The stuff most professional reviewers complain about is stuff the average consumer doesn't care about

I live in Japan and rent Mazda’s from time to time. I find the rotary knob to be a little confusing for about five minutes, and then I get used to it. And then I’m glad I’m not constantly reaching to do anything. The knob makes it much easier to do basic things while staying comfortably seated with eyes on the road.

As with just about every other Mazda…it comes down to what’s most important to you…space or personality/driving dynamics.

I helped my sister get a 2023 Base CX-30 S and for under $24k including destination, its unbeatable.

My wife and my wife bought one yesterday i love it, its such a fun car to drive and since I live in NY the size is perfect which is not too big or not to small since its just the 2 of us and a small dog. So glad i got this car.

This makes more sense with the non-turbo. The top trim at 37K opens up the CX-5 and other competitors. We currently own a CX-9 and a Mazda 3 sedan before that. So, I’m a fan.

I appreciate that you share numbers for the car that you review and its competitors.

Really enjoyed your review! I purchased a 2023 CX-30 Carbon Edition in January. I passed on the Turbo model even after the “powerful” test drive. It might have been a different story if the turbo had a six speed manual and better rear suspension. I really enjoy the NA engine even with the current 6 speed auto. The ride is certainly better since ditching the stock tires in favor of Michelin Cross-Climate2s. For me this model has been much more of a fun drive than my previous underpowered CVT Crosstrek.

I'm probably the only person on earth who would kill for a manual transmission on this. I'd buy it tomorrow if it had one. As it is, I'm still leaning towards it, but only because I can't find a single manual transmission AWD small crossover (or anything else small, for that matter) in existence anymore (except a Subaru WRX and I don't need a boy racer). I was ready to travel anywhere in the US to find a new 2023 manual Crosstrek (no longer available in 2024 model), but I can't find a single one of those and my enthusiasm was dampened a bit when I heard they are really sluggish. I would probably choose a Mazda 3, which DOES have a manual available, except you can't have it in the AWD version. Bastards.

I love the headlights the turn with the steering wheel. I owned a Mazda with that feature and was picking up my girlfriend at the BMW dealer. I started my car and my headlights swiveled on startup as a quick self check. The BMW salesman noticed and told me I had a really nice car!

This car is not conflicting!! lol, its just build right. It shows you can still build a car without 9 or 10 speed transmissions and get great gas milage and performace my 2020 CX-30's 6 speed had a little learning to do and after about 500 miles the shifts smoothed out but shifts were always very quick. The suspension is not the latest tech but its tuned and even with the skinny tires gives excellent handling in the Tenessee mountain!!. I will say I prefere the non-touch screen vs. the touch screen on my 2024 Chevy Blazer, just less destracting and very easy to use. Great review though very enjoyable to watch. You are right the change in tires realy improves handling especially the rear end, over bumps, I went with Cooper Discoverer EnduraMax as I need "some" snow traction, night and day diffrence ride is still firm but never disturbed now. I drive mine 100 miles a day, mostly highway with short trips around town. Driving to Florida and tennessee this is like riding in your own personal cacoon, love it. Keep the videos coming.

I love the blind spot warning on head up display. It's a great feature

We have a 2021 CX-30 GT Turbo. I got over the rear suspension although the car can be rather jittery in the rear on rough roads. Interior it's upscale, don't mind the infotainment and the AWD system is fantastic in the snow. One of the 1st things I did is get new wheels & tires, 235/50/18 Michelin A/S 4 on new wheels transform this car. Coming from Audi/BMW/Mercedes sedans past 10 years, never though we'd have a cross over, but this was the best I tried over Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Toyota CHR. Seltos and Taos both had stop sales just around the time we bought in August 2021.

I love Mazdas infotainment. I hate fingerprints on the screen and if you sit very far back, it's always a reach to even touch it anyways. Great review as always though, always super informative and in depth! 😊

The infotainment is actually quite good I really like it, very easy to use you will get used to it really fast. Great car if you like to drive a sporty car.

