As of this moment, the U.S. market currently has three Mazda crossovers from which they can choose. At the lower end, there’s the Mazda CX-3. Heading up the ladder, you can get into either the CX-5 or the three-row CX-9. Now, there’s another option thanks to the 2020 Mazda CX-30. It’s based on the Mazda3, but offers a bit more crossover capability while retaining the premium feel the company aimed for with the new Mazda3 that debuted in LA last year.
Under the hood, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 has the same four-cylinder SkyActiv-G engine we’re accustomed to in the Mazda3 and CX-5. That 2.5-liter engine manages 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. That puts the car ahead of most of its direct competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek, Jeep Renegade and Nissan Rogue Sport. The CX-30 also has Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus system to improve handling, and all CX-30 models are available with either front- or all-wheel drive. Mazda’s latest new addition to the driving suite is off-road traction assist, which will stop reducing engine torque and brake the wheels that lose traction when they start to slip.
While we get the familiar SkyActiv engine we’ve known for years now, there’s no word on the brand’s new SkyActiv-X powertrain or its diesel engine making it into the U.S.-market CX-30 anytime soon.
Upmarket interior
While the 2020 Mazda CX-30 looks similar to its siblings on the outside, its the interior where newer models have really shined. The brand’s latest crossover takes its layout from the new Mazda3, complete with premium-feeling materials, a new 8.8-inch infotainment system and updated switchgear. The CX-30 also has an updated active driving display that projects information onto the windshield, as well as an updated instrument cluster.
All 2020 Mazda CX-30 models also get Mazda Connected Services as standard fare. You can use the MyMazda app to control certain parts of your CX-30 remotely. That includes locking and unlocking the doors, starting the engine, or flashing the hazard lights if you’re trying to find the car. You can also use the app to monitor oil and fuel levels and tire pressures. Mazda Connected Services includes three-year trial for all those features, and a built-in Wi-Fi hot spot on a six-month trial.
Trim levels
Mazda is moving away from the old “Sport”, “Touring” and “Grand Touring” trims in their newer models, and that continues to be the case with the 2020 Mazda CX-30. Here, there is a base model as well as Select, Preferred and Premium trims. Mazda’s i-ActivSense suite cones standard across the range. It includes driver assistance tech like driver attention alert, radar cruise control, lane keep assist, smart brake support and automatic high-beam control.
Step up to the Select model, and you get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support for a start. Blind spot monitoring and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are included, as is keyless entry. You also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, leatherette seats dual-zone climate control with rear air conditioning vents and 18-inch wheels.
The CX-30 Preferred adds in a 12-speaker Bose audio system, as well as other more luxurious features. Heated eight-way power adjustable seats with a memory function and lumbar support are standard on the Preferred trim as well as a black gloss finish grille and a 3-month SiriusXM trial subscription.
At the top end, there’s the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Premium. This trim includes the head-up display, as well as genuine leather seats. A power liftgate, moonroof, adaptive LED front lighting, paddle shifters and cylinder deactivation also feature on the highest trim level.
Pricing
You’d expect the 2020 Mazda CX-30 to ring in between the CX-3 and CX-5, and you’d be right. Prices start at $21,900 excluding the $1,045 destination fee. Add that in, and the entry-level model starts at $22,945. Step up all the way to the Premium all-wheel drive model, and you’re tipping the scales over $30,000. Mazda’s premium colors include Soul Red Crystal as a $595 option, while Machine Gray Metallic runs $300 and Snowflake White Pearl Mica is $200.
Prices below include Mazda’s $1,045 destination fee.
| Front-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | |
| Base CX-30 | $22,945 | $24,345 |
| Select | $24,945 | $26,345 |
| Preferred | $27,245 | $28,645 |
| Premium | $29,245 | $30,645 |
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is going on sale right now in the U.S.
