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Identifying the First-Gen Ford Mustang2023 Mazda CX-30: A Wee Elegant SUV
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 has excellent style and price. Does it rule the subcompact SUV market? We look at interior options, trim levels, and more to find out.
2023 Mazda CX-30 – mazdausa.com | Shop 2023 Mazda CX-30 on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Mazda CX-30?
Sharing a platform with the fourth-generation 3 sedan, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 is the Japanese automaker’s smallest SUV offering. Introduced three years ago, the CX-30 – not to be confused with the tiny MX-30 full-electric – is an urban runabout with luxury looks but mainstream pricing.
Every CX-30 comes with AWD, but the potent turbocharged powertrain requires a pricey high-end trim. Changes over last year’s model, that we review here, include a bump of two mpg across all categories along with a power increase of five ponies on the base motor. Already a safety star, the new model adds standard side airbags for the second row and improvements to the B- and C-pillar structures.
The Breakdown
Athletic lines
Potent turbo motor
Standard AWD
Pricey top models
Why the plastic body cladding?
So-so fuel economy
Sharp-dressed subcompact
2023 Mazda Specs
- 191 horsepower from base engine
- 186 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- 20.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 45.2 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Top marks from IIHS and NHTSA
- Color heads-up display (HUD)
- Three years of roadside assistance
2023 Mazda CX-30 Powertrain
Every 2023 Mazda CX-30 is fitted with a 2.5L inline-4 from the automaker’s Skyactiv-G series of engines. On the lower end of the trim tiers, this motor is naturally aspirated with ratings of 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. Clocked at 8.1 seconds in the 0-60 sprint, this setup will get you around with ease, but not all that quickly. For those who appreciate a bit more spice, the turbocharged version of this powertrain – also found on the larger Mazda CX-5 that we review here – can put down 250 hp and 320 torques when sipping on 93 octane, which results in a sub-6-second run to 60. Those output figures drop to 227 and 310, respectively, with a tank of grade 87.
Also common across the 2023 MX-30 lineup is a 6-speed automatic transmission and Mazda’s i-Activ AWD running gear. Featuring what Mazda calls “G-Vectoring Control Plus”, this system hews close to the automaker’s Zoom-Zoom roots by adjusting power delivery and braking, to individual wheels, in order to gently counteract load transfer in hard cornering for a smoother ride. The CX-30 features a torsion beam rear suspension setup paired with front struts and is generally tuned for a more athletic – some might say hard – feel versus say the Toyota CH-R that we review here.
2023 Mazda CX-30 Fuel Economy & MPG
A welcome improvement in fuel efficiency on the 2023 CX-30 results in EPA estimates of 26 mpg around town and 33 on the highway when running the base powertrain. Opting for the turbocharged setup brings those figures down to 22 and 30, respectively. Hyundai’s Kona, which we compare to the CX-30 here, comes in at 27/32 mpg in city/highway driving with AWD and turbo-power. The caveat is that the Kona’s turbocharged option makes 50 fewer horsepower and more than 100 fewer lb-ft of twist than Mazda’s.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
With seats for five, the 2023 Mazda MX-30 acquits itself well versus competition like Toyota’s little C-HR. The Mazda offers 38 inches of leg room and 53 inches of hip space in the back seat to 32 and 48, respectively, for the Toyota. It’s also worth noting how elegant and upscale the MX-30’s overall cabin ambiance is with available perforated leather upholstery and snappy contrast stitching.
That elegance flows into the minimalist dash layout that is mostly unfettered from the center section to the passenger door, aside from the landscape-oriented infotainment display that looks thoughtfully integrated versus the cut-and-pasted feel of Ford’s Escape.
Base models come with cloth seats and you’ll need at least a 2.5 S Select for dual-zone automatic climate control. However, the amenities continue to pile up as you move through the trim hierarchy with such niceties as heated front seats, genuine leather upholstery, a frameless rearview mirror, and memory settings for the driver.