Great review Alex.

As others have said, like any Mazda, the driving experience and the driver is something that will get the priority and I can confirm these really are fun to drive. I got hooked on non-touch infotainment screens owning older Audis for years and will never go back…give it a little time and you can use a Mazda infotainment blindfolded and have the cleanest looking screen in the class. Huge reason I started working at Mazda last year, the fun and the infotainment!

Solid review. Well done!

Thank you sir. A real, comprehensive review of this vehicle. Amateurs should not post "review" videos, they are infuriating for any serious buyer.

Great review but I wish you had reviewed a model with the base engine. Most buyers will choose the lower trims with the base engine so I'm tired of reviewers all reviewing the CX-30 Turbo.

I’ve had a 2024 CX30 for about a month now and 1k miles and I LOVE IT! It’s absolutely a great deal at any price point

I don't see how everyone finds the infotainment so confusing, had it figured out in about 10 minutes of fiddling, and it's a huge boon to not have everything buried in a touch screen. You also still have physical media and hvac controls. As someone who hates ipad cars this control scheme is perfect.

Thank you for the presentation 👍

Thanks Alex, I just bought a 2023 CX-30 Turbo Premium today, and in the same exact colors (inside and out) that you test drove. Your review has given me reassurance that I made the right choice. I bought it as a certified pre-owned vehicle for slightly less than $30K, thousands less than when it was brand new, and it only has 6k miles. Coming from owning a Caddy ATS with a 2.0L Turbo, I felt tired of driving sedans and sprung for one of these, obviously in a turbo because settling for a regular 2.5L would probably have been a disappointment.

Great review, thanks so much. I'm seriously thinking of getting one for my wife. Unfortunately, I drive her car (Subaru Forester) from time to time and the CVT drives me crazy. At its price point, the Mazda seems like the only option.

I've always been conflicted about this car too. I loved it when it came out, now I'm not sure. I wish there was a hybrid version, and of course the cladding was a little more restrained. I don't really need or want AWD, and I was disappointed when Mazda took away the choice. I'm curious to see how/if the next generation evolves. More MPG would be nice, and I don't really care about the rear seat room since I rarely have more than 1 passenger. I rode in a Corolla Cross a few weeks ago and it was just so drab and depressing, that it's probably off my list- especially for the dealer markups right now.

For a little more coin get the CX 5. The CX-30 is great but very tight inside. Plus, the CX5 is more of a comfortable ride. Still, compared to the others on the list I would easily choose the Mazda.

Price and no independent rear suspension is why I went with the CX5 Carbon Turbo for $32k. Excellent point on the limitations of the 6 speed. Anything above 70 mph, your MPGs really take a dive. Around town, the turbo get around 19mpg.

I love my 2022 CX-30 Carbon Edition (non-turbo 2.5L engine), but I did have to black-out the front/side silver trim, roof rails & more to make that black cladding palatable for me. 18 months in thus far & have been 100% problem/issue free. It's the best crossover in this size/price segment for the USA/NA market IMO. It rides & handles nicely & has a quiet, insulated cabin. Also, no crappy belt/chain design CVT on the CX-30. But, not a fan of how the main projector headlights are used as the DRL (which I can turn off via the system settings in the USA, at least). I've come to prefer Mazda over Toyota or Honda these days (as far as ICE vehicles are concerned). I average 31-32 MPG in my non-turbo CX-30, & that is almost all around-town suburban errand running driving, not open HW miles. The 186/191hp non-turbo 2.5L engine is plenty peppy IMO, & I found the turbo to be overkill (at the expense of MPG) for my driving needs & style.

That was an excellent review. The only thing I wish you would have done is shown the back seats folded down. With the cubic feet.

