A short while back, Mazda revealed that all the models in its CX family would come with standard all-wheel-drive and will help make Mazda’s lineup of utilities more capable on less traveled terrain. But it has been a while since we heard anything new, and we’re glad to hear further information on the 2022 Mazda CX-30, which brings some recent changes to buyers for 2022.
CX-30 Brings All-Wheel Drive For Everyone
As mentioned, a significant change for 2022 is that all CX-30 models will now have standard all-wheel-drive with the base front-wheel-drive layout being pitched in the process (turbo versions always had standard AWD, to begin with. Mazda is gunning for higher sales numbers with this change, especially in areas that get plenty of snow, and drivers in those parts of the country need all-wheel drive to safely make their way to work or even see their families. The CX-30 is the newly minted entry-level CX in the lineup and serves as a stepping stone into the recently unveiled CX-50 CUV.
This change also allows the CX-30 to align closer to many of its rivals which primarily offer all-wheel drive standard across their respective trim families. The lone exception is the stripped-out version of the Kia Seltos. Still, the Korean automaker vastly prefers you focus your attention on the volume trims of that particular model, and as a result, they never advertise the base Seltos anyway. A new Carbon Edition also joins the ranks, but it’s only available on the base engine. Like other versions we have experienced, it’s nothing more than a styling package. The Preferred grade donor model is slathered in Polymetal Grey paint and has red interior accenting to go along with the contrasting black accents.
CX-30 Pricing Going Up For 2022
Pricing for the 2022 Mazda CX-30 will also go up slightly, but the question of how much depends on what trim level you’re looking to buy? A base S model sees a $150 increase but climb up the rest of the trim ladder, and you’re greeted by higher increases with the Select, Preferred, and the Premium models all seeing increases of $550, $1,200, and $1,800, respectively.
As mentioned, Turbo models had all-wheel drive standard to begin with. As a result, they get less radical price increases, with both models only costing $150 and $350 more and all of these figures are before you factor in the mandatory $1,225 destination fee. This revised pricing is also a prominent example of how important CUV models have become in the broader sales landscape. Mazda and its rivals will continue to react and update their models accordingly to keep pace with evolving buyer demand.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.