Mazda has consistently impressed with its ability to inject driving pleasure into everyday vehicles, and the 2021 Mazda Cx-30 is no exception. This compact crossover aims to blend the practicality of a slightly elevated driving position with the engaging dynamics Mazda is known for. While the CX-30 delivers on the driving experience and upscale feel, its compact dimensions might leave some wanting more space.
What Exactly is the 2021 Mazda CX-30?
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 occupies a unique space in the automotive landscape. It’s categorized as a compact crossover, bridging the gap between traditional cars and larger SUVs. Mazda designed it for drivers who appreciate the higher seating position and perceived security of an SUV but still desire the nimble handling and stylish design associated with cars. The CX-30 distinguishes itself with a distinctly premium cabin, featuring high-quality materials and a design language that often rivals luxury brands. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge its “compact” nature; at 173 inches in length, it’s one of the smaller entries in the crossover segment.
Driving Performance and Thrills
True to Mazda’s reputation, the 2021 CX-30 excels in driving dynamics. The steering is remarkably communicative, providing a direct connection between driver input and vehicle response. The chassis is expertly tuned for cornering, exhibiting impressive grip and balance that surpasses many crossovers and even some sedans. On winding roads, the CX-30 demonstrates surprising agility, confidently navigating turns and maintaining composure where many competitors would succumb to understeer. The all-wheel-drive system further enhances traction, allowing for confident acceleration out of corners.
Powering the reviewed CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus is Mazda’s familiar 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It delivers a robust 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular 87 octane fuel. Opting for premium 91 octane gasoline can supposedly bump output to 250 horsepower. This translates to brisk acceleration, with 0-60 mph sprints achieved in a mere 6.1 seconds. The engine’s ample torque is readily available from low RPMs, ensuring responsive performance in various driving situations. In a segment where many competitors offer lackluster powertrains, the CX-30 Turbo stands out as a genuinely quick and engaging vehicle, especially considering its sub-$40,000 price point. For comparison, a Lexus UX 200 F Sport, priced higher, takes a considerably slower 9 seconds to reach 60 mph with its less powerful 169-horsepower engine.
Upscale Interior and Modern Features
Despite its performance focus, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 doesn’t compromise on refinement. Fuel economy is commendable for its power, achieving 33 MPG on the highway and averaging 27 MPG overall, despite utilizing an older six-speed automatic transmission. Stepping inside the cabin reveals a genuinely luxurious environment, particularly in the Premium Plus trim. The interior design emphasizes simplicity and elegance, with a focus on high-touch materials and user-friendly controls. The Premium Plus trim is generously equipped with contemporary features, including lane keep assist, radar cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and blind-spot monitoring. Passengers consistently praise the CX-30’s sophisticated and comfortable interior. One minor critique regarding the interior is the feel of the door grab handles when closing the doors, which felt somewhat less substantial than the rest of the cabin.
The Trade-off: Compact Dimensions
The primary drawback of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is its limited interior space. While perfectly adequate for the driver and front passenger, the rear seats are best suited for shorter trips with adults or longer journeys with children. Cargo space is also constrained, falling short of what’s expected in many crossovers. In fact, the CX-30 offers comparable space to the Mazda 3 sedan. For buyers prioritizing passenger and cargo volume, Mazda’s larger CX-5 (or even the slightly bigger and pricier CX-50) would be a more suitable choice.
Comparing the CX-30 to the Mazda 3 further emphasizes this point. The Mazda 3 sedan, now also available with the same turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, offers an even more engaging driving experience in a car format. Significantly, the Mazda 3 Turbo is also less expensive than a comparably equipped CX-30 Turbo. While the crossover styling and higher ride height of the CX-30 appeal to many, it’s essential to recognize that it doesn’t translate to a significantly more spacious interior compared to Mazda’s sedan offerings.
Another minor annoyance is the automatic parking brake system. While it automatically engages when shifting into ‘Park,’ it doesn’t automatically disengage when shifting into ‘Drive.’ This requires manual deactivation each time, which can become slightly cumbersome. While there might be a setting to disable this feature, it was not immediately apparent and detracted slightly from the otherwise seamless driving experience.
Verdict: Best in Class, But Consider Your Needs
If a small, fun-to-drive crossover with a premium interior is what you seek, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is arguably the best in its class. It surpasses competitors in driving dynamics, style, and interior quality. For budget-conscious buyers, the base CX-30 offers a compelling entry point under $25,000, retaining the core Mazda driving experience and upscale feel, albeit with fewer features and a less powerful engine.
However, potential buyers should carefully consider their space requirements. If passenger and cargo space are top priorities, exploring larger options like the Mazda CX-5 or other compact SUVs might be prudent. Furthermore, those who prioritize driving engagement above all else should also consider Mazda’s excellent 3 and 6 sedans, which offer a similar or even superior driving experience, often at a lower price point.
2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus: Pros and Cons
Price as Tested: $35,400
Pros:
- Stylish design
- High-quality interior
- Thrilling driving performance
- Engaging handling
Cons:
- Limited rear passenger and cargo space
- Mazda’s sedans offer comparable or better driving experience
Final Thought: The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus is a top-tier compact crossover that excels in driving pleasure and premium feel. However, its compact size necessitates careful consideration of whether its dimensions align with your practical needs. It’s the best in its segment, but is this segment truly the best fit for you?
2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo exterior in red
2021 Mazda CX-30 Premium Plus exterior styling
2021 Mazda CX-30 compact crossover design
Mazda CX-30 Turbo review and road test
2021 Mazda CX-30 Premium Plus interior features
Mazda CX-30 interior design details
Mazda CX-30 interior review and comfort
2021 Mazda CX-30 interior cabin
Mazda CX-30 dashboard and controls
Mazda CX-30 infotainment system
2021 Mazda CX-30 interior features and styling
Mazda CX-30 interior premium materials
2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus review
2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo review and road performance
