The all-new 2020 Mazda CX-30 adds a sporty crossover to the lineup
Elegant styling, good driving dynamics, and more.
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is an all-new crossover within the Mazda lineup. It slots between the smaller CX-3 and larger CX-5 with coupe-like styling and the versatility of a crossover. Its compact dimensions make it ideal for those in urban environments by offering room for cargo with a size that’s easy to manage on narrow city streets.
Power for the Mazda CX-30 comes from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. It also includes off-road traction assist to help the CX-30 power through more challenging driving conditions. Mazda designed the CX-30 to be both responsive and capable.
Fuel economy for the CX-30 makes it easy on your wallet. Front-wheel drive models get an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city, 33 miles per gallon on the highway, and 28 combined. The numbers drop with all-wheel drive, but not by much. It gets up to an EPA-estimated 25 miles per gallon in the city, 33 miles per gallon on the highway, and 27 combined with all-wheel drive.
The CX-30 is available in a range of four trims starting with the base CX-30 at $21,900. Standard features include two USB ports, cruise control, and cloth seats. The Select at $23,900 adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as leatherette seat trims and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shifter knob.
The Preferred, with an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system is priced from $26,200. Sitting at the top of the trim range is the Premium. It’s priced from $28,200 and gets leather seats, power liftgate, power sliding-glass moonroof, paddle shifters, adaptive front lighting, and an active driving display. All-wheel drive is available on every trim for an additional $1,400.
Inside, the CX-30 offers a luxury experience without the luxury price tag. There’s room for five passengers with standard cloth seating surfaces that become leatherette or leather on top trims within the range. Heated front seats and an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat are also available on top trims for an added level of comfort.
Infotainment is provided through an 8.8-inch color display screen mounted high on the dashboard and angled slightly to the driver. Rather than a touchscreen, control for the system comes through a rotary dial located on the center console. There are also several buttons surrounding the controller for quick access to key functions like the home screen.
While the focus of the CX-30 is passenger comfort with a well-equipped interior, quality materials, and a smooth, quiet ride, it also offers room for cargo. There’s 20.2 cubic feet for cargo behind the rear seats with a wide hatchback opening that makes loading bulky items easier.
It has a low load floor, so heavy items need not be hoisted quite so high. Available roof rails allow for extra storage capacity. The CX-30 can also accommodate longer items thanks to 60/40 split-folding rear seats that let longer items pass through into the passenger compartment.
The base trim features an eight-speaker audio system with HD Radio, AM/FM, and Pandora. It does not include Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Smartphone connectivity comes by stepping one trim up in the range to the Select. Those looking for a more premium audio experience will find it beginning with the Preferred trim, which offers a 12-speaker Bose audio system and SiriusXM through a monthly subscription fee.
Advanced safety features are standard through most of the lineup. Every CX-30 includes driver attention alert, smart brake support, lane departure warning, and lane keep assist. All but the base trim also features blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. There’s no need to go with the top trim just because you want to get the best safety.
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 expands the Mazda crossover lineup with a sleek, modern addition. It shows off elegant styling with a comfortable interior and a wide range of technology and safety features with a powerful engine and city-friendly sizing.
Look for the 2020 Mazda CX-30 in your local dealership starting this January.
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com