Peter Palmer: 2020 Mazda CX-30: More Muscular Mazda 3 Hits The Road

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 was unveiled recently in Los Angeles.
Interior comfort was a focal point for Mazda’s designers.
All-wheel drive is available across the model range.

Mazda not only makes great-handling cars, but the Japanese company also knows a thing or two about crossovers and SUVs. The newest member of the family is the 2020 Mazda CX-30. It’s essentially a jacked-up Mazda 3 riding on the same chassis and suspension, with similar drivetrain components. It also slots nicely between the smaller CX-3 and larger CX-5.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 made its cracking debut at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show. Let’s dive deeper and see what Mazda is offering for the new CX-30.

2020 Mazda CX-30: Beautifully Proportioned

Since the Mazda CX-30 is based on the Mazda 3 (particularly the hatchback model), don’t be surprised if it ends up at the showroom looking pretty much like, well, a Mazda 3. But actually, the CX-30 is around 2.7 inches shorter than a Mazda 3 hatchback. This makes it easier to maneuver around town. And since it’s a crossover, the CX-30 is approximately four inches taller to give it the presence of an SUV.

We think the Mazda CX-30 looks better sorted than the Honda HR-V and Hyundai Kona. We also think the CX-30 is the antithesis of the new Kia Seltos, which is also a middle-ground candidate between the Soul and Sportage but with a boxier and more rugged attitude.

2020 Mazda CX-30. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Thoughtful Cabin Touches

One of the great things about the new Mazda 3 is the utilization of better materials in the cabin, a trend which started in the revised Mazda CX-5. Sitting inside the CX-5 (and the new Mazda 3 in this regard) is akin to being in a BMW or Audi without paying a German price tag. This also holds true in the CX-30. The dashboard layout and steering wheel are also similar to the Mazda 3.

Every inch of the cabin was measured and optimized to create a quiet driving environment, says Mazda. However, careful attention was also placed on visibility. Mazda engineers went as far as minimizing the thickness of the A-pillars and C-pillars to reduce the risk of blind spots. Even the rear quarter window was designed in a way to minimize blind spots to the driver.

2020 Mazda CX-30 interior layout. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

Is The 2020 Mazda CX-30 All-Wheel Drive?

All trim models of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 are motivated by a naturally-aspirated, 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft. of torque; which is the same exact engine as the Mazda 3 sedan and hatchback. The 2.5-liter is mated to a six-speed automatic sending power to the front wheels. However, all-wheel-drive is a $1,400 option across the board.

Honestly, we’re pining heavily for Mazda’s Skyactiv-X engine to arrive stateside. We’re not sure how all of this translates in the CX-30, but the very same 2.5-liter engine felt a bit asthmatic in the new Mazda 3. Maybe it has something to do with the old-school six-speed gearbox, which is a shame since the CX-30 is only available with an automatic. But with Mazda’s off-road traction assist feature and standard G-Vectoring Control Plus, it has the smarts to conquer rough terrain and normal roads alike.

Safety & Connectivity Features

Standard on all CX-30 trim levels is Mazda’s i-Activesense package. It includes a number of advanced safety features like automatic high beams; adaptive cruise control; lane-keeping assist; and a drowsy driver monitoring system. Mazda Connected Services is also standard with a three-year free trial, along with a Wi-Fi hot spot complimentary for six months or 2GB.

How Much Is The 2020 Mazda CX-30?

The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is offered in four trim levels. The base CX-30 starts at $21,900 and includes an 8.8-inch center touchscreen display with HD Radio and Mazda Connect; Bluetooth connectivity; automatic LED headlamps; cloth seats; two USB ports; push-button start; 16-inch alloy wheels; and keyless entry. By comparison, the Mazda 3 sedan is only $400 less than a base model CX-30.

Next up is the CX-30 Select with a starting price of $23,900. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Also standard is a leather steering wheel and shift knob; faux leather upholstery; dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents; 18-inch alloy wheels; and rear privacy glass.

2020 Mazda CX-30 rear cargo area. Photo: Mazda North American Operations.

CX-30 Preferred & Premium

Meanwhile, the CX-30 Preferred starts at $26,200 and throws in a Bose 12-speaker premium audio system; power and heated front seats with memory functions; and SiriusXM complimentary for three months.

Last but not least is the CX-30 Premium starting at $28,200. It comes with a heads-up display; full leather upholstery; a power liftgate and moonroof; adaptive LED headlights; roof rails; paddle shifters; and a cylinder-deactivation system to help save fuel.

Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.