A Look at What to Expect from the 2024 Mazda CX-30

The subcompact SUV class has gained popularity as they combine the sensible size of a sedan with the added utility and height of an SUV. Among these pint-sized utes, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 remains a favorite, if not one we’d recommend to everyone. The CX-30 distinguishes itself from the rest with sleek styling, an interior that can easily be mistaken for an entry-level luxury car and more lively performance than rivals. It is a genuine alternative to luxury models like the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA, especially the Turbo trim levels.

The non-luxury subcompact segment has expanded and evolved substantially since the CX-30 was first introduced. Choices like the Chevrolet Trax, Buick Envista, Kia Seltos and Volkswagen Taos are similarly well-suited to those with less substantial space needs than the “compact” size above provides, but they also provide a lot more space and versatility than the rather cramped CX-30. Even if they aren’t family oriented, they could be a viable family vehicle, opening the door to a lot more buyers. The CX-30 falls short in this regard. Additionally, its base engine has subpar fuel economy, which is a drawback for its better-than-average performance. The interior is also a bit behind the times, with unimpressive storage and some missing features. While Mazda finally allows the infotainment system to be controlled via touchscreen when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, only those functions can be controlled that way. Some people may prefer the old-school knob-and-screen setup as it keeps their eyes on the road, but others may not.

In the end, we still really like the CX-30 as we’re in the niche of people who’d happily prioritize getting a small SUV that looks great and drives even better. However, we acknowledge that this is admittedly a small niche. For the average shopper, there are more rounded choices available.

What’s New for 2024? 

The CX-30 has added a new Carbon Turbo trim, which is the least expensive model to have the more powerful engine. These turbo models come with a larger 10.25-inch infotainment display that now has touchscreen functionality, but only when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The old USB-As have been replaced with USB-C ports. Additionally, last year’s blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert are now standard on all CX-30s along with a new rear-seat passenger reminder.

Like the Mazda3 with which it shares so much, the CX-30’s cabin makes you go “wow” considering its price and the vehicles with which it competes. Mazda’s current interior design scheme removes visual clutter by reducing switchgear and effectively hiding air vents and door handles. Lower trim levels are sadly no longer available with two-tone color treatments, but upper trims can still get red, white or reddish brown simulated leather trim. No matter the trim level, though, for a car in the $20,000-$35,000 range, CX-30 interior looks and feels special.

However, functionality is a mixed bag. Storage is lacking compared to what you can get elsewhere. The cupholders and door bins don’t hold bottles very well, the forward bin is of questionable use, and the sliding/flip-up center armