds varying degrees of luxury and technology, ensuring that there is a CX-30 to suit a wide range of budgets and preferences.
The 2024 Mazda CX-30 offers an attractive combination of sleek styling, engaging performance, and modern technology. With its high-quality interior, advanced safety features, and competitive pricing, the CX-30 is a standout in the subcompact crossover segment. For those who want a bit more power and premium features, the turbocharged models provide an exhilarating driving experience while maintaining the practicality of a small SUV.