Text by Tom Appel
2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus
Specs
Class: Subcompact Crossover/SUV
Country of Manufacture: Mexico
Color: Areo Gray Metallic
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 142
Real-world fuel economy: 23.5 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | A |
| Fit and Finish | A |
| Fuel Economy | C |
| Value | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | B |
| Tall Guy | B- |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 277-horsepower 2.5-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 65% city, 435% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 22/30/25 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular Gas
Base price: $36,950 (not including $1420 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($450), rear bumper guard ($135)
Price as tested: $38,955
Pros and Cons
The great: Sporty character, classy cabin, plenty of power
The good: long-trip comfortable, quality workmanship
The not so good: Only average fuel economy
Review
2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus
A good auto writer prides himself/herself on uncovering the nuanced middle ground the defines the nature of a given vehicle. All cars are at least a little bit good, and a little bit bad, and would-be shoppers need to know about best and worst of a car or crossover before making a purchase decision.
But, sometimes, we evaluate a vehicle that is really just all good, or all bad. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is such a vehicle. It’s all good, in case you were wondering, impaired only by the limitation of the class in which it competes.
Subcompact Crossover Class
The subcompact crossover class is a tough field to play in. In reality, every entry in the segment deserves consideration, and each brings a certain blend of utility, sportiness, and refinement to the program. Also, value players such as the Chevrolet Trax and Buick Envista are compelling options for shoppers on a budget.
Prices and Trim Levels
But the CX-30 plays an extended-benefit game, not only delivering dollar value and functionality, but a real sense of quality as well as genuine sportiness. Let’s look at the 2025 CX-30 trim-level lineup:
- Base ($26,690)
- Select Sport ($28,345)
- Preferred ($30,635)
- Carbon Edition ($31,635)
- Premium ($33,835)
- Carbon Turbo ($34,635)
- Turbo Premium ($36,835)
- Turbo Premium Plus ($38,645)
New for 2025
The CX-30 is mostly carryover for 2025, though a new navigation system promises improved graphics, and Amazon Alexa functionality has been expanded.
Engines
All 2025 Mazda CX-30 models come standard with AWD, and a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Base, Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, and Premium trim levels are powered by a 191-horsepower version of the engine, while over examples feature a turbocharged version of the engine. The turbo powerplant is rated at 227 horsepower when regular-grade gasoline is used, and 250 when the tank is filled with premium. All CX-30s come with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Test Car
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel of a 2025 CX-30 in topline Turbo Preferred Plus trim painted Aero Gray. All told, our test car came to $38,955, including destination charge.
First Impression
More than many cars these days, the CX-30 cabin doesn’t just feel upscale, it really is upscale. The two-tone upholstery in our test Mazda is classy and tasteful. The doors shut with a solid thunk, reinforcing the sensation of high-end build quality. The seats, too, are firmly comfortable, and the mechanical switchgear feels stout and well crafted.
Cabin Space
There good space up front, and this large editor found plenty of space once settled, tough entering and exiting this smallest Mazda was a little complicated. Like most vehicles in this class, 2nd-row space is limited. Four-adult missions should be limited in duration, as only smaller adults and children will find enough room back there, especially behind taller drivers.
“Commander Knob”
There is plenty of controversy surrounding the Mazda “Commander Knob” infotainment management interface. All systems inputs happen via a large rotary know located on the center console adjacent to the drive. This editor finds the setup easy to use, and a low-distraction method of operating the system while driving. Some editors balk at the interface, and would prefer a more traditional touchscreen arrangement. That said, folks seem to appreciate the system more as time passes. Be sure to play with the Commander Knob during your test drive. And while we’re discussing the infotainment setup, we found the 12-speaker Bose system standard on our test car to be an excellent setup the price class.
Power and Performance
Underway, the CX-30’s sporty nature goes a great distance towards improving a driver’s mood. Our test car was equipped with the turbocharged engine, which provides more than ample power around town, and on the open road. There’s also just enough exhaust burble to add to the overall sportiness. We do with the engine was a little smoother at idle, though.
Fuel Economy
One metric the CX-30 trails other small crossovers is fuel economy. All that horsepower takes its toll on mileage, and we saw just under 24 mpg during our weeklong evaluation. That said, we’re wouldn’t trade any of the CX’s horsepower for a couple of mpgs.
Ride and Handling
Handing is excellent, too. We appreciated the accurate, firm-feeling steering, and strong-feeling brakes. Maybe it’s no surprise coming from the maker of the MX-5 Miata, but the CX-30 is all sorts of fun on curvy roads and onramps. If there is a secret sports car in the subcompact crossover class, it is the CX-30.
Value
It’s a little small for big and tall folks, and prices rise as do trim levels, but at even at a top-of-the-line $39,000, we see real value here. The CX-30 is legitimately upscale, and plenty of fun to drive. There are plenty of good choices in this segment, but if you appreciate something that is cut above the fray, seriously consider spending some time with the CX-30. It’s nearly flawless.
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2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus Pictures
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