People always complain about the transmission only having 6 gears vs 8 or even 10 gears. The additional gears dont necessarily mean a better final drive ratio. With all the torque of the Mazda 2.5 engine, you dont need a trans that needs those additional gears to keep the RPM in the sweet spot. BTW spirited driving for a week and then complaining about MPG really isnt a fair comparison. I'm averaging more than 24 MPG in city driving over the 1800 miles my car currently has.

I have the Turbo and we get 26 MPG combined. Our 5th Mazda. Its a brilliant car. Can't wait to upgrade the tires.

Jan 1st I'm being a Carbon CX30! I can't wait for the new year to be here !

MSRP for a canadian top of the line turbo is 28,000 USD. This is a such a sneaky deal that I'm not surprised that this isn't mentioned anywhere.

I looked up the most problems with the Mazda cx 30 it was oil consumption problems have they fixed this issue???

Regarding gas mileage per gallon, I have a 2018 Mazda6 GT which has the same motor as the turbo version of this vehicle, but not AWD. Driving on the highway at 75mph in the northeast in the summer, I can achieve 33-35mpg on the highway easily. Off highway, I get 30 mpg. Not sure how hard reviewers drive their vehicles to get such low values, but I would guess that when you own the vehicle and drive it normally, the mpg numbers are significantly higher than when they are flogged. My wife and I drove a CX-50 and the CX-30 and the CX-50 IS STIFF. The CX-30 was quiet and very well composed on Northeast roads. The overall impression of this vehicle is that of relatively high quality, quiet ride, with fantastic driver dynamics. Next up in our test drive for her is the CX-5. We want to replace her 2014 CX-9 within the next year. Might wait to see what is up with the CX-70.

Enjoyed the clip. Wish Mazda had better seat control for both on the Premium package and touch screen...

I just test drove one, I loved it!

I love my CX30 not too big compare to most SUV out there.

I own one of these ('21 premium n/a) soul red/white. Initially i was put off by the infotainment system but now two yrs later i love it and prefer it over the touch screen in my honda. An additional benefit is no fingerprints. I do wish the glove box were bigger snd a bin style,,,,this slot one is too darn small. For fuel econ my 2 and a half year total avg is 32.5 and i have gotten 35-36 all hwy at 65-75 mph

Would the base non turbo 2.5L engine be more fuel efficient?

I sold wife's 2012 Versa for $5000 and bought a Base model 2023 CX-30 and paid $19,000 (with the money down from her Versa). As he states @ <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1635">27:15</a> the "base model" is the bargain - so True. We have owned it now for 6 months (5,100 miles) - trouble free. Some of the things we like are: The price and it's all wheel drive! I live in the desert of Arizona but downhill ski at the 3 ski resorts in AZ & two in southern Colorado so the All-Wheel-Drive is a plus. I personally like that it still has a real transmission, no CVT. The info/radio dial (took a couple days to become familiar) but we like it because you don't have to take your eyes off the road to use it. The driving lights are very bright at night. The only dislike would be maybe the seats. If you are over-weight you probably won't like them.

mazda has so much going for it. they really need to get their next generation powertrains in the usa though. skyactive x namely.

You're driving that 30 hard! I'm getting 30 mpgs in my 23 turbo 5 with mixed driving conditions, including spirited. I definitely enjoy the turbo so I'm confused as why your mileage is so low.

My wife bought a top trim version of the CX-30 with the normally aspirated 2.5 engine. You won't mistake it for a sports car, but it is fun to drive and has more than adequate power. The really good news is that in the year we have had it, it has achieved an average of 8 liters of fuel per 100 km (29.4 MPG US). That is the combined average. It gets around 34 MPG US on a highway trip. With the higher MSRP, mediocre gas mileage, and extra parts to potentially fail for the turbo version, I think the normally aspirated one is the best bet. However, if you like to light the tires up, well you do you.

Mazda has really stepped up their game. I just bought a CX-30 for my 20 yr. old daughter and she just loves the car. We looked at all the competition.

