2024 Mazda CX-30 Review

Mazda’s CX-30, starting at $24,995, is a subcompact SUV with some new additions for its 2024 model year. Updates include the new Carbon Turbo Special Edition trim and the Select Sport variant, which replaces the Sport grade.

MotoPickers Rating: 8.7/10

The 2024 CX-30 is ideal for city driving but can excel in other environments, like smaller towns and neighborhoods. Mazda offers a less expensive cost for its available turbocharged engine, but you’ll save almost $10,000 opting for a non-turbo trim. 

Additional 2024 CX-30 perks include a sport-tuned chassis providing dynamic handling and a well-equipped, premium-feeling interior. However, like all vehicles, it has some downsides. These drawbacks include space and performance-related concerns, which we’ll cover in more detail during our review. However, it has won some coveted awards.

Keep reading to discover what driving areas these awards represent and where the 2024 CX-30 ranks in regard to its competitors, like Honda’s HR-V, Hyundai’s Kona, Nissan’s Kicks, Subaru’s Crosstrek, and more. Our review will often include comparisons to these rivals so you can more accurately determine whether the CX-30 is right for you.

Exterior design spotlight 

The 2024 CX-30’s exterior contains an athletic stance and several premium paint options, which include: 

• Snowflake White Pearl Mica
• Jet Black Mica
• Deep Crystal Blue Mica
• Machine Gray Metallic
• Ceramic Metallic
• Soul Red Crystal Metallic
• Platinum Quartz Metallic
• Machine Gray Metallic
• Polymetal Gray Metallic (2.5 S Carbon Edition)
• Zircon Sand Metallic (2.5 Carbon Turbo)

All CX-30 trims utilize Mazda’s original Kodo design, which is based on elements like fluid shapes, minimalism, and nature. Kodo design additionally showcases its uniqueness by reflecting your driving environment through flowing light and shadow patterns.  

One of this SUV’s most significant standard exterior features is its auto on/off headlights with LED daytime running light and LED combination taillights. These headlights, which automatically turn off when oncoming traffic approaches from another lane and switch on when the vehicle has passed, are typically an upgrade within 2024 model year subcompact rivals like Subaru’s Crosstrek, Hyundai’s Kona, and Ford’s EcoSport.

However, you’ll have to opt for a higher 2024 CX-30 trim if you want rain-sensing variable-intermittent windshield wipers. Side mirrors are body-colored and power-folding, while the available version contains black heated power-folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals, memory positioning, and a tilt-in-reverse function. The tilt-in-reverse feature automatically adjusts your side view mirrors downward when you’re reverse driving for an optimal perspective. 

The 2024 CX-30 builds on its athletic stance with a sporty matte finish front grille or an available front grille with a gloss-black finish. Rear privacy glass is also available, which brings tinted glass with UV protection. 

A base 2024 CX-30 features 16” aluminum alloy wheels, while every other trim contains 18” aluminum alloy wheels. Each grade’s tires sport all-season capability, but these wheel dimensions are considered more undersized, contributing to the model’s lower ground clearance, which detracts from its ability to handle off-road terrain.

Interior design and comfort

Hopping into the 2024 CX-30 is seamless with the model’s remote keyless entry system. The cabin seats up to five passengers, which may present challenges for larger families. Cargo storage measures 20.2 cubic feet (cu. ft.) with the 60/40 split fold-down rear seatback, or 45.2 cu. ft. with the rear seats down is considered moderate for its class. A 2024 model year Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, and Nissan Rogue Sport all have larger cargo capacities with their rear seats upward. 

Regarding materials, premium stitching comes with every grade. Cloth-trimmed sport seats and door inserts dress the base trim’s interior. Available interior upholstery options include:

• Leatherette-trimmed sport seats
• Red leather-trimmed sport seats 
• Leather-trimmed sport seats
• Terracotta Leatherette-trimmed sport seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector

Sun visors can be vinyl-covered, and the ergonomic steering wheel features consist of an optional heated design in addition to standard steering-wheel-mounted audio and cruise control switches. Dual-zone automatic climate control is available from the second trim upward. Rear air-conditioning vents aren’t in the base trim, which may deter some buyers. 

