New for 2020, the crossover onslaught continues at Mazda with the CX-30. Positioned between the CX-3 and CX-5, it could be a replacement for the CX-3 in the near future. It would have to be since they are so close in size. Forgive me for doing another build/pricing breakdown back to back, but there are a lot of new models coming out and I live for this. Here’s the pricing/options breakdown.
There aren’t trim levels per se on the CX-30. The model is broken down into trim packages with you choosing front or AWD, which is available on any model. All CX-30 regardless of package and drive wheels get powered by Mazda’s 2.5 L SkyActiv-G I4. It produces 186 horses at 6k RPM and 186 lb/ft of torque at 4k RPM. That power gets put through a 6 speed auto. Mileage is estimated at 25/33/28 with FWD, and 24/31/26 with AWD.
The base CX-30, the models starting at $21,900 gets a long list of standard features:
- LED Headlights
- Auto on/off headlights
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- LED combination taillights
- Rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers
- Body-colored folding power side mirrors
- Front grille in matte finish
- Air conditioning
- Power windows with one-touch up/down feature
- Power door locks - speed sensitive auto door locks
- Steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches
- Remote keyless entry system
- Push Button Start
- Electronic parking brake
- Vinyl-covered sun visors with extensions
- 12-volt power outlet
- Front map lights and cargo area light
And that’s just a few of the features it comes standard with. Exterior color choices are spartan though. There are only 4 choices: Snowflake White Pearl Mica ($200), Sonic Silver Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue Mica, Jet Black Mica. Interior color is the same. You can only choose Black cloth no matter the exterior color. There aren’t any option packages or major stand alone options on the base CX-30. The only things you can choose from are things like a sport pedal kit, splash guards, wireless charging kit etc. All in, a base CX-30 will only set you back $22,495 for FWD; $24,345 with AWD. Add on another $200 if you choose the White Pearl Mica exterior color.
The next package up on the CX-30 is called Select. Starting at $24,145, it comes standard with things like dual zone automatic temp control, Leatherette sport seats, 2 USB ports, rear AC vents, push button start. It just builds on the base car by not being so...base. The select trim gets 6 exterior color choices. It includes the 4 from the base car and adds Mazda nice new red color ($595) and a silver variation ($300). You do get to choose between Beige or Black leathertte seats for no charge. And as before, there are no option packages or big individual options for this trim as it comes standard with those features for it being equipped with the Select package. All in, a CX-30 Select is $24,945 with FWD; $26,345 with AWD. Not bad I suppose.
The next package up is Preferred. Starting at $26,200, it ...honestly, I cant really see the differences between the trim packages. They all come with a lot of the same things. The only difference I see on the Preferred is that it comes with heated seats. You get to choose between the same exterior and interior color choices and the same forgettable accessories. All in, a CX-30 Preferred is $27,245 with FWD..and the same price with AWD. And of course that changes depending on your selection of exterior color or accessories.
Lastly, the top of the CX-30 package line is the Premium. Starting at $28,200. The main differences with this package is that it comes standard with a moonroof, paddle shifters (with 186 horses on tap, these things are going to be for show only), actual leather trimmed sport seats and dual zone climate control. Exterior colors are the same, along with a choice of Black interior. But this trim doesn’t get a Beige leather seating option. It gets White as well for no charge. All in a CX-30 Premium is $29,245 or $30,645 with AWD.
Honestly, the CX-30 comes across as just another crossover just because. Its not impressive given its options. Mazda is a small company and it shows with the lack of options this thing has. Yes it comes nicely equipped but still. Its lacking in certain areas. The bigger question though is who is this supposed to be for? It steps on the toes of not only the CX-3 and CX-5 above and below it, but its also possibly a threat to the existence of the 3 hatch. Lets look at the dimensions of its stablemates. All these specs are from the base models of the vehicles.
A Mazda CX-3, which sits below this, rides on a wheelbase (101.3”) that’s 3.3” shorter than the CX-30. Its also 4.7” shorter overall at 168.3” vs the CX-30’s length of 173”. But its just 1” taller than the CX-3. Things get more confusing inside. The CX-3 actually has more front headroom than the CX-30 but not by much. It has a just a .3” advantage. So its almost not noticeable. Rear headroom is a bit more in the CX-30 though being 1.1” more. Where it really counts though is in rear legroom and cargo volume. The CX-30 has just a 1.3” advantage over the CX-3 in rear legroom (36.3 to the CX-3’s 35”) and 7.8 cu ft more cargo volume with the rear seats up over the CX-30. So VS the CX-3, its bigger, but not by much.
Compared to the CX-5, the CX-30 is also pretty close. Close enough that it would make more sense to get the bigger vehicle for the price overlap. The CX-5 rides on a 106.2’ wheelbase. That means the CX-5 has a wheelbase that’s just 1.7” shorter than the CX-30. The CX-5 is also noticeably longer, being 6.1” longer and taller being 37” taller. Inside there is no competition really with the CX-5 being bigger in every aspect of course. That also pretty much points to the fact that the CX-3 and CX-30 are more tall hatchbacks than true crossovers.
When compared against the Mazda3 hatch, like the CX-5 it looks like it also makes sense to get the bigger vehicle over the CX-30 here as well. The 3 rides on a 2.8” longer wheelbase while being 2.6” longer. But of course the CX-30 is taller with how low slung the 3 hatch looks. Inside the closeness of the 3 hatch and CX-30 are apparent even more. They both have identical front headroom (38.1), though the CX-30 has a whopping 1.1” more in rear headroom. Rear legroom is close too with the CX-30 having 1.2” more rear legroom. They also have the exact same cargo volume with the rear seats up at 20.1 cu ft.
But there you have it. Anyway you cut it, like I’ve pointed out before, the CX-30 doesn’t make sense nor is it that appealing. Better money along with more room and power can be spent not only at Mazda itself, but elsewhere.