2021 Mazda CX-30 Review

Name: 2021 Mazda CX-30
Brand: Mazda

Price Range: $16,990 - $25,590

Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Good

7.9

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

The 2021 CX-30 is a sophisticated and sporty entry into the extra-small SUV class. It has striking looks and plenty of standard features. Though it's priced higher than much of its competition, it offers a lot for your money. It's comfortable on the road and gives you a decent amount of storage too.

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Average price: $21,714

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Appraise My 2021 Mazda CX-30

Pros

Upscale interior design and build quality
Advanced safety features come standard
Poised handling and refined ride quality
Powerful turbocharged engine

Cons

Transmission can be slow to downshift
Significant rear blind spots
Below-average fuel economy

What's new

Turbocharged engine added to the lineup
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard
12-speaker Bose stereo available with Premium package only
Part of the first CX-30 generation introduced for 2020

Overview

Written by automotive expert Mark Takahashi

Updated: 2/17/2021

If you're drawn to small SUVs for their convenience and versatility but find their size or price to be a little too excessive, the extra-small SUV class may be a perfect fit. At the top of that class is the 2021 Mazda CX-30. It squeezes between the smaller CX-3 and larger CX-5 in Mazda's SUV lineup. (Why the company's marketers just didn't call it the CX-4, we'll never know.)

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

For sale near Ashburn, VA

83 listings

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2021 Mazda CX-30
Preferred 4dr SUV
$17,699
fair price
$409 above market
- 109,198 miles
- 5 Seats, 24 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- 16 mi away
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Germantown, MD
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Preferred is a dynamic crossover that combines style, versatility, and advanced technology. Featuring a sleek exterior design, th...
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
3MVDMBCL1MM303717
Stock:
H260801A
Certified Pre-Owned:
No
Listed since:
06-02-2026
New Listing
2021 Mazda CX-30
Premium 4dr SUV
$23,998
fair price
$669 above market
- 37,781 miles
- 5 Seats, 25 City / 32 Hwy MPG
- 18 mi away
- Free delivery available*
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Gaithersburg, MD
Wanna drive? CarMax puts you in the driver's seat-and that includes transparency and pricing without document or processing fees. Certain cars may hav...
Features and Specs:
27 Combined MPG (25 City/32 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN:
3MVDMBDL6MM307843
Stock:
28984811
Certified Pre-Owned:
No

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The CX-30 satisfies all of the usual requirements of comfort, safety and technology, and it pulls ahead with its sharp style, interior refinement and spunky performance. Further driving home the CX-30's penchant for behind-the-wheel fun is the newly available turbocharged engine. With up to 250 horsepower on tap, the CX-30 2.5 Turbo is one of the quickest models in its class.

With this kind of broad appeal, it's no surprise we rank the CX-30 higher than other tiny SUVs that include the Hyundai Kona, Kia Soul, Honda HR-V and Toyota C-HR. Want to know more? Check out our Expert Rating for more in-depth evaluation on this year's CX-30.

What's it like to live with?

We were so impressed by the Mazda CX-30 when it debuted in 2020 that we added one to our long-term test program. That means we're driving and testing it over the course of a full year and reporting on everything from performance to reliability. Check out our coverage to learn more about what it's like owning a CX-30.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Good

7.9

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Mazda CX-30 on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

8/10

How does the CX-30 drive? The CX-30 is easy and engaging to drive. The base engine provides better-than-average power for this class. Our test CX-30 needed 9 seconds to reach 60 mph, where rivals take more than 10 seconds. Of course, you can always go with the turbocharged engine if you have the need for speed. The 0-60 mph time is just 6.4 seconds, making the CX-30 Turbo the quickest car in its class. (It even beats a Volkswagen Golf GTI.) The steering is sharp and gives you a good feel for the road. It complements the CX-30's excellent handling as it hugs corners and feels composed and at home on twisty roads.

