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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2020 Mazda CX-30 Review
The Mazda CX-30 is brand new for 2020. What do we think Mazda’s new model? We look at pricing, powertrain, and trim levels. Read our review here.
2020 Mazda CX-30 – netcarshow.com | Shop 2022 Mazda CX-30 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 Mazda CX-30?
This is the very first year for the CX-30. It shares some parts and pieces from other vehicles in the lineup but as a whole, it’s brand new.
The Breakdown
Excellent cabin
Great visibility
Advanced technology
Slow acceleration
Middling fuel economy
Limited storage
The Turbo is coming
2020 CX-30 Specs
- 186 horsepower from base engine
- 186 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 20.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 45.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Available Android & Apple connectivity
- Standard adaptive cruise control
- 3-year limited warranty
2020 Mazda CX-30 Powertrain
Every CX-30 comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 186-hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It then sends that power through a six-speed automatic transmission. Base CX-30s come with front-wheel-drive but all-wheel-drive is optional throughout the entire lineup. On the whole, the powertrain is above average among other naturally aspirated rivals in the segment.
It’s nowhere near as quick as vehicles like the Hyundai Kona Turbo but Mazda plans to introduce a turbocharged version of the CX-30 in the future. The 2020 model without the turbo is still a comfortable and sharp driver for the most part. Mazda has imbued some of the DNA from the Miata into the CX-30 and that’s clear thanks to excellent feedback from the wheel and pedals.
This small crossover handles curves with a confidence and accuracy that engages drivers. We’ve heard others complain about the transmission and while we didn’t experience any issues in our testing, it’s interesting that Mazda has continued on with just six gears as opposed to the more modern trend of using either a CVT or eight, nine, or ten gears. Mazda says that using six gears allows them to be in the correct gear more often.
2020 Mazda CX-30 Fuel Economy & MPG
Almost every CX-30 is going to get nearly identical fuel economy since they all use the same engine and drivetrain. The EPA estimates that the FWD version will get 25 MPG in the city and 33 on the highway. The AWD version drops as low as 24 in the city and 31 on the highway.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Mazda really shines brightest with regard to its interior treatments. Despite the fact that even the most expensive CX-30 costs less than $30,000, the cabin would have you believing it was worth quite a bit more. Instead of super cheap plastics all over the place this crossover features soft-touch materials, tight panel gaps, and excellent switchgear.
The seats are comfortable for most but taller individuals might feel unsupported around their shoulders. Beyond that small flaw, we like how adjustable the front seats are and the outstanding visibility offered to the driver. Rear seat passengers have ample head and legroom as well. While the CX-30 is dramatically larger than the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback it does offer decent cargo storage. Fold the seats flat and there are more than 45 cubic feet for gear. Those who need more space might consider the Kia Seltos or the GMC Terrain.
Entertainment & Technology
Mazda has committed to not selling its cars with touchscreen infotainment systems. While that might feel like a shortcoming, we’ve got to say that the control interface for the standard 8.8-inch infotainment system in the CX-30 is excellent. Four memorable buttons are placed around a large central rotary knob which makes the system intuitive and easy to navigate.
We’d highly suggest buying anything but the base CX-30 as those higher trims all come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment. In addition, Mazda offers a bevy of important features like USB power ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a full suite of advanced driver assistance systems. They include adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and lane-keep assist. What’s more is that in practice, they’re some of the best assistance technologies we’ve tested.
Safety Features
In addition to the excellent safety technology included with the CX-30, the car has also picked up some big safety accolades. The NHTSA has awarded it five stars in its crash testing process and the IIHS has also given the CX-30 its Top Safety Pick award.
2020 Mazda CX-30 Trims & Pricing
Base – $23,000
The base CX-30 gets 16-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, an 8.8-inch infotainment system with eight speakers, two USB ports, and rain-sensing wipers.
Select – $25,000
The Select gets 18-inch wheels, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, faux leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear climate vents, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Preferred – $27,300
Buyers who go for the Preferred will get heated front seats, a 12-speaker premium Bose sound system, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function, blind-spot monitoring, and rear-cross traffic alert.
Premium – $29,300
The Premium adds more luxury with a full-color active driving display, adaptive headlights, and a power liftgate.
Warranties
Mazda lags behind a few rivals by offering what amounts to the least amount of warranty coverage in the segment. It covers the car from bumper to bumper for the first three years or 36,000-miles and the powertrain for a total of five years or 60,000-miles.
What we think
2020 Mazda CX-30 – netcarshow.com | Shop 2022 Mazda CX-30 on Carsforsale.com
The Mazda CX-30 is a great entry into a segment that’s full of somewhat unimpressive or overpriced options. It’s a well-rounded vehicle with good comfort, great safety, solid cargo space, and above-average driving dynamics. It might not be a master of any particular discipline but it’s not built for that.
