Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo brings more fun to this little crossover
Mazda introduced the all-new CX-30 small crossover just two years ago, then added a turbocharged engine option last year.
It’s one of the best crossovers in an increasingly competitive segment of the market, models that sit just below compacts such as the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota RAV4.
Due to Mazda’s emphasis on sporty design and fun driving experience, the five-seat CX-30 stands out from most of its peers.
Designed primarily for young people who are still single or are married and starting a family, the sporty CX-30 also appeals to older people.
For the 2022 model year, eight trim levels are available: CX-30 2.5 S, $22,200; Select, $24,600; Preferred, $27,650; Carbon Edition, $28,290; 2.5 Turbo, $30,200; Premium, $30,500; top-of-the-line 2.5 Turbo, $32,800; and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, $34,400.
I-Active all-wheel drive is standard across the lineup, up from a $1,400 option last year.
Regular models are powered by a 2.5-litre, 186-hp Skyactive-G four-cylinder engine with cylinder deactivation technology.
But the turbo models kick the fun up a few notches with their 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.
This powertrain develops up to 250 horsepower and 320 foot-pounds of torque when running on premium gasoline (91 octane or higher), or 227 horsepower and 310 foot-pounds of torque when using regular gasoline.
All models – turbo or naturally aspirated – come with a Skyactive-Drive six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode.
The biggest jump is in the torque ratings. The naturally aspirated engine delivers 186 lb-ft of torque. Still, after testing both engines, I can tell you that even with the base engine, there’s plenty of power in the CX-30.
Our tester for this report was the Turbo Premium Plus model, which, with freight and options, topped out at $35,875. The only options were a cargo cover ($150) and cargo bed ($100).
The tester came with the Platinum Quartz Metallic exterior, which is a silver/light gray.
Seven exterior colors are available: three standard (at no extra cost), including our tester’s color plus Jet Black Mica and Deep Crystal Blue Mica; and three premium colors, Machine Gray Metallic (additional $595), Soul Red Crystal Metallic ($595), Snowflake White Pearl Mica ($395), and Polymetal Gray Metallic ($395).
Interior colors and materials also vary depending on the trim and exterior color chosen. Higher-end models come with leather seats, while lower trim levels offer cloth or leatherette, depending on the model.
Our CX-30 Turbo was rated by the EPA at 22 mpg city/30 highway/25 combined.
The CX-30, which replaced the slightly smaller CX-3 for 2022, slots into Mazda’s crossover lineup just below the five-passenger compact CX-5 and seven-passenger full-size CX-9. Mazda is also introducing a new compact crossover, the CX-50, this spring, which I suspect will eventually replace the CX-5.
As with our CX-30, Premium and Premium Plus models have white leather seats with brown interior trim, including the console, door panels and dashboard. The Turbo entry model comes with the leatherette interior.
The Premium Package also includes the Active Driving Display projected onto the windshield, Adaptive Front Lighting System, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, signature LED headlights and taillights, heated front seats, heated leather steering wheel, Mazda navigation, paddle shifters, power tailgate, satellite radio, roof rails and traffic sign recognition
With the Premium Plus package, add-ons include an auto-dimming driver’s side exterior mirror, traffic jam assist, Homelink universal garage/door opener, front and rear parking sensors, 360 camera system degrees, the Smart City Brake Support reverse gear and rear transverse braking.
Included on our Turbo Premium, along with I-Active AWD, was G-Vectoring Control Plus, electronic parking brake and off-road traction assist.
Standard features on all CX-30 Turbo models include 18-inch alloy wheels, power sliding glass sunroof, rear privacy glass, dual-zone automatic climate control, advanced system Mazda keyless entry/exit with push-button start, leather shift knob, and eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support.
There are two bucket seats up front and a three-person rear bench seat with a 60/40 split-folding seatback. The cargo area behind the rear seat has 20.2 cubic feet of storage space, which expands to nearly double with the rear seatback folded down.
The tires are P215/55 R18, and there is a temporary spare tire.
LED daytime running lights are standard, along with auto on/off LED headlights.
Exterior mirrors are gloss black, folding, with integrated turn signals and reverse tilt. They are heated and their positions are included in the driver’s seat position memory system.
Other standard Turbo model equipment includes rain-sensing windshield wipers, gloss black grille, Turbo badge, 12-volt power outlet, cargo area lighting, center console armrest with storage compartments cutlery storage and two forward reading lamps.
Radar cruise control is standard, with illuminated steering wheel-mounted controls. Also included are electronic parking brake, automatic power door locks (speed sensitive), door storage pockets/bottle holders, map pocket on front seat back (passenger side), bumpers vinyl-covered sun visors with extensions, rear air conditioning vents, rear center pull tab. low armrest with cupholders, front overhead console with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirror, frameless auto-dimming rear view mirror and reconfigurable seven-inch TFT display.
The standard audio system includes eight speakers, with door-mounted full-range speakers and tweeters. There’s Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio connectivity; a trip computer showing current and average fuel consumption and distance to empty, and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connections.
The Mazda Connect system includes the large 8.8-inch central screen, with HD radio, voice control of the infotainment system, Pandora internet radio integration and two USB audio inputs.
Standard safety equipment includes dual advanced front airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution and brake assist, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags and roof-mounted curtain airbags, front knee airbags, electronic stability control with traction control and rear door child safety locks.
Also included is the Driver Attention Alert System, designed to detect driver fatigue or reduced attention and activate a warning sound.
Safety technology includes the Lane Departure Warning System with Lane Keeping Assist; rear view camera; intelligent brake assist; tire pressure monitoring; and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.
The front seats were comfortable for our mostly local trips in the CX-30. The rear seat usually had enough room for two people in the outboard positions. The center rear position is best left to children and there are connections for child safety seats.
The ride was quite comfortable, but not cushy, as this vehicle is designed more for sporty driving. This gives it better handling and precise steering, but at the expense of a smooth ride.
Overall, the CX-30 is a good choice among small crossovers, and with all-wheel drive it can easily go most places, including the beach and well-maintained unpaved park roads.
G. Chambers Williams III’s automotive chronicles have appeared regularly in the Express-News since 2000. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter @gchambers3.
Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo 2022
The Package: Subcompact, five-seat, five-door, all-wheel-drive, four-cylinder, turbocharged, gas-powered crossover utility vehicle.
Highlights: Mazda’s newest small crossover, which arrived for 2020, got a turbocharged engine option for 2021. This vehicle has a long list of standard and optional equipment. It’s sleek, comfortable and fun to drive – a hallmark of Mazda vehicles.
Negatives: The rear seat can be a tight fit for taller people.
Engine: 2.5-liter inline-four, turbocharged.
Transmission: six-speed automatic.
Power/Torque: 250 HP./320 ft-lbs (with premium fuel); 227 HP./310 ft-lbs (with regular gasoline).
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, anti-lock.
Length: 173 inches.
Curb weight: 3,505 lbs.
Cargo volume: 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat.
Towing capacity: Not provided.
EPA Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city/30 highway/25 combined.
Fuel Capacity/Type: 12.7 gallons (premium recommended for best performance, but not required).
Base price range (turbo models): $30,200 to $34,400, plus $1,225 freight (2022).
Price as tested: $35,875 including freight and options (Turbo Premium Plus).
Main competitors: Chevrolet Trax, Hyundai Kona, Hyundai Venue, Kia Seltos, Kia Soul, Nissan Kicks, Ford EcoSport, Toyota C-HR, Honda HR-V, Jeep Renegade, Subaru Crosstrek, Volvo XC40.
Road rating: 9.3 (out of a possible 10).
Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices; actual sale price may vary.