The transmission, left in its default mode, likes to upshift early to help maximize fuel economy. The transmission takes a beat to kick down if you're trying to pass at freeway speeds. Using the Sport mode helps liven up the CX-30's character.

Comfort

8/10

How comfortable is the CX-30? For a sporty SUV, the CX-30 is really quite comfortable. The front seats are supportive and comfortable enough for long drives. The rear seats are nicely padded and offer a good seating position that's not too upright. The suspension has a sporty tautness to it, but it's still adept at absorbing bumps and impacts.

Freeway cruising is especially nice. The CX-30 has one of the quieter cabins in the class, which lends it an upscale feel. The dual-zone climate control is a little weak for those who like it really cold, but the rear vents ensure rear passengers get their share. The heated seats take time to warm up but are nicely toasty once they are.

Interior

7.5/10

How’s the interior? The CX-30's interior is simple but classy. The controls are easy to see and understand. The infotainment system is laid out well, and navigating with the rotary knob is mostly easy. The exceptions are Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which would undoubtedly be more convenient to operate if the CX-30 had a touchscreen.

For an extra-small SUV, the CX-30's cabin is pretty roomy. In front, individuals 6 feet tall and under should have ample space in all directions. Though the CX-30 will accommodate five total, rear-seat comfort is really optimized for two more average-size adults.

The CX-30's swoopier shape involves some trade-offs. It isn't as easy to climb in and out of compared to its boxier rivals, and rear visibility is a bit compromised by a thick rear pillar and relatively small window.

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The CX-30 comes standard with a good amount of tech. The advanced safety and driver aids are among the best in class in the way they operate. You even get a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, though you'll have to pay for service after the trial ends. Our test CX-30 had two USBs and two 12-volt power ports up front.

The upgraded Bose audio system delivers a nice, clear sound with good bass. The navigation system is easy to use, and the 8.8-inch infotainment display is a really bright and sharp screen. Using the rotary dial is easy enough but having a touchscreen would be welcome. In previous Mazdas, the display granted touchscreen capability if you were stopped, but that's no longer the case for this latest infotainment system that's in the CX-30.

Storage

7.5/10

How’s the storage? The CX-30 is middling in terms of storage compared to the class leaders. Cargo room behind the rear seats is decent, but the depth of the space from the hatch to the back of the rear seats seems shallow. A wide and tall hatch opening provides good access for loading. But because the rear seatbacks don't lie flush with the cargo floor when folded, it won't be as easy as it could be to slide in long, heavy items.

Storage for small items is a bit better. The sizable cubby in front of the gearshift, center armrest bin and glove compartment are mostly usable. The door pockets and cupholders are small but that's because it's a small vehicle. If you have young kids, installation access for car seats is great, but actual space for a larger rear-facing seat will be tight.

Fuel Economy

6.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? The CX-30 gets an EPA-estimated 28 mpg in combined driving with front-wheel drive or 26 mpg with all-wheel drive. These figures are slightly below average for the class. Getting the turbocharged engine, which comes standard with AWD, drops you down just a bit to 25 mpg.

Our base-engine test CX-30, with AWD, got 26 mpg overall during our evaluation, so the EPA's figures seem achievable in real-world driving.

Value

7.5/10

Is the CX-30 a good value? The CX-30's price starts off on the higher side, but it offers an abundance of standard tech and safety features that have it competing against many of the competition's midline trims. Select the turbocharged engine, however, and the price becomes hard to justify. A Mazda CX-5 with the same engine costs just a little bit more.

The interior is roomy, and build quality is excellent with the interior adorned with soft-touch surfaces, leather and nicely placed chrome trim. The piano-black door handles creak a little at times and can leave smudges, but no one's going to notice there. Warranty and ownership costs are standard for the class.

Wildcard

8.5/10

The Mazda CX-30 is sophisticated, athletic and attractive inside and out. Just like the smaller Mazda CX-3, it handles curvy roads with precision and instills confidence as you continue to drive it, but it has the benefit of more interior space and comfort. All in all, it's a well-rounded vehicle.

