The 2025 Mazda CX-30 Is a Great Car For A Reasonable Price, Visibility Is Excellent And There Is A Long List of Safety Features

Mazda is aiming to become an entry-level luxury brand, and the 2025 CX-30 has shown that goal is within reach. Among subcompact crossovers, its upscale styling and interior quality are hard to beat. Thankfully, this luxury-adjacent direction doesn't come at the expense of one of Mazda's best attributes: sporty driving dynamics. The CX-30 is easily one of the most entertaining choices in its class, though for the full performance potential you'll want to upgrade to the more powerful turbocharged engine. It is held back by a comparably small cargo capacity, so for utility-minded shoppers, the Volkswagen Taos and Chevrolet Trailblazer provide more space. In the top trim, the Turbo Premium Plus, which I was test-driving last week for Torque News, the CX-30 is a more affordable alternative to the BMW X1, Audi Q3, or Mercedes-Benz GLA. 

For a perspective on how the Mazda CX-30 fits into the market, you might find this article on the Toyota RAV4's reliability insightful. It discusses what makes a vehicle dependable and what consumers should look for when investing in a crossover.

First off, let’s talk about what makes this thing pop. Mazda’s gone all in on upscale styling, and the CX-30’s exterior is sleek, sharp, and screams sophistication without breaking the bank. Starting at just $26,415, you’re getting a look that could easily be mistaken for something pricier, like a BMW X1 or Audi Q3. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t just look good; it drives like a dream. If you’ve ever loved the zippy feel of a Mazda 3 hatchback, you’re in for a treat. The CX-30 keeps that sporty soul alive with crisp steering and body movements that make twisty roads feel like a video game. For the full power experience, though, you’ll want to step up to the turbocharged 2.5-liter engine, pumping out 250 horsepower. It’s a beauty, but hold your horses. We’ll circle back to whether that extra power is worth the cash later.

What's New for 2025?

A new native navigation system debuts with more detail, live traffic, and over-the-air updates. Alexa compatibility also expands the features that can be controlled via voice commands, and a new Aero Gray Metallic paint color is available.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Mazda CX-30 is available in eight trim levels: 2.5 S, Select Sport, Preferred, Carbon Edition, Premium, Carbon Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus. The price of the 2025 Mazda CX-30 starts at $26,415 and goes up to $38,370 depending on the trim and options.

Engine and Transmission

The CX-30's standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 horsepower. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic which chooses gears wisely based on driving conditions. A turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is optional and provides 250 horsepower. If you're a fan of the Mazda 3 hatchback, which we are, you'll find the CX-30 just as nimble, athletic, and fun to drive. Its crisp steering and fluid body movements make it a pleasure to pilot on a twisty road and provide a sense of stability when cruising.

Fuel Economy

The nonturbo CX-30 receives fuel-economy estimates of 26 city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. For CX-30 with the turbocharged engine, those EPA estimates change to 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

Interior and Cargo Space

The CX-30 has a handsome, well-crafted interior; it's shared with that of the Mazda 3, which we love. For an extra-small SUV, the CX-30's cabin is pretty roomy. In front, individuals 6 feet tall and under should have ample space in all directions. Though the CX-30 will accommodate five total, rear seat comfort is really optimized for two average-size adults.

The CX-30's swoopier shape involves some trade-offs. It isn't as easy to climb in and out of as its boxier rivals, and rear visibility is a bit compromised by a thick rear pillar and relatively small window.

An infotainment display sprouts from the center of the dashboard and is controlled by a rotary knob on the center console; there is a row of climate-control buttons dividing the upper and lower dash panels. Buyers can choose between an eight- or 12-speaker audio system and can upgrade to available heated front seats. Going with the top-spec Premium trim adds leather upholstery, a power-operated rear liftgate, and other luxury items that put the CX-30 in contention with higher-end brands' offerings such as the Lexus UX and the Mini Countryman.

As far as cargo-carrying capability goes, the CX-30 isn't the most capacious SUV you can buy, but we did fit six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and 16 in total with the rear seats folded.

Competitors

The CX-30 competes with models like the Volkswagen Taos, Chevrolet Trailblazer, BMW X1, Audi Q3, and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Taos and Trailblazer provide more cargo space, while the luxury brands offer premium touches at a higher price. However, the Mazda delivers excellent driving dynamics and a premium feel without the hefty price tag.

Ride Quality

Now, let’s talk about the driving experience. Slip behind the wheel, and you’ll feel that Mazda magic—smooth, quiet at high speeds, and just sporty enough to keep things interesting. The seats are comfy, especially up front, though at 5’6”, I found the rear legroom a bit tight for longer hauls. Mazda says it seats five, but I’d call it a four-adult car for anything more than a quick trip. The ride strikes that rare balance between sporty and posh, making it perfect for empty nesters, young couples, or anyone who wants fun without sacrificing comfort. One nitpick, though: the transmission can get a little eager, upshifting from first to fourth gear a tad harshly. It’s got that racy sound that might thrill some, but for in-town driving, it can knock your fuel economy down and grate on your nerves.

Now remember, Mazda’s commitment to sporty driving dynamics doesn’t mean sacrificing ride comfort. The CX-30 is surprisingly smooth, absorbing bumps and road imperfections well. The well-tuned suspension keeps body roll in check, making it feel composed on highways and back roads alike. Even at highway speeds, road noise is minimal, creating a refined cabin experience.

Overall, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 is an excellent option for those looking for an entry-level luxury vehicle with premium touches, great handling, and a reasonable price. It may not have the most spacious cargo area, but for drivers who prioritize an engaging driving experience and top-notch safety features, it’s a great pick.

So, is the 2025 Mazda CX-30 worth your hard-earned cash?

If you’re after style, safety, and a sporty drive without emptying your wallet, it’s a strong contender. The base trims offer excellent value, with high-quality materials that rival more expensive brands, as I noted in my 2024 Mazda CX-30 review on Torque News. But if you’re eyeing the turbo trims or need maximum cargo space, you might want to compare it to options like the Hyundai Kona N-Line, on Torque News. Mazda’s warranty and ownership costs are standard for the class, and the build quality is top-notch, though those piano-black door handles can smudge and creak a bit: minor gripes in an otherwise solid package.

Here’s the million-dollar question: is this the car for you? It’s zippy, it’s safe, and it looks like it costs more than it does. Visibility is excellent, the safety features are long and impressive, and the ride’s a perfect blend of fun and comfort. But those trade-offs - limited rear space, iffy rear visibility, and higher prices on the turbo models - might make you pause. For me, it’s a great choice for anyone who prioritizes driving joy over pure practicality, but long-term reliability remains to be seen. Mazda’s got a good track record, though, so I’m optimistic.

What do you think, folks? Have you driven the 2025 CX-30, or are you considering it? Drop a comment below and let me know, please. Would you splurge on the turbo for that extra kick, or stick with the base for better value? I’m dying to hear your thoughts!

What do you think of Mazda’s direction towards a more upscale brand? If you own a CX-30 or a similar vehicle, how has your experience been?

Armen Hareyan is the founder and the Editor in Chief of Torque News. He founded TorqueNews.com in 2010, which since then has been publishing expert news and analysis about the automotive industry. He can be reached at Torque News Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin, and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with a special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.