2026 Mazda CX-30

Mazda's 2026 CX-30 is the automaker's smallest SUV, but it still delivers on Mazda's fundamental promise: near-luxury design, materials and performance coupled with less-than-luxury pricing. Two engines are available: a base version that makes 191 horsepower or an available turbocharged engine that cranks out 250 hp on premium fuel. That's a lot of muscle for a little SUV like this. It also complements the CX-30's quick, athletic nature. We think the CX-30 is a smart pick if you value sports-car agility but need more room than a typical compact sedan, or if you simply prefer a taller view from behind the wheel. But cramped rear quarters and cargo space undermine the CX-30's true utility, and you'll pay for the extra performance at the pump.

Like every class of SUVs, the subcompact class offers a wide range of options. We really like the Hyundai Kona for its generously sized interior and many helpful technology features. Chevrolet's Trax is also a solid offering, as is the related Buick Encore GX. If fuel economy is a top priority for you, check out the Kia Niro or Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. 

The CX-30 debuted as a 2020 model, making this little Mazda one of the older options in the class. Mazda's product cycles are a little longer than those of most manufacturers, but six years is a long time for any model to remain relatively unchanged. A full redesign appears at least another year away (perhaps as a 2027 model), but Mazda refreshes the current model with the new Aire Edition, essentially a gloss-black exterior trim package with light-colored interiors. A larger touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto also filter down the lineup. The CX-30 needs more than minor changes to keep pace with its competitors, though. While few offer the same satisfying blend of speed and handling, most rivals are newer, roomier and less expensive to purchase. The CX-30 is one of our favorites to drive, but its compromises dramatically limit its appeal. 

On its debut in 2020, Edmunds added a Mazda CX-30 Premium to our One-Year Road Test fleet to get the full experience of ownership. Over the course of a year and more than 17,000 miles, the CX-30 earned strong praise from our editors. We found it a joy to drive, while we also gathered valuable data on fuel efficiency and maintenance costs. Note that while we tested a 2020 model, most of our observations apply to the 2025 CX-30 as well.