@autobuyersguide there’s a clear speaker grill on the leading edge of the door pull at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="632">10:32</a> mark.

First time I’ve heard mention of the turbo engine being more sensitive to air temperature than fuel type 🤔 I’ll have to test that out with my CX-5 turbo.

Interesting to see no Taos represented in the competitive set. Semi-premium, solid warranty and priced closely.

I'm sure that one reason the Mazda (any Mazda) might not sell very well in your area is because there are a limited number of dealerships. I happen to have a Mazda dealer within a mile of my home but the next nearest one is at least 30 miles away.

I'd really like to see a (standard, non-plug-in) hybrid version (rather than turbo - although offering both would be fine). Mazda's line up is lacking for hybrids - it's only got the Tank Plug In (CX-90). Their electric MX-30 leaves a lot to be desired, in comparison to competitors.

Alex, I think you pinpointed the CX-30s numerous shortcomings with aplomb. 😉

I already have a CX-5 on the garage so it's a bit cramped and this cx30 is on the short list to replace my GTI. It's about the same size, power (turbo), and I don't have to worry about crappy roads

test drove one. Liked it a lot but prefer more/better visibility,

Very Nice car, fast and refined, reliable. However it needs a larger gas tank.

I have a 2021 CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus. Fun to drive, but certain things that disappoint. The heads up windshield display. Great feature if it has all of the essential information you need, but it doesn't, which forces you to divide your attention between the windshield display and the dashboard instrument cluster. Defeats the whole purpose. At a minimum add the turn signals and transmission mode (auto or manual) and it would clearly be better. The tiny cup holder hidden behind the shift lever is a total waste. I want something that will hold a real coffee cup, that I can safely and comfortable reach. for those long commutes. I realize that would require a complete rearrangement of the center console. Do it. The ergonomics of the switches falls well short of a thoughtful ergonomic design, in particular the controls on the steering wheel. Cramming a bunch of tiny switches together with insufficient size and spatial separation is not ergonomic. It's a little disappointing that the same attention to details when it comes to driving dynamics has not been appled to the interior switches and controls. The little things make a big difference, and speaking of little things, the 12 gallon gas tank... I hate having to fuel up as often as I do, but I guess that's as large of a tank as could be fit into it.

I was looking at something to replace a Forte GT for snow driving.. I chose a CX-30 Turbo AWD 🤭😄 Why did I go for a CX-30 Turbo over a WRX, Kona N, or GTI? WRX: CVT, have to spend like 39k (MINIMUM WITH AUTOMATIC) to get blind spot monitoring, summer tires, 21 mpg combined Kona N: FWD, same Harman Kardon system as the Forte, TERRIBLE wheel hop, summer tires, skinny tires, and NO ADAPTIVE CRUISE Golf GTI: Touch sensitive controls, summer tires

the lower trims are a bargain, also it's very reliable even long term

I am currently cross-shopping this car new versus a slightly used XC40. For a similar price tag, which would you recommend?

Thanks for the review. You hit it on the spot. I've own multiple Mazda's in the pass, because of the "zoom zoom" branding, and value proposition that Mazda had as the "Value Japanese BMW" choice. But passed on purchasing a cx50 and mazda 3 turbo, because I couldn't reconcile the different messages that I was getting from Mazda now. Premium and pricey, but the inferior transmission and suspension, really bothered me. Would choose the CX5 over the CX50, to get the multilink rear. Ended buying a Fluid Metal Elantra GT N line with the DCT, because it had the "zoom zoom" that Mazda gave up on, which saddens me, because I love the design direction that Mazda is going with. Mazda please fix this .... use the new 8 speed transmission and bring back the multilink rear.