2021 Mazda CX-30 trim level differences

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is an extra-small SUV with seating for five. It's available in 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim levels. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2021 Mazda CX-30 trim levels in-depth.

Which CX-30 trim does Edmunds recommend?

The Select trim gets our recommendation. It adds some desirable features, such as simulated leather upholstery and a blind-spot monitoring system, and keeps the cost reasonable. If you're drawn to Mazda's reputation for making fun-to-drive vehicles and you have deeper pockets, we heartily suggest giving one of the new Turbo models a spin too.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$164/mo

$199/mo

Avg. Compact SUV

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Reliability

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 21V101000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 4721B
Number of vehicles affected:: 599
Defect Description:: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
Defect Consequence:: A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four tire air valves with new parts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 23, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4721B.

Recall Number:: 21V086000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 4621B
Number of vehicles affected:: 13857
Defect Description:: Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.
Defect Consequence:: If the power liftgate unexpectedly lowers while a person is accessing the rear storage area of the vehicle, it can increase their risk of injury.
Corrective Action:: Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power liftgate control module software and inspect the serial number of the power liftgate drive unit, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 19, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4621B.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles

Mazda CX-30 Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.1

57 reviews

5(63%)

4(8%)

3(14%)

2(5%)

1(10%)

See all 57 reviews of the Mazda CX-30

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Trending topics

Roadie Report - CT to Texas and back - all good

Eclem, 04/12/2021

2021 Mazda CX-30 Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

We took our new CX30 on an extended roadie from CT down to TX and back during October. Gas mileage averaged 35 mpg at approx. 70 mph for the 4300 miles. We did a lot of mountain driving on top of tons of flat interstate driving that demanded good truck & RV passing power - the CX 30 has plenty of power. There was ample space for luggage and lots of other stuff in the rear with the seats …

My experience with my Mazda CX-30:

Ryan Gromoll, 10/30/2021

2021 Mazda CX-30 Select 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

I had been shopping around for a new vehicle in the sub-$30,000 price range for months now and I had been quite disappointed with what I saw in that price range until I stumbled upon Mazda. I got into a CX-30 in the showroom at the Mazda dealership and I was pleasantly surprised, everything on the interior was covered in soft leather, there were knurled knobs and switches, and cool color … combinations. A few weeks later I bought my own CX-30 and it has been a great vehicle so far, the CX-30 is great for a lot of reasons but there are also quite a few drawbacks to consider. On the positive side the car is put together well… everything feels solid, there are no rattles or squeaks, the drivetrain is super solid (2.5 I4 + 6 speed auto), the engine works well with the transmission and I feel good about the reliability of both components, the safety systems in the car work well, all the lights in and on the car are all LED on all trims which is nice, the car is an IIHS top safety pick+, the car looks much more expensive than what it is… people have confused my CX-30 for a Mercedes/BMW multiple times, the base 8 speaker audio system is really good for a base system, the seats are really comfortable for most all body types, and I like how simple the car is… it’s refreshing. There are some downsides and they are as follows, the engine is relatively loud and the noise from the engine isn’t a pleasant one, the 18in wheels don’t give the car the best ride quality or turning circle, the car doesn’t get the best MPG in the class (avg. is 26mpg), the cupholders are placed in a weird spot which makes accessing larger cups a challenge, the beltline of the car is high which means the windows are small and hinder visibility, the back seats are cramped… really cramped, there is a significant blind spot due to the small windows in the rear (I would highly advise getting a CX-30 with blind spot monitoring), the exhaust/driveshaft creates a large hump in between the seats in the second row which makes it even more cramped for someone sitting in the middle seat, and the parking brake engages automatically and can be tricky to disengage when you set off. Now you may have just read all of that and thought to yourself that all that doesn’t sound good, but trust me you’ll get over those things because the rest of the car is phenomenal and I couldn’t be happier with the car, I plan on keeping it until the wheels fall off it. Hope this review was helpful, as an owner's perspective on what they think about the car.

