M
azda doesn’t try with the CX-30—
it simply does. The brand’s newest
small crossover, slotting between
the CX-3 and CX-5, is as light on pretense
as it is in back-road-carving ability.
If the CX-30 looks like a lifted Mazda
Hatchback, that’s because it essentially is.
Based on the same architecture, the CX-
rides 1.4 inches higher and stands about 5
inches taller than its hatchback counter-
part, but it’s 2.6 inches more compact in
length. Cargo volume measures 20.2 cubic
feet behind the second row, just 0.1 more
than the Mazda3 hatch. Oddly, it has 1.
fewer cubes with the second row folded.
Like the Mazda3, style is a CX-30 selling
point. However, outward visibility is a
drawback to those looks. The CX-30’s
high beltline and large D-pillars conspire
to make some considerable blind spots.
Fortunately, blind-spot monitoring with
rear cross-traffic alert is on its list of stan-
dard safety features.A 2.5-liter naturally aspirated I-4 is
shared with the Mazda3. It produces
186 hp and an equal amount of torque,
claimed by Mazda to be class-leading. At
the test track we measured a 7.8-second
0–60 run, behind the all-wheel-drive
Hyundai Kona Ultimate’s 6.6-second
sprint but way ahead of the Nissan Rogue
Sport’s 9.8-second stroll. In the real world,
power feels adequate, not enough to excite
yet sufficient to zip around and execute
passes. The old six-speed automatic shifts
smoothly and quickly in most cases.
With confident firmness and plenty of
feel, the CX-30’s brakes are well cali-
brated. We recorded consistent 60–
stopping distances, its 119 feet among
the best in the segment. That betters the
Toyota CH-R XLE’s 122 feet and trounces
the Jeep Renegade Trailhawk’s 133.
Tiny inputs to the steering wheel result
in directional changes; there’s almost no
numbness. It might be too accurate—this2020 Mazda CX-
Intake
NEWSI OPINIONI GOSSIPresponsiveness provides a sense of control,
but freeway cruising can become taxing
as you constantly make minute adjust-
ments to stay straight ahead. Lane keep
assist is standard, but its intervention is
so minimal that you’ll only notice it if you
drift across the line.
Let’s be clear, though: The CX-30 isn’t all
that sporty. Yes, it’s reactive and agile, but it
doesn’t have the eagerness and excitement
we expect in a Mazda. That’s due to the
somewhat relaxed power delivery, and it’s
not very balanced, either. Still, its figure-
eight test result of 27.4 seconds at 0.62 g is
more like what we’d expect from subcom-
pact crossovers a price bracket above.
The available all-wheel drive gives more
confidence for driving through wet or slick
weather. However, ruts and dips in a dirt
road start to overwhelm its suspension—
approach real terrain with caution.
On city streets the CX-30’s compact
dimensions and nimble handling help
it squeeze through gaps. On congested
highways, standard adaptive cruise control
takes the annoyance out of creeping along.
When it’s time to park, the short over-
hangs, tilt-down side mirrors, and clear
backup camera make it a breeze. All the
while it’s comfortable, with suspension
that smooths the road without feeling soft
or floaty, though it can bounce out of larger
decompressions.
All the while, you’re immersed in its
fabulous interior. Everything looks and
feels upscale, with abundant soft-touch
surfaces and solid-feeling buttons. The
seats are padded just enough to insulate
from harshness while not feeling overly
plush. Although the infotainment isn’t
touch controlled, its dial makes the system
easy to navigate. Two USB ports and phone
connectivity are standard. At speed the
cabin is quiet, with only a bit of tire roar.
Between its enjoyable drive and
coddling cabin, you’ll look forward to firing
up the CX-30. Alex LeanseSPECS 2020 Mazda CX-
Base Price $24,345 Price As Tested $31,
Vehicle Layout Front-engine, AWD, 5-pass,
4-door SUV Engine 2.5L/186-hp/186-lb-ft
DOHC 16-valve I-4 Transmission 6-speed
automatic Curb Weight (F/R Dist) 3,356 lb
(60/40%) Wheelbase 104.5 in L x W x H
173.0 x 70.7 x 61.7 in 0-60 MPH 7.8 sec
Quarter Mile 16.0 sec @ 88.3 mph Braking,
60-0 MPH 119 ft Lateral Acceleration 0.83 g
(avg) MT Figure Eight 27.4 sec @ 0.62 g (avg)
EPA City/Hwy/Comb Fuel Econ 25/32/27 mpg
Energy Cons, City/Hwy 135/105 kW-hr/
miles CO2 Emissions, Comb 0 .70 lb/mileThe Mazda CX-30 and Kia Seltos arrive
to market as the small SUV segment
heats up. See? We’re here to help.FIRST^ TEST