Nice review. I'm currently driving a 2023 Mazda CX-50 Preferred Plus. This is my fourth Mazda, following a 2016 Mazda3 hatchback, a 2018 CX-5 AWD, and a 2020 CX-5 FWD. Regarding AWD in Florida, when I moved down here in 2018 I was driving the 2018 CX-5 AWD. In June 2020 I leased the 2020 CX-5 FWD, figuring that traction control would be fine instead of AWD. I was wrong. AWD is superior to traction control, at least as far as Mazda is concerned. The CX-50 is AWD, as are all current Mazda crossovers, and I like having AWD again. As for why Mazda left out some features in the CX-30, I think that it may be because Mazda didn't want the CX-30 to compete too much with the CX-5 and CX-50. I test drove a 2020 CX-30 and found it too small inside compared with the CX-5, and for the price difference between the two models, similarly equipped, I felt that the CX-5 was the better value.

I get 26 mpg in my turbo model in mixed driving in the mountains. Regardless, I would like the option of some electrification in this vehicle. Maybe soon?

Does this have lane centering? You mention a button for lane centering at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="798">13:18</a> but I'm not sure if you're referring to lane keep or lane departure.

I think it’s fine. And it’s beautiful. The other cars look like ugly boxes. I would like it to be more plush, more upmarket. Then I would gladly pay $50,000 for it.

I wish you could option the big engine in any trim. I want to go fast. I don’t need luxury. And the turbo needs to include more performance features, 215mm wide tires is a sin with that much power.

11.19 this is for cd input. In some markets it was available.

i have a 2018 cx5 and i feel like the first two gears are way too short and then 3rd-5th are too tall, then 6th is pretty short compared to 5th

I understand the "turbo-hunger" for power, as most people counting horses before buying, but after 6 years living iwth a turbo car, I opted for the non turbo, specifically , because I like the extra gas mileage and less worries. People reading and undecided, trust me. The 190-ish HP from the naturally aspirated is plenty! You still get a powerful car, some other cars with turbos make about 200hp and you are nearly there, without one! You also get ..more...reliability...with the non turbo ones. Trust me, turbo cars with more HP can be exciting yes, but they are also something in the back of your mind, because they can also be a ticking time bomb. If you commute a lot, go for the non turbo. Take it from a former turbo-crazed driver. The gas mileage adds up quickly!

I really want to like it. But that huge plastics wheel Arch.. I just don't get it why??

My only gripe with the CX30 is the lack of suspension tuning. Rear is oversprung and underdamped, which is arguably to make it more capable of carrying cargo but for everyday commuting its way too busy. That said, I love the car for all of its quirkiness as well as premium features. FWIW... I actually like the dials for infotainment control. And the Bose sound is decent (though not spectacular)

Rica etsem altyazılardaki otomatik çeviri seçeneklerine Türkçe dil seçeneği ekleyebilir misiniz ? Sizi anlamak ve takip etmek istiyorum !!!

I bought a Cx30 2.5S Select over the weekend. It's amazing for 25K how sophisticated this car feels. I had a rental Audi Q5 a while back and let me tell you it is not worth over twice the price of the CX30. This car IMO embarrasses everything in the class under 30K.

I'm not liking the new search feature within a channel especially when I just want to find alex's videos, I don't know if this was intentionally like how they are combining all the music channels to one.

The beam suspension was controversial when the current Mazda 3 came out with it after the last gen had the independent rear. The CX-30 is just inheriting and hampered by that decision for the 3.

