The small CUV segment is swelling with nameplates as multiple automakers attempt to inject their own form of identity and purpose into a segment commonly defined by practicality and putting the actual art of driving very low on the priority list. While this certainly won’t bother the large bulk of family buyers that crave passenger space, it might leave some enthusiasts who were forced to sacrifice their sporty two-door coupe or performance sedan for the greater good feel left out.
Mazda is attempting to change that with the Mazda CX-30 which attempts to bridge the gap and deliver some of this missing fun to consumers. Is it the best of both worlds and how will it play a key role in Mazda’s SUV plans?
Handsome styling sets the CX-30 apart from the herd
At first glance, many CUVs tend to have the same core bland look that has defined the segment for decades with many of these CUVs blending into the urban commute but not doing much on their own to stand out in the segment. The CX-30 attempts to change that narrative by offering buyers handsome styling with the front end sharing some of its core inspiration with the bigger CX-50. An update for 2024 saw a new Carbon Trim enter the lineup and our Carbon grade tester arrived with white paint which is contrasted with blacked-out wheels and other visual eye candy.
The paint is typical CUV but the blackened accents help spice it up. More street-focused buyers will be better off with one of the CX-30’s more aggressive hues with these colors allow the CX-30 to have a unique identity with the rear lighting and the aggressively honed liftgate leading further credence to this claim. This is in contrast to the Honda HR-V which has a more neutral styling language while the Subaru Crosstrek is going for the adventure crowd with its rugged styling elements especially in Wilderness trim.
CX-30 interior continues to balance luxury with functionality
Slip inside the Mazda CX-30 and you’ll find an interior that continues to be an elegant balance of luxury and function. Carbon Trim models like our tester get black-colored leather upholstery with the sinister color also extending into the dashboard. A large infotainment system sprouts from the dashboard and like other Mazda systems, it’s controlled by a large rotary control knob. This setup is certainly a mixed bag but we’ll give Mazda credit for sticking with what works.
The seats in the CX-30 are reasonably comfortable with good amounts of padding and excellent lower back support. The rest of the interior is largely shared with the Mazda 3 and while that’s a good thing for the most part, that means the CX-30 is also not as spacious as some of its rivals with the rear seats being tighter than most for taller passengers. Cargo space is also compromised by the sloping roofline but it’s a small price to pay for buyers who want style and substance in their utility vehicle purchase.
Two flavors of fun
Performance for the CX-30 is also shared with the Mazda 3 and that means buyers get a choice of two four-cylinder engines with the base model being powered by a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that makes 191 horsepower and is mated to an eight-speed automatic. Buyers looking for more performance can go for a turbocharged version of the engine that makes 250 hp but exacts a toll in fuel economy with our turbocharged Carbon Model getting 22 mpg in city driving in exchange for a 5.8 second 0 to 60 time. Freeway fuel economy is also lower with our tester getting 25 mpg in that category. The engine also has the same quirk as other Mazdas with buyers needing to keep it fed with premium fuel to get the full power amount (it dips to 227 hp with regular gas.)
The steering in our tester proved to be crips and quick with body roll being tamed. This made the CX-30 a decent choice for sweeping corners though push it too hard and its howling tires will remind you that it’s neither a Mazda MX-5 Miata nor one of its old MazdaSpeed models. However, stick within its limits and the CX-30 will reward you with a pleasant driving experience with the suspension soaking up bumps despite having a firm tune.
Value Quotient
Pricing for the 2024 Mazda CX-30 starts at $24,995 for a base naturally aspirated S model. The base engine is also the sole engine for the bulk of the lineup until you reach the final three trim levels where the turbo engine comes into its own. The Carbon Turbo is the cheapest entry into this engine with our Carbon Turbo tester having a final as-tested price of just over $34,000 due to options and various fees.
This pricing ladder puts the CX-30 firmly in the hunt with others in its segment and when you factor in the inherent fun to drive factor that’s baked into the CX-30’s platform as well as some of the enhanced functionality that you get by going into a CUV, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 is still a strong choice for buyers and we hope that more of them will get behind the wheel and get to see what it brings to the table.
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.