Mazda offers paddle shifters within 2.5 S Premium and Turbo trims, but you’ll want to select a trim with the upgraded 250-horsepower engine, as its 191-horsepower is competitive but nothing spectacular.

The interior’s optional frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror is worth considering with its sleek appearance and mirror tint adjusting based on trailing cars’ headlights to reduce glare. Mazda’s decision to make an 8-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support and 2-position memory available instead of standard isn’t surprising. Still, we’re not a fan of how heated front seats aren’t available within every trim.

Competing models with heated front seats standard within every 2024 trim include:

• Honda’s HR-V
• Kia’s Seltos
• Nissan’s Rogue Sport
• Subaru’s Crosstrek
• Hyundai’s Kona

Rear legroom has been described as cramped within the 2024 Mazda CX-30, and Honda’s HR-V contains more interior space overall alongside the brand’s magic seat. The 2024 Honda HR-V’s magic seat boasts three different configuration modes: Utility mode, which accommodates larger cargo; Tall mode for longer items; and Refresh mode for front and rear-row reclining.

Performance and handling analysis 

The 2024 Mazda CX-30’s horsepower ranges from 191-250, and torque 186-310 lb-ft. While we highlighted paddle shifters as a mismatch for the base powertrain, these CX-30 performance specs decimate the competition. A 2024 Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona, and Nissan Rogue Sport all have less than 159 standard horsepower. A 6,500 RPM redline underscores the zest behind the CX-30’s standard powertrain.  

Drivers can expect the 2024 CX-30 to deliver 22-26 MPG on the highway and 30-33 MPG in the city via regular unleaded fuel. All-wheel drive (AWD) is optional, but we wouldn’t recommend off-roading since the 2024 CX-30’s exterior isn’t designed for traversing harsh trails. To its credit, the CX-30’s AWD contains i-Activ technology, which makes real-time adjustments regarding torque distribution based on road conditions. 

G-Vectoring Control Plus within this Mazda fosters smooth handling by shifting vehicle weight based on driver inputs and your environment. All 2024 CX-30 grades contain a 6-speed electronically controlled sport automatic transmission. While many competitors opt for more efficient 8 and 9-speed automatic transmissions, the CX-30 provides responsive gear shifts and a manual mode for increased control.

The 2024 CX-30’s front suspension contains an independent MacPherson strut with a stabilizer bar, while the rear utilizes a torsion beam axle design. In other words, the front suspension configuration allows each front wheel to move independently for a smoother ride. At the same time, the rear setup mitigates body roll during instances like cornering for more control.

Technology 

Mazda roots a significant portion of its 2024 CX-30’s technological capabilities within its Connected Services system. This system works in tandem with the MyMazda App to facilitate remote vehicle commands like locking and unlocking doors and remote engine start, as well as modern conveniences like optional in-car Wi-Fi. In other words, Mazda Connected Services is the interface for these various functionalities you activate via smartphone. 

The 2024 CX-30 comes with three complimentary years of Mazda Connected Services. Still, this period often flies by, and some might take issue with paying $120 a year to regain access following the trial’s conclusion. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all 2024 CX-30 trims, with higher grades offering wireless versions for less cabin clutter. Platforms like Apple CarPlay streamline your access features like maps, contacts, and music behind the wheel with a more accessible interface containing conveniences like larger app icons for increased safety. Drivers can select an 8.8” or 10.3” central infotainment display, with the upgraded size containing touchscreen functionality.

You’ll remain connected to features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with an optional wireless charging pad or USB charging plug compatibility. When playing your favorite music, you can utilize the 2024 CX-30’s standard 6-speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics or the upgraded 12-speaker sound system explicitly manufactured for this subcompact model.

