2026 MAZDA CX-30

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 continues to dominate its class in performance and driving dynamics. If how you get to a destination outweighs your need to take a lot of stuff with you, the CX-30 is the ticket. Retaining its quickness and legendary athleticism for 2026, it still punches up with a thoughtfully styled, meticulously constructed, and beautifully finished interior. Oh, and we’ve always applauded its elegant exterior styling, too.

We’ve logged hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of subcompact SUVs, including the Mazda CX-30.

The biggest news is the addition of two Aire Editions: one each for the non-turbo and turbo lineups. Aire is a cosmetic appearance package, adding black wheels, badging, nameplate, roof rails, and outboard mirrors on the exterior. Inside are lighter colors and white faux-leather seats with gray cloth inserts for the non-turbo Aire, and gray faux-suede inserts for the Aire Turbo. While adding the Aire trims, Mazda deleted the 2.5 Carbon Turbo grade.

All CX-30 models get a new brake Limited Slip Differential that is said to improve traction and stability. Beginning with the Preferred grade, a 10.5-inch touchscreen replaces the standard 8.8-inch display in the S and S Select Sport. Meanwhile, models with the non-turbo engine make six horsepower less (186 hp) than last year’s 191 hp.

The 2026 Mazda CX-30 starts at $27,470. This is for the 2.5 S, including the factory-to-dealer delivery fee. Crowning the lineup is the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus at $39,395.

It’s the second and third rungs on the trim-level ladder that prove the most popular — the S Select Sport and the S Preferred. One of those would also be our preference, too, depending on budget.

The CX-30 is priced about mid-pack in its segment. Other top-selling subcompact SUVs include the Honda HR-V, Chevy Trax, Toyota Corolla Cross, Subaru Crosstrek, and Kia Seltos. They’re in the same general pricing region as the CX-30, but keep in mind that this Mazda and the Subaru Crosstrek — priced nearly the same — come with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard. It costs extra on competitors.

Before buying a new CX-30 SUV, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Resale values are slightly above the class average. Remember, recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

The CX-30’s standard 2.5-liter engine is the most powerful base unit in the subcompact SUV class, generating 186 hp and enabling a standstill-to-60 mph dash in a relatively quick eight seconds. This is the more popular engine in the CX-30 lineup and the sensible choice for most buyers.

We’re convinced Mazda had Tennessee’s twisting Tail of the Dragon stretch of road in mind when it engineered this spirited little SUV. The same flow, feel, fun, and fleetness found in other Mazda vehicles are all here in the CX-30. We believe anything better than this probably has a BMW badge and a price to match. The steering is wonderfully responsive, and the suspension tuning is pitch-perfect. Granted, the suspension may feel somewhat stiff to more comfort-oriented drivers, but that’s a trade-off we would make for such handling dynamics.

The other engine on offer is a 250-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder unit. This intensifies the CX-30’s already enjoyable driving dynamics while hitting 60 mph in about six seconds. We think the base engine is quick enough, plus it’s more affordable and more efficient — but it’s good to have the choice.

Fuel Economy

We argue that the fuel economy of the CX-30’s base engine is perfectly acceptable, achieving 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving. That’s matched by the Kia Seltos (with all-wheel drive). They both outdo the all-wheel-drive Honda HR-V. The CX-30’s turbocharged engine manages a still-respectable 25 mpg combined.

The CX-30 provides one of the more high-end cabins in its class. Our owner reviews praise the CX-30 for its quiet and comfortable cabin. Many mainstream manufacturers are upping their interior design game, making their cabins look good enough for a premium marque. Mazda has long been ahead of this particular curve.

High-quality materials are arranged expertly into a simple yet pleasing layout, topped off with a decent-sized 8.8-inch infotainment display — 10.25-inch touchscreen in upper trims. The top Premium Plus trim’s interior quality rivals some luxury SUVs.

The CX-30 is a subcompact SUV, so space is not exactly plentiful. But adults will enjoy more than sufficient room up front, and 36.3 inches of rear legroom is about average, although the Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V have more. Where the CX-30 does dip a bit below average is cargo capacity. The Seltos and HR-V have noticeably more luggage space than the CX-30’s 20.2 cubic feet with the rear seats in place. However, we do like that the CX-30 offers a powered tailgate.

We like that the CX-30 follows the same exterior design approach as the rest of the company’s SUVs. That’s fine by us. When a core design works this well, why change the classy lines, sleek surfaces, and elegant proportions?

Mazda did freshen the CX-30’s nose and added the new Aire Editions with blacked-out accents and wheels for 2026.

Ergonomics
This relates to how all the controls connect with the driver, along with seats designed to optimize correct posture and combat fatigue. Mazda clearly put some of its finest minds to work in this area. There are details like the location of navigation information or an amber light indicating when the wipers are in their Auto setting. Yet they all merge into a general feeling of things being just right.

Driving dynamics
In our opinion, this is the CX-30’s superpower, what makes it different from the humdrum competition. It’s responsive and enjoyable, especially when the turbo engine is in residence. The fun is accessible, yet the CX-30 remains a sensible SUV.

All-wheel drive
Every CX-30 has all-wheel drive as standard. This transparent system can move power from axle to axle and wheel to wheel, optimizing traction. We find it reassuring and confidence-inspiring.

Driver aids
Every CX-30 comes with a set of advanced safety and driver assistance technologies, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, high-beam assist, and lane-keeping assistance.

Rain-sensing wipers
Standard across the board, this system senses moisture on the windshield and automatically engages the wipers. The wiper speed adjusts in relation to the volume of rain.

Proximity Keyless Entry
One of our must-have features is available in the Select Sport trim and above. It allows the doors to unlock automatically if the key fob is on your person. Push-button start is standard on all trim levels. We argue that once you’ve experienced this feature, you won’t want to be without it.

The base (and most popular) engine of the CX-30 lineup is a naturally aspirated (not turbocharged) 2.5-liter 4-cylinder unit developing 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. This goes to all four wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The higher-performance alternative adds a turbocharger to create 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium gasoline. Save a few pennies per gallon at the pump using regular fuel, and those numbers dip to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque — still a healthy amount of muscle for a subcompact SUV.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Mazda’s new-vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. This is all typical for mainstream manufacturers.

Safety Ratings

The CX-30 has received the highest accolade of Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), while the 2025 model achieved the maximum 5-Star overall score from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Standard safety features include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.