Mazda 2024 CX-30 Review: Excellent Value With High Quality Materials

In the small SUV segment, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo, which I test-drove for Torque News this week for this review, really stands out. It's the blend of sophistication, performance, and value that makes this vehicle stand out among its competitors and in this review, I will attempt to cover all of those aspects.

The Mazda CX-30, derived from the Mazda 3 compact car, seamlessly marries athleticism with upscale cabin features, elevating it above competitors like the Subaru Crosstrek and the Volkswagen Taos. If you find the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine a little sluggish, know that Mazda offers a pricier yet more robust 250-hp turbocharged version, injecting a dose of exhilaration into the driving experience. And if you want a really powerful Mazda SUV, look at my review of the 2024 CX-90 PHEV.

Regardless of the engine choice, all-wheel drive comes standard, coupled with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. Venturing into the upper echelons of trim levels unveils near-luxury interiors, positioning the CX-30 as a sophisticated contender in the subcompact crossover realm. With its blend of performance, luxury, and a price point that challenges premium brands like Audi and BMW, the Mazda CX-30 emerges as an enticing and cost-effective alternative for discerning drivers.

Trim Levels and Pricing

Now that I mentioned the trim levels, let's look at the 2024 Mazda CX-30's trim levels and competitive pricing, which increased for 2024. Mazda offers a range of enticing trims, each catering to distinct preferences and budgets:

1. Base - $26,370
2. Select Sport - $27,875
3. Preferred - $30,165
4. 2.5 S Carbon Edition - $31,165
5. Premium - $33,365
6. Carbon Turbo - $34,165
7. Turbo Premium - $36,365
8. Turbo Premium Plus - $38,175

While the optional 256-hp turbocharged engine adds allure, it's reserved for the more expensive trims. For most buyers, the standard 191-hp 2.5-liter engine suffices. Here's our recommendation: opt for the Preferred trim. This choice not only maintains a reasonable price point but also bundles desirable features, including an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory settings, a power sunroof, silver-painted 18-inch wheels, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and keyless entry. Regardless of the chosen trim, all nonturbo models boast the same robust engine, and the added perk of all-wheel drive comes standard across the entire lineup.

What's New in Mazda CX-30 for 2024?

Carbon Turbo Trim: The standout addition is the Carbon Turbo trim, elevating the CX-30 lineup with a captivating Zircon Sand paint job, sleek black-painted wheels, and luxurious Terracotta-colored leather upholstery. Exclusive to this trim is the potent 250-hp turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, promising a thrilling driving experience.

Select Sport Transformation: The Select trim undergoes a metamorphosis, emerging as the Select Sport for 2024. This variant boasts enhanced aesthetics, featuring fancier 18-inch wheels with a black metallic finish, stylish black side-mirror caps, and sophisticated black faux-leather upholstery. The interior receives a touch of luxury with a leather-wrapped shifter and steering wheel, accompanied by the convenience of dual-zone automatic climate control.

Distinctive Color Palette: The Select Sport trim exclusively introduces the striking Ceramic Metallic color, adding a unique and eye-catching option for those seeking a personalized touch.

Infotainment Upgrade: Mazda enhances the tech experience by offering a larger 10.3-inch infotainment display. However, this premium feature is reserved for the more upscale Turbo models, emphasizing a blend of advanced technology and performance.

Entry-Level Engine and Sport-Tuned Chassis

Under the hood, the CX-30 Turbo offers an entry-level engine that delivers more punch than you'd expect. During my week-long test drive, the engine's responsiveness stood out, providing a lively and enjoyable driving experience. Paired with a sport-tuned chassis, the CX-30 handles corners with precision, offering a fun and dynamic ride.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's engine performance mirrors that of the Mazda 3 hatchback, which gives you an athletic and nimble driving experience.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 displays fuel consumption ratings similar to several comparable vehicles in the category, including the 2024 Kia ​​Seltos AWD and the 2024 Volkswagen Taos 4Motion. Non-turbo CX-30 comes with 26 city, 33 mpg highway and 29 mpg combined, while the turbo-charged 2024 CX-30 has 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.

2024 Mazda CX-30's Exterior Design

The exterior design of the 2024 Mazda CX-30 is stylish. The car has a sleek and sculpted design with a prominent grille and stylish LED headlights.

Mazda's Kodo design philosophy is evident in the CX-30, capturing a sense of movement even when it's stationary. The design incorporates a sweeping S-curve along the doors, creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow.

The exterior of the 2024 CX-30 is really sleek and dynamic, giving the CX-30 a modern and energetic appearance. I think the design of this vehicle reflects a balance between elegance and a touch of sportiness, making it stand out in its class.

It is evident that Mazda pays attention to the details, ensuring that every angle is visually appealing. The exterior design is carefully crafted to enhance aerodynamics while maintaining an aesthetic appeal.

Posh Interior and Generous Standard Features

Stepping inside, the posh interior of the CX-30 Turbo continues to impress. The cabin exudes a sense of sophistication, with comfortable seating and intuitive controls. Mazda has also packed this model with a generous number of standard features, from advanced safety tech to cutting-edge infotainment options. It's clear that Mazda aimed to enhance the driving experience through thoughtful design and feature inclusion.

The interior is a testament to Mazda's commitment to design excellence, offering a handsome and well-crafted space that exudes luxury.

Positioned at the center of the dashboard, the infotainment display is a focal point. Controlled by a convenient rotary knob on the center console, it provides easy access to a range of features.

The CX-30 comes standard with an 8.8-inch screen and Mazda Connected Services, allowing owners to control various vehicle functions through the MyMazda app. Turbo models enhance the experience with a larger 10.3-inch display, Bluetooth, USB inputs, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and SiriusXM satellite radio are also available.

A thoughtful design incorporates a row of climate-control buttons, strategically dividing the upper and lower dash panels for intuitive access.

Buyers of the 2024 CX-30 have the flexibility to choose between an eight- or 12-speaker audio system, enhancing the driving experience. Additionally, heated front seats are available for added comfort.

Opting for the top-spec Premium trim elevates the CX-30 into the realm of luxury, featuring leather upholstery and a power-operated rear liftgate. This positions the CX-30 among higher-end competitors like the Lexus UX and Mini Countryman.

While not the most capacious SUV, the CX-30 surprises with practical cargo capacity. It accommodates six carry-on suitcases behind the rear seats and a total of 16 with the rear seats folded.

The CX-30 prioritizes safety with standard features such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features include a head-up display and blind-spot monitoring.

The Drive

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 is a fun-to-drive SUV that offers a refined driving experience. It has a peppy engine, sharp steering, and a well-tuned suspension.

The CX-30 handles well, with sharp steering and a well-tuned suspension. It feels composed and confident on twisty roads. The body roll is minimal, and the car feels planted to the road.

The CX-30 has a comfortable ride, thanks to its well-tuned suspension. It absorbs bumps and imperfections in the road well, making it a good choice for long drives. The cabin is also quiet, with little wind or road noise.

Despite its sporty inclinations, the CX-30 manages to maintain a comfortable ride quality. This balance makes it suitable for daily commuting and longer journeys alike.

I think the 2024 Mazda CX-30 is a great choice for those who want a fun-to-drive SUV that's also practical and comfortable. It has a peppy engine, sharp steering, and a well-tuned suspension. The interior is quiet and comfortable, and there is plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

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, Facebok, Linkedin and Youtube. He has more than a decade of expertise in the automotive industry with special interest in Tesla and electric vehicles.