The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is more than just a small SUV. It’s almost undefinable when it comes to putting it into a specific category because it runs the gamut from crossover utility vehicle to sports car and nearly everything in-between. It’s on a level of sophistication that few other vehicles even begin to approach.
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is now in its second year and continues with a 2.5-liter inline-4 cylinder engine making 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. But Mazda engineers weren’t content to leave well-enough alone and added a 2.5-liter turbo inline-4 to the mix. This engine, also seen in other Mazda vehicles, kicks out 227 horsepower (250 hp with premium fuel) and 310 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines are matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission; the non-turbo is standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel-drive is available on all trim levels for an additional $1,400 and is standard on the CX-30 2.5 Turbo models.
Zoom with a View
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 starts with elegant good looks and carries on from there. Like most other SUVs on the road today, the CX-30 does everything well, even if it is just carrying you on a weekly grocery trip. But its excellent ride quality (zoom) and style (the view) make the difference.
In its basic form, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is set with front-wheel drive and a good mix of standard features. These include a matte grille, 16-inch alloy wheels, LED exterior lighting, automatic on-off headlights with automatic high-beams, rain-sensing wipers, keyless entry/ignition, sport front seats, cloth upholstery, 60/40 folding rear seats, two USB ports, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, console-mounted multifunction command control, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Wi-Fi, and an 8-speaker audio system.
Safety and driver-assist features include adaptive cruise control with stop/go, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert comes starting on the Select trim level.
Seven Mazda CX-30 Trim Levels
The Mazda CX-30 is available in seven trim levels ranging from base Mazda CX-30, CX-30 Select, CX-30 Preferred and CX-30 Premium. On the turbocharged side of the equation, there is the CX-30 Turbo, CX-30 Turbo Premium and CX-30 Premium Plus.
Pricing starts at $22,050 for the base CX-30 and tops out at $34,050 for the CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus. All-Wheel-Drive is available on all trim levels for an additional $1,400 on non-turbo models and is standard on CX-30 Turbo models. Destination Charges are $1,100.
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo ($30,050) is our choice for that sweet spot between base trim and whole-hog premium features and prices. This trim includes the more powerful 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, standard all-wheel drive, high-quality leatherette seats, Wi-Fi, an 8-speaker audio system, power moonroof, black 18-inch alloy wheels, gloss-black grille and mirrors, and active cruise control.
Which 2021 Mazda CX-30 Model is Right for Me?
2021 Mazda CX-30: $22,050
- LED exterior lighting
- Mazda Connect with 8.8-inch screen
- Adaptive cruise control
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Driver assistance features
2021 Mazda CX-30 Select: $24,050
- Dual-zone climate control
- Simulated leather upholstery
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel/gear lever
2021 Mazda CX-30 Preferred: $26,450
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Two-position memory settings
- Heated front seats
- Powered moonroof
2021 Mazda CX-30 Premium: $28,700
- Head-up display
- Leather upholstery
- Power liftgate
- Roof rails
- Satellite radio
- 12-speaker Bose audio system
2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo: $30,050
- Turbocharged 227-horsepower engine (250 horsepower on 93 octane fuel)
- All-wheel drive
- Leatherette seats
- Wi-Fi
- 8-speaker audio system
- Heated front seats
- Power moonroof
- Black 18-inch alloy wheels
- Gloss-black grille and mirrors
- Active cruise control
2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium: $32,450
- Bose 12-speaker audio system
- Paddle shifters
- Power liftgate
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Adaptive front headlights
- Navigation
2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: $34,050
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross-traffic braking
- Traffic Jam Assist
- 360-degree view monitor
- Auto-dimming driver’s-side mirror
