Slotted between the smaller CX-3 and the larger CX-5, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is a five-passenger small SUV, whose turbocharged engine packs a wallop. Not only that but the car looks great while zipping down the road.
The CX-30 has a lot to recommend it: stellar styling inside and out, comfort, safety, and technology plus that hot turbo. It’s the whole package and then some.
Speaking of the turbo, it’s a 2.5-liter engine capable of producing 227 horsepower and 310 ft-lb of torque. Although the automatic transmission likes to upshift early to help maximize fuel economy, that’s easily gotten around by placing the car in Sports Mode. Expect to get 22/city, 30/highway and 25/combined mpg.
The CX-30 is offered in seven trims: 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. This review will focus on the top-tier 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus.
The Turbo Premium Plus is the only level to offer as standard: front and rear parking sensors, traffic jam assist (a nice addition to adaptive cruise control that assists at speeds under 40), rear cross-traffic with automatic braking, and surround-view camera system giving a top-down view of the vehicle and its surroundings.
On the inside, Mazda uses the maxim: “keep it simple stupid,” but with a flare. The layout of the infotainment center makes it easy to see and a logical interface makes it intuitive to use. The only improvement I would suggest is to make the interface a touchscreen but the rotary dial works pretty well.
The seats in the front are well-cushioned and the seats in the back have a nice padded cushion. Although the CX-30 provides seating for five, four adults are really more realistic. It could get pretty cramped with three adults sitting in that backseat. The cabin is really quiet, the better to enjoy the Bose Sound System.
Zipping through traffic is no sweat for the CX-30’s turbo, not only that but the steering is true and communicates with the drive. Road imperfections are dampened by the suspension but not enough to take away the car’s ability to hug curves and corners.
Looks, performance and comfort, the 2021 Mazda is the whole package.
