2021 Mazda CX-30

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is 7 trims, with prices starting from an MSRP of $22,050. There are two engines on offer among the trims of CX-30. The first 4 trims, i.e. the S, Select, Preferred, and the Premium, are offered with a NA 2.5L Inline 4 engine, while the Turbo, Turbo Premium, and the Turbo Premium Plus are offered with 2.5L turbocharged engines. The trims with the turbocharged engine are available only with an AWD drivetrain. 

Which trim do we recommend?

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 lineup offers some good features as we go up the trim line, so spending more will return some good value. Keeping that in mind, the Premium trim is a good selection, encompassing features like cruise control and an intuitive suspension system. One can also take a step forward and go for the Turbo trim, which gets you the upgraded engine for better performance. 

While the Mazda CX-30 offers impressive performance numbers, it fails to hold such standards when it comes to fuel economy. The naturally aspirated 2.5L Inline 4 engine helps the 2021 CX-30 deliver 25 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. These numbers drop when we talk about the turbocharged engine, which manages 22 MPG in the city and only 30 MPG on the highway. The CX-30 comes with a 13.5-gallon fuel tank with no upgrade in capacities offered. 

The Honda HR-V and the Hyundai Kona offer the best fuel economy in the class while the Subaru Crosstrekk offers the least. However, the Crosstrek is able to manage the best range in the class thanks to its 16.6-gallon fuel tank which happens to be the largest in the class. 

The interior of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is another place where Mazda has focused on. The cabin feels luxurious and is made from premium materials. Visibility from the driver’s seat is good, but the side pillars do create some obvious blind spots. The cloth sports seats offered on the base model can be upgraded to leather seats as we go up the trim line. One can also opt for heated seats. Higher trims also see a power liftgate feature. 

While we have no complaints about the interiors, the cargo space is another scene altogether. A 20.2 cubic feet space isn’t bad but isn’t something to write home about either. It falls below the class average. In real-world tests, the CX-30 ha managed to fit 6 luggage items in the trunks without the seats folded. The rear seats fold down 60:40, increasing the cargo space of the CX-30 to 45.2 cubic feet, making it capable of storing up to 16 luggage items. 

The 8.8-inch touchscreen in the CX-30 is integrated beautifully in the center console, controlled by a round knob near the gear selector. 8 speakers are offered as standard, but a 12 speaker Bose system can be selected as an option. The onboard Mazda Connected Services lets its owners control various functionalities of their CX-30, like locking or unlocking the doors and engine start, via the “MyMazda” app. Features like Bluetooth, USB ports, and wifi hotspot are standard.

Other infotainment features include:

• Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Bose 12 speaker system
• SiriusXM radio
• Pandora internet radio

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 has taken some obvious cues from the Mazda 3 sedan when it comes to its exterior. The vehicle holds a similar front fascia. The front of the CX-30 seems bold and sleek. The black bumper, along with the black trim which surrounds the car gives it a semi-offroad look, but this dual-tone color elevates the look of the car. The rear of the car carries a very sporty look.

The Mazda CX-30 is the heaviest in the class, however, as we saw, this doesn't affect its performance or driving dynamics much. The Hyundai Kona seems to be the lightest in the class. The Subaru Crosstrek has the most ground clearance, followed by the CX-30.

Some noteworthy exterior features are:

• Rear lip spoiler
• Powered liftgate
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Heated and powered side mirrors
• Rain sensing wipers
• Rear spoiler
• Automatic projector headlamps
• LED DRLs

Mazda has made sure that the CX-30 offers the best in class safety. Not only in features but also in terms of build quality and crash testing, the CX-30 dominates all. The NHTSA gives the 2021 CX-30 a perfect 5/5 start score, while the IIHS award the CX-30 with their “Top Safety Pick” badge. Furthermore, there are some impressive driver assistance features available with the CX-30.

Some of the safety features on offer are:

• Smart City Brake Support Reverse
• Rear Cross-Traffic Braking
• Traffic Jam Assist
• Active Driving Display
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Adaptive Front-Lighting System
• Lane-Departure Warning
• Adaptive Cruise Control

2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is less expensive, offers better fuel economy, and has a class leading cargo storage space. However, that is where its list of advantages ends.

The CX-30 on the other hand might be $1k more expensive, but for that, it delivers you superior performance, impressive driving dynamics, and an interior that makes the best of us slobber. For our money, we will go for the CX-30.

2021 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

The Subaru Crosstrek is big, bold, and very fuel inefficient. Costing more than the CX-30, the Crosstrek manages more range than the CX-30, but by having a bigger fuel tank, not by being more fuel-efficient.

It also has more seating room and higher ground clearance. The Crosstrek is for people who like a layer of fresh dirt on their car from time to time while the CX-30 is more city-focused. 

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is an impressive vehicle. With two engines on offer, the 2021 CX-30 offers great versatility both in terms of powertrain and features. Impressive build quality both in and out makes the CX-30 an enticing option to consider. There might be some obvious overlooks here and there but that the CX-30 focuses on, it does good. Majestic power and driving dynamics make this a driver’s car.