Better than the CX-5 if…

Troy, 07/24/2021

2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I traded in my CX-5 Carbon Turbo for a CX-30 Turbo of nearly the same price. You read that correctly, I like the CX-30 better than the CX-5, and by no small margin. My test drive of the CX-30 was a surprising revelation, since pro reviewers like Motor Trend seem to be steering buyers (pun intended) toward the CX-5, and alluding that the latter is a better value. The problem with … comparing these two models it’s like comparing apples to oranges. They have entirely different driving dynamics. One is fit for a true driving enthusiast while the other (the CX-5) is geared toward a more typical SUV buyer. Certainly, the CX-5 has the advantage where space and storage are concerned, and is possibly more capable off-road, however, the CX-30 is the better vehicle in nearly every other respect. Where I feel the CX-30 outclasses the CX-5: -Far better handling and far less body roll in corners - Far more communicative steering -Tighter interior fit-n-finish -Nicer ride -More comfortable seats with proper bolstering - Better sounding premium stereo -Higher fuel mileage -Powertrain is more linear in its torque delivery -Fewer creaks from interior bits -Simply feels more European in operation: remarkably similar to driving my father’s BMW 650i. Additionally, there are many minor details of the CX-30 that, considered together, make for a premium experience over the CX-5. For example, the CX-30 Turbo’s heads-up display, black painted side mirrors as opposed to the CX-5 Carbon’s black plastic mirrors. The side mirrors automatically tilt downward when backing up in the CX-30 (great for parallel parking). The 30’s speedometer can be toggled between a digital and analog-looking display. The auto-dimming mirror in the 30 has a sleek frameless design. Even the fuel door of the 30 feels more substantial than that of the CX-5. Where the CX-5 Carbon has the leg-up: -Space, especially for rear passengers -Larger (19”) wheels with a subjectively nicer look than the CX-30’s -Body-colored rear bumper -More ground clearance -Slightly less road noise, though I believe the 30 could be quieter if it were fitted with the same Toyo tires. Regretfully, I didn’t bother to test-drive the CX-30 before my purchase of the 5 Carbon. Don’t make the same mistake. Unless you’re positive you need the additional space of the CX-5, definitely test drive the 30 for yourself, even the non-turbo variants. It’s my opinion that the CX-30 is the better choice if you don’t have a practical need for the CX-5’s additional space and ground clearance, especially if you actually enjoy driving.

Sublime synergism

Mgonz, 10/31/2020

2021 Mazda CX-30 Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl 6A)

Best in it's class by far . Bought a 2021 cx30 premium awd. Has 27 sensors in awd system to be as predictive as possible rather than reactive. Elegant interior,12 speaker Bose stereo. Great drive is product of synergistic result of individual components. I switched oem Bridgestones for Nokians with snowflake rating anticipating lake effect snow we get in Northwest Indiana. Will be …

2021 Mazda CX-30 video

Top Subcompact SUVs for 2021-2022 | Extra-Small & Easy to Drive – What's Not to Like?

Subcompact SUVs have been gaining in popularity over the last few years. For people who don't need or want the space of a midsize SUV or for those who just want to save a few bucks, a subcompact SUV is a smart and economical choice. These extra-small SUVs maintain that elevated ride height and utility of their larger counterparts, but their smaller size means easier…

2021 CX-30 Features & Specs

Trim:

2.5 S

MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee	$22,050
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$164/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	20.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	front wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the CX-30 models:

Smart Brake Support: Warns you if you are rapidly approaching a vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist. Can apply the brakes to reduce the severity of a collision.
Mazda Radar Cruise Control: Maintains a driver-selected distance between the Mazda 3 and the car in front.
Lane Departure Warning System: Alerts the driver if the Mazda 3 begins wandering outside of its lane.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover15.5%

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