MotorwayAmerica.com

By Jim Meachen
Editor, MotorwayAmerica.com

(February 18, 2024) Over the past two years I have driven the entire crop of Mazda's crossover SUVs — the CX-5, CX-50, CX-90 and CX-30. All are excellent choices depending on your needs. But hands down the smaller CX-30T is the cream of the crop for me. First, I have always enjoyed driving smaller vehicles and second, the CX-30 offers a delectable blend of performance, handling, creature comforts and — not least — room for four adults.

I say the CX-30T (the T stands for turbo) because it adds a desirable and rewarding measure of performance over the non-turbocharged engine.

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Although the standard 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine making 191 horsepower is enough for most buyers, the turbocharged version has a more satisfying demeanor with its maximum 250-horsepower. It's the same engine used in versions of the Mazda3, CX-50 and CX-5. And it does a wonderful job of transforming the CX-30 into a performance machine that can bring a smile every time you crank it up and hit the road.

Under normal circumstances there's 227 horses and 310 pound-feet of torque available — to get the extra 23 ponies the engine must be feed the more expensive premium fuel.

Among subcompact SUVs in this price range, the Mazda turbo's acceleration makes it one of the swiftest options on the market. To find something quicker requires stepping up to one of the small, sporty options from BMW, Jaguar, Volvo, Mercedes or Mini. But those higher-horsepower alternatives come with a much larger price tag than the CX-30 Turbo's $35,175 starting price.

The 0-60 mph time is around 6.0 seconds and you can feel it merging into fast-moving traffic. The steering is sharp and gives you a good feel for the road. It complements the CX-30's excellent handling as it hugs corners and feels composed and at home on twisty roads.

Last year we drove a 2023 model and there are few changes for 2024. A Carbon Turbo trim joins the lineup for 2024 and wears a cool Zircon Sand paint job, black-painted wheels, and Terracotta-colored leather upholstery. As the name suggests, the Carbon Turbo comes only with the optional 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

The trim levels for 2024 have been expanded and now include 2.5 S, Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Carbon Turbo, Premium, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premiums Plus. Prices start at $26,370 and climb to $38,175 for the Premium Plus Turbo. Our Premium Plus test vehicle carried a bottom line of $38,310 including destination charge.

The Select trim morphs into the Select Sport for 2024 and comes with fancier 18-inch wheels with a black metallic finish, black side-mirror caps, black faux-leather upholstery, a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. A new Ceramic Metallic color is exclusive to the Select Sport trim.

On the inside, a larger 10.3-inch infotainment display is now available, but you'll have to spring for one of the more expensive Turbo models to get it.

The CX-30 has the crossover shape that seems to be extremely popular these days with a forward canted rear window and heavy black-plastic body cladding favored by crossover SUVs. Mazda says the CX-30 is the second model to adopt the latest evolution of its Kodo design, "a more mature interpretation of the striking design ethos." You can spot the CX-30 Turbo model by its black wheels and exterior mirrors, larger tailpipes, brushed-aluminum roof rails, and the discreet Turbo badge on its liftgate.

The interior features elegant simplicity with well-made materials and in pleasing color combinations. We have found over the past couple years that Mazda makes the best interiors for vehicles under 40 grand. The gauges and switchgear are easy to read and understand. Climate controls all have buttons and knobs. Controlling the radio, settings, navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions all falls to the knob between the seats.

We do wish that Mazda would create a less confusing infotainment system, but the current setup that apparently isn't going anywhere soon, is not a deal breaker. We found the driver's seat comfortable and we were able to attain an optimum driving position. Rear-seat passengers have adequate legroom unless they are over 6-feet tall and then they might need to negotiate room with the front-seaters. Cargo space is good for the segment measured at 20.2 cubic feet with the second-row seats in use and 45.2 cubic feet with seatbacks folded.

All trim levels get a good selection of safety tech including forward collision mitigation, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, drowsy driver monitor and automatic high beams.

The standard warranty in 3-years/36,000 miles. The drivetrain warranty is for 5-year/60,000 miles. Nice to know — Mazda provides 3-year/36,000-mile roadside assistance.

2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo

Essentials
Base price (non-turbo) $26,370; as driven, $38,310
Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder
Horsepower: 227 regular gas/250 premium @ 5,000 rpm
Torque: 310 pound-feet @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Drive: all-wheel
Seating: 2/3
Wheelbase: 104.4 inches
Length: 173 inches
Curb weight: 3,505 pounds
Turning circle: 37.3 feet
Luggage capacity: 20.2 cubic feet
Cargo capacity: 45.2 cubic feet
Fuel capacity: 12.7 gallons (regular/premium)
EPA rating: 22 city, 30 highway, 25 combined
0-60: 6.0 seconds (Car and Driver)
Also consider: VW Taos, Buick Encore GX, Chevy Trax

The Good
• Rewarding turbocharged engine
• Improved gas mileage with non-turbo engine
• Excellent handling traits
• Upscale interior

The Bad
• Overly complicated infotainment system

The Ugly
• Firm ride might be too firm for some