The rear bench can be split-folded in a 60-40 configuration and when completely lowered, there are 45 cubic feet of storage volume. Volvo’s XC40 bests that with an additional 12 cubes of space, but the tables turn when the back seat is raised. Mazda comes in at 19 cubic feet here versus 16 in the Volvo.
Entertainment & Technology
Across the 2023 Mazda MX-30 lineup, you’ll find an 8.8-inch dash-mounted display controlled via the “Multifunction Commander Control” dial on the center console or via voice commands – no touchscreen here. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard fare, but the built-in navigation system and HUD require at least a Premium model. Mazda Connected Services is included with a 3-year trial enabling remote start via smartphone app as well as a vehicle locator tool. Only turbocharged models feature the 12-speaker Bose audio system with Centerpoint 2 technology and, unlike most manufacturers, Mazda does not offer any packages for upgrading lower-level models.
Safety Features
Though ratings aren’t yet out for 2023, the Mazda CX-30 earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and a 5-Star overall crash rating from NHTSA last year, both of which are the respective agencies’ top marks. Mazda fits every CX-30 with 10 airbags and an automatic SOS feature in the event of an accident. As well, advanced safety systems that include forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, a driver-attention monitor, and automatic high beams are all lineup standard. Adaptive cruise control (ACC) is also included on every 2023 CX-30 with a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert part of the deal on the 2.5 S Select and above.
2023 Mazda CX-30 Trims & Pricing
2.5 S – $24,225
The base CX-30 2.5 S comes with full LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and 16-inch alloy wheels. A 7-inch multi-information display sits within the gauge cluster and, like every 2023 MX-30, there is an 8.8-inch infotainment screen sitting atop the dash. It is controlled by a center console-mounted rotary dial with Apple and Android mirroring baked in.
2.5 S Select – $26,675
Cloth is swapped for black leatherette upholstery on the Select model that also brings 18-inch wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and rear seat HVAC ducts.
2.5 S Preferred – $29,495
The Preferred trim sports a moonroof, gloss black exterior accents, and a passenger-side mirror that tilts down in reverse for better visibility. Inside, heated front seats with power adjustability on the driver’s side are included.
2.5 S Carbon Edition – $30,565
Only offered in a Polymetal Gray Metallic finish, the Carbon Edition is also the only CX-30 to come with red leather upholstery.
2.5 S Premium – $32,335
As the top naturally aspirated model, Premium trim comes with a power-operated liftgate, adaptive headlights, and the choice of black or white leather.
2.5 Turbo Premium – $35,075
The entry turbocharged CX-30 comes with navigation and a HUD as well as a heated steering wheel and Bose 12-speaker stereo. Check out our new car incentives article for the latest details on saving money with this pricier model.
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus – $36,675
Loaded with a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror and leather-wrapped steering wheel, the Turbo Premium Plus comes with a 360° exterior monitor, front and rear parking sonar, and Traffic Jam Assist that works in concert with ACC at low speeds.
Warranties
Mazda aims for the premium market but their warranty is decidedly average with three years or 36,000 miles of basic coverage and roadside assistance. The powertrain warranty runs for five years or 60,000 miles, but unlike Hyundai’s three years of complimentary maintenance, Mazda offers none.
What we think
2023 Mazda CX-30 – mazdausa.com | Shop 2023 Mazda CX-30 on Carsforsale.com
Between its sinuous Kodo design language style and crisp handling skills, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 has a lot to like for buyers who enjoy a bit of verve behind the wheel. The infotainment setup looks elegant, but for those interested in bigger and more vibrant displays, the Mazda falls short.
For most, the 2.5 S Preferred is a solid value with its moonroof and heated front seats. However, I would go for the Turbo Premium. 320 lb-ft of torque is a rather substantial figure for a vehicle of this size and is certain to make for a more entertaining daily commute.