I have the 2024 CX30 2.5 S premium it is an absolute joy to drive and it handles great but there are some things that I just don't understand what Mazda's thinking was. Namely, why do you put a rear view camera on there but you don't also include an audible backup warning? That makes no sense considering that even my cheapy 2014 Kia Sportage had an audible warning when you were backing up. Granted, you're supposed to be paying attention when you back up and not looking around but sometimes you can get distracted by movements in front of or off to the side of your vehicle when you're backing up especially in a crowded parking lot That's when an audible warning is needed. The other thing is the clunky way you have to enter an address into the navigation system using that rotary dial can take forever. And using the voice activation to speak and address into the navigation system is hit or miss. Now you can use the app on your phone and go in there and find the address and send it to your car but it's still kind of clunky all the way around. I know you can use Android Auto or Apple's car play and then use your phone's navigation system but I don't like that as much as I do the larger screen when I use the built-in nav system. I also like that the heads up display gives you the street names and the turns while using the stock navigation system. I'm also not a fan of the small gas tank IDK Maybe they had to do that to fit it in since it has an axle and drive unit in the rear too. It shouldn't be a problem for me as 90% of my driving is going to be around town anyways but hopefully on a long trip I won't spend more time stopping for gas than I will actually drive in and getting to my destination. Now, all that said. It's a great vehicle for the money It looks good it handles well It's got enough power and overall I'm happy with it. In the end isn't that what matters? That we're happy with what we bought. I have owned mine less than a month so I'm still in the honeymoon stage. However,after the first week I already knew that it was a vehicle that I was going to be able to be happy with long term.

The taillights whisper Jaguar just a wee tiny bit.

So sick💯🔥

I tried the cx30 and sadly hated the interior and visibility. I picked the Crosstrek which I liked a lot more except for the higher price.

Seems like a great deal honestly!!

I have a 2020 and replaced the OE tires with 235/50R18 V rated touring tires and now it handle’s amazingly… this should be the actual tire size on this vehicle

I like this car.👍

I'd like to see more moderate trims. The Select trim is the most popular and I'd like to see why. I look forward to the CX-50 review.

A couple mechanical niggles with my Mazda brought me into the Honda dealership to test drive the CR-V. Mazda is clearly a superior product as far as comfort, ride, noise reduction, handling, and interior materials. The foam underneath the CR-V's leather is so soft, I feel the raised bolsters won't hold their shape past a couple of years. Not only do you feel imperfections on the road in the CR-V, you hear every single one of them. Also, the soft acceleration pedal is matched with an eager brake pedal. It must have be done to project responsiveness, but the airy acceleration pedal just seems inconsistent with a stiff brake.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="645">10:45</a> There is no need for a touchscreen as it is unsafe and uncomfortable to lean over a screen while driving. Touchscreens should have never been allowed in cars in the first place.

Im debating between cx30 and cx5. I like to do long drives. For both me and my passenger which one would be better for long drives (ex comfort etc)?

I like it but not with the fuel economy (Mazda need to sort that out!)

I don't understand why they don't make the plastic look better instead having a plain same size plastic from front to back

It´s a SUV and it could be a bit softer. We don´t have the turbo, just 2l sky-g and sky-x + diesel here in Europe. I drive my 2l 122 hp with about 42mpg. Overall on highways sound deadening could be also a bit better, comparing it to a BMW, Audi or Mercedes. But it´s overall a good choice.

It seems very cool, but i really love my MDX type S and my RDX.

I love my CX-30, but it could really use an independent rear suspension because certain types of terrain upset it.

I BOUGHT A CX30 AND I LOVE IT... END OF STORY.

I think I'm more of a cx5 type. The cx30 seems a bit too small and it also has a small furl tank given the poor mpg.

I want more lifted up hatchbacks.

Mazda execution: Cramped seating front and rear, small cargo areas and overly firm rides. No thanks.

The top thing to improve in the CX-30 is fuel economy, especially with the base engine. We have a previous gen Mazda 3 with the 6 speed and rotary knob. The 6 speed is very well suited for the car. I really like the shortcut buttons music and navigation. The knob works very well, except for very specific things I don't do often, like zoom in/out, which is slightly less comfortable.

❤@This. Go ahead and speak 🗣️📢... What U know!!!

Prefer your videos with the 3 camera setup on the drive segment. Otherwise as informative as always.

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="28">0:28</a> He said To-oda

Mazda has definitely moved upscale. While most econobox just benefit from improved technology in plastics.

How can be most conflicted? I never even heard of it. There should be lots of competitors for that title