Looking for a small SUV with some kick to it? Just because you’re in the market for a practical vehicle doesn’t mean you want an SUV that fades into the background. With that in mind, take a gander at the 2025 Mazda CX-30 and 2025 Jeep Compass.
Both of these SUVs have a lot of personality combined with easy-to-maneuver dimensions. Their smaller proportions also mean you won’t have XL-size SUV fuel bills to fret over.
After all, how much fun is having a vehicle that makes you wince twice a week when the gas needle hovers around empty?
Let’s take a look at the highlights of the Mazda CX-30 and Jeep Compass.
2025 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 scoots into the 2025 model year with a few updates like Alexa Built-In. Mazda separates the CX-30 into eight grades to make finding the ideal fit for your needs a bit easier. Prices range from the entry-level 2.5 S at $26,415 to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus at $38,370. A fair chunk of that price increase resides in the turbo engine upgrade discussed below in the Highlights. Prices include the factory-to-dealer destination charge.
Also included in upper trims is a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity — a notable upgrade from the standard 8.8-inch screen that’s controlled by a knob and buttons on the center console. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard across the trim lineup.
Mazda CX-30 Highlights
Driving thrills: To put it simply, the Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV that likes to play. Quick steering reflexes give it a fun-to-drive nature you won’t find in many subcompact SUV competitors. We think most car shoppers will be satisfied with the performance of the base 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This way-above-average for the base engine in this segment. Yet, the added verve of the optional turbocharged version of this same engine, generating up to 250 hp, makes upgrading a serious consideration.
Classy interior: Step inside the CX-30 and you might think you’ve climbed aboard a pint-size Audi or BMW SUV. The interior really is that good. Higher trims are even fancier thanks to leather upholstery, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bose audio system.
Standard advanced safety features: Mazda made sure the CX-30 has a practical and safety-first side to it as well. Standard driver aids include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert, rain-sensing wipers, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the CX-30 models for sale near you.
2025 Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass starts at $28,495, including the destination charge. It’s available in four trim levels and is the most affordable SUV in the Jeep model range. It’s a relatively inexpensive entry into the iconic brand. Unlike many other subcompact and compact SUVs, the Compass doesn’t wilt in the face of off-road driving.
As with the CX-30, all-wheel drive is standard. Lurking beneath the hood of the Compass is another overachieving thrust producer in the guise of a 200-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Compass Highlights
Trailhawk model: Even the base version of the Compass has pretty impressive off-road chops. Yet the Trailhawk is the trim of choice for anyone interested in more serious all-terrain capability. It’s equipped with a lifted suspension, front and rear tow hooks, underbody skid plates, and extra-low gearing for rugged terrain.
Highway Assist: This driving aid is intended to reduce some of the fatigue of long-distance journeys. It uses lane-keeping assist and the adaptive cruise control system to provide partially automated driving on more than 125,000 miles of pre-mapped highways in North America. Highway Assist is available on the Limited and Trailhawk models.
UConnect 5 infotainment: This infotainment interface is excellent and one of our favorites. It’s simple to navigate and comes packed with features like wireless smartphone connectivity, voice recognition, and a Wi-Fi hot spot. The 10.1-inch screen is within easy reach of the driver and front passenger. Tech add-ons include wireless device charging, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and Amazon Alexa.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Compass models for sale near you.
Similarities
The Mazda CX-30 and Jeep Compass are very evenly matched in warranty coverage, horsepower, and standard all-wheel drive.
Price
Used Prices
|
Original MSRP
|
Fair Purchase Price (98022)
|
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
TBD |
TBD |
|||
TBD |
TBD |
|||
TBD |
TBD |
The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for vehicles and New 2025 Jeep Compass vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.
| 2025 Mazda CX-30 | 2025 Jeep Compass | |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 2.5-liter 4-cylinder | Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Horsepower | 191 hp @ 6,000 rpm | 200 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque | 186 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm | 190 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Fuel economy MPG | 26 city/33 highway/29 combined | 24 city/32 highway/27 combined |
| Also Available | Turbo 2.5-liter 4-cyl. | |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5-Star | 4-Star |
| Max Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 104.4 inches | 103.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 173.0 inches | 173.4 inches |
| Width | 70.7 inches | 73.8 inches |
| Height | 61.7 inches | 64.6 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 34.8 feet | 36.2 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 38.1 inches | 39.2 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 38.3 inches | 38.5 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.7 inches | 41.8 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 36.3 inches | 38.3 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 55.6 inches | 56.7 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 53.6 inches | 55.1 inches |
| Cargo Volume | 20.2 cubic feet | 27.2 cubic feet |
Conclusion
The go-anywhere appeal and excellent infotainment system in the Jeep Compass are major plus points. The scaled-down, Cherokee-like body design adds to its adventurous image. However, like the Mazda CX-30, higher trims can get pricey, topping out with the Trailhawk at $33,990. We say, the Compass is the pick for committed off-roaders and the image-conscious lusting for the off-pavement prestige of the Jeep name.
Our take is that unless you really plan on venturing into the wilderness regularly, we think the Mazda CX-30 is the better bet. Its athleticism shines whether errand running or attacking the twisties on a weekend romp. In other words, it’s genuinely entertaining to drive. Furthermore, the cabin has a far more premium look and feel than most segment rivals. Cargo space, however, is somewhat precious but we think that’s an acceptable tradeoff for the CX-30’s driving dynamics and performance.
