2022 Mazda CX-30

We would recommend the Select trim as it adds a few significant features such as blind-spot monitoring and leather upholstery while keeping the pricing under budget. If you are interested in an even more powerful driving experience, we would suggest going with the Turbo models as they are the latest offering in the CX-30 lineup.

Since the 2022 CX-30 remains unchanged from the previous model year, we are expecting the SUV to offer the familiar trim levels, i.e., Base, Select, Preferred, and Premium. The prices are expected to start at an MSRP of $23,150 for the Base trim and go up to $33,000 for the range-topping Premium trim with a standard naturally aspirated powertrain.

Further, these 4 trims are divided into 7 varied configurations, as the trims get divided into two engine options. The feature front gets no change across the trim board for 2022, as the premium factor keeps on increasing as you move up the trim ladder. Further optional packages are also on offer from Mazda, although for a premium.

The 2022 CX-30 comes with impressive fuel economy figures. The AWD variant for the base engine offers around 24/31 MPG for city/highway driving and 26 miles per gallon for combined driving. These are generally decent figures, considering that it is a crossover. The turbocharged engine sips a little more fuel than its non-turbo counterpart. The EPA-estimated figures are 22/30/25 MPG for city/highway/combined driving, and since the 2022 Mazda CX-30 only comes with standard AWD now, there’s no point in hoping for better figures from the FWD here.

When we talk about real-life situations, the economy is going to be slightly lower. The turbocharged engine still offers decent fuel economy, and it is a trade-off most people would be willing to make. The regular AWD variants get a 12.7-gallon fuel tank. We don’t know why Mazda decided to include fuel tanks of different capacities, but it is what it is. So, you did get more range in the FWD variants than you do now with the AWD variants. Since the powertrains are not expected to change, so the fuel economy will also remain the same as last year.

Not to be mistaken for the cheaper CX-3, the slightly larger subcompact has a far more spacious interior, which includes better choice of materials, smarter design, and a more satisying overall feel - CarBuzz

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 comes with an upscale interior that has fine materials almost everywhere, and it surely punches above its weight class here. The design is also mostly kept ergonomic, and anyone would be pleased with the interior of the CX-30. Mazda also has buttons and dials, which helps most people. The CX-30 also comes with an 8-way driver power-adjustable seat with power lumbar support. Heated seats and seat memory are all standards in the Turbo Premium package. The seats are adorned in beautiful leather. The front passenger seat is 4-way power-adjustable with manual recline and fore/aft movement. The front row also offers decent spacing for the passengers. The headroom is very good, and the legroom is decent. The shoulder room is a little low.

The rear seats are very comfortable and can be folded in a 60/40-split. The rear row can fit up to three people, but it is not recommended to fit three adults at the back since it's not that spacious. The Select and Preferred trims use leatherette, but the base trim mostly uses plastic here and there. The infotainment system uses a screen with rotary controls, which not a lot of people are fans of. It comes with the MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system with an 8.8” screen and offers features such as HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Pandora internet radio integration, Radio Broadcast Data System program information, SiriusXM Radio, and the highest trim gets a Bose premium audio with 12 speakers.

The front row is the most spacious in the Crosstrek, although the rivals also come very close. The second row, however, offers less legroom that might start to feel a little cramped. Only the HR-V offers decent legroom at the back. Also, when it comes to cargo storage, the HR-V offers more cargo than all the others. The Mazda comes close, but the Crosstrek offers slightly more cargo room.

Coming to the cargo space of the 2022 CX-30, it offers 20.2 cubic feet of cargo storage, which is quite decent for a crossover and should offer plenty of room for daily groceries and other stuff. It can also be used to store luggage for a weekend trip. If you are ever in the need of more space, you can always fold the rear seats in a 60/40-split to increase the cargo space. A power liftgate can be found on the higher trims. Also, you can find quite a new number of small cubbies and storage spaces to store stuff inside the car.

Some of the notable interior features include:

• AM/FM/HD/Satellite-prep with seek-scan
• Steering-wheel mounted audio controls
• Power moonroof
• Heated steering wheel
• An 8.8-inch infotainment system
• Optional wireless charging
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
• 8-speaker audio system
• Heated and leather-wrapped seat

One of the most exciting parts about the 2022 Mazda CX-30 is the way it looks and how it appeals to almost anyone. Mazda might tweak some minor things on the outside, but other than that, the 2022 CX-30 is expected to be the same as the 2021 CX-30. The crossover has the signature Mazda headlights and grille, similar to the one that we notice in the Mazda 3. It poses a very handsome look, with sleek and long headlights and a respectable grille. The roofline gently slopes and ends at the back, which gives it the “coupe”-styled look. Also, the taillights at the back are elongated and sleek. 

There are well-defined curves that give it most of its appeal, and it’s certainly not boring. In fact, no Mazda car looks boring. The CX-30 does its best to look sporty, and it is one of the best-looking cars at this price point. The car is not the heaviest crossover you can find out there. However, it is quite long and wide, but the height is kept restricted, part of which gives it the sporty look and feel. Ground clearance is also normal for a car like this.

The HR-V is the lightest, although the Crosstrek and CX-30 weigh almost the same. The Crosstrek and CX-30 also share a similar wheelbase, while the Honda and Encore are shorter. Also, the ground clearance is the highest on the Crosstrek, while the Encore and CX-30 are the lowest. Some notable exterior features of the 2022 Mazda CX-30 are:

• 16” alloy wheels
• Chrome side windows trim
• Black grille with chrome accents
• Rain detecting variable intermittent wipers
• Power liftgate
• LED brake lights
• Auto On/Off projector-beam LED 

The 2022 CX-30 is going to be mostly a carry-over model from 2021, so we don’t reckon that there will be a lot of changes in the safety ratings. NHTSA rewarded the 2021 CX-30 with a full 5-star safety rating. Also, it aced the IIHS ratings and was rewarded the Top Safety Pick. So, we don’t see any reason as to why the 2022 CX-30 should not be rated as highly as the 2021 model year. The available safety features (in the highest trim) will be:

• Electronic Stability Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring system
• Lane Keep Assist System 
• Lane Departure Warning
• Smart City Brake Support
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Surround 360-degree camera

2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Buick Encore

The Buick Encore is not a competition to the CX-30. In almost every category, it is beaten by the Japanese SUV. Handling and performance are both superior on the 2022 Mazda CX-30 and also in matters of interior quality and a list of features. Overall, the 2021 Encore also costs more while offering less. When it comes to choosing between the two rivals, the 2022 CX-30 is the better choice here.

2022 Mazda CX-30 vs 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

Both the Japanese SUVs are pretty great when it comes to execution. The Subaru Crosstrek is meant to be rugged and focused on off-roading, while the CX-30 is more of an on-road cruiser. The Crosstrek offers more cargo space and also a more spacious front row. However, it is not as upscale as the CX-30. Also, the CX-30 offers better performance and handling, but the Crosstrek offers the best range. Overall, for only off-roading, the Crosstrek might be the better choice, but the CX-30 is better overall.

The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is expected to be exactly similar to the 2021 model year. The 2022 Mazda CX-30 is already a perfect choice for those wanting more at an affordable price. It is an excellent crossover. However, Mazda can make some tweaks and overcome its cons to make it an even better all-rounder than it already is. Overall, the CX-30 is here to stay and dominate, and the 2022 Model is one decent choice for the segment.