Standard safety features

Let’s examine the standard safety features that led the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) to award the 2024 Mazda CX-30 their highest scores of Top Safety Pick+ and five stars, respectively.

Each 2024 CX-30 contains Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which audibly and visually warns drivers when another car approaches from either side during reverse driving. Blind Spot Monitoring visually notifies of vehicles entering a CX-30’s blind spots. Drivers who activate their turn signal during a blind spot will trigger a supportive audio alert.

Lane Departure Warning and Lane-Keep Assist both activate at speeds above 40 MPH. The former safety system warns with audio and visual notifications when you may be drifting from your lane with an active turn signal. At the same time, the ladder feature can implement steering assistance during lane deviation.

The 2024 CX-40 also contains Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop and Go, which helps you maintain a preset distance or speed when following cars and automatically navigates stop-and-go traffic without touching the brakes or the accelerator. Unfortunately, distracted driving is increasingly common. Still, this subcompact SUV’s Driver Attention Alert can notice this hazardous behavior and supply audio and visual alerts prompting a break from behind the wheel. 

We mentioned the 2024 CX-30’s auto on/off headlights during our review’s introduction, so let’s take a closer look at this model’s optional safety features.

Available safety features

Instead of waiting until you’ve reached 40 MPH to initiate, Optional Cruising and Traffic Support provides lane-centering and following distance assistance from zero MPH and up. Mazda has placed four cameras on each side of this subcompact SUV for the available 360-degree view monitor, which projects onto your infotainment display.

The available Adaptive Front Lighting System pivots the headlights in real-time toward the direction you’re turning for better night visibility, while the optional Traffic Sign Recognition System fills in the blanks by communicating road sign information like speed limits onto the Active Driving or Head-Up Display (HUD). Mazda’s HUD digitally projects driving data onto your windshield within your road line of sight.

Trim pricing and value 

Below, you’ll find the starting prices for each of the 2024 CX-30’s eight trims:

• 2.5 S – $24,995
• 2.5 S Select Sport – $26,500
• 2.5 S Preferred – $28,790
• 2.5 S Carbon Edition – $29,790
• 2.5 S Premium – $31,990
• 2.5 Carbon Turbo – $32,790
• 2.5 Turbo Premium – $34,990
• 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus – $36,800

One of the most significant upsides of the 2024 CX-30 is a driver’s ability to purchase the peak trim for a starting price well under $40,000. Mazda offers 2024 CX-30 customers a new-vehicle limited warranty of three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, five years or 60,000 miles, and 24/7 roadside assistance for three years or 36,000 miles.

Final verdict

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 is an exceptionally well-rounded vehicle that best suits small families or SUV enthusiasts who don’t need a ton of storage space. While there’s some room for interior improvements in areas such as rear legroom and cargo capacity, these minor flaws don’t detract from the cabin’s plethora of upholstery choices, driver-centric features, and premium feel, which is available for less than luxury competitors.

If you’re seeking a subcompact SUV with exceptional safety capabilities, this Mazda model is an excellent choice with its coveted peak IIHS and NHTSA crash protection ratings. A significant component of this thorough safety design is Mazda’s decision to offer a wide range of standard features, some of which are typically upgrades within rivals, like auto on/off headlights. Since the 2024 CX-30 provides an array of trims at more accessible prices, you can acquire specific safety or technological upgrades without breaking the bank.

Mazda’s 2024 CX-30 also handles exceptionally well, especially with optional AWD across all trims, allowing you to receive more road grip without necessarily having to select a higher-priced trim with features you may not want or need. Like many Mazdas, the 2024 CX-30 shines inside and out, which makes it worthy of an 8.7/10 MotoPickers rating. Are you curious to learn more about Mazda’s updated inventory? Check out our review on Mazda’s 2024 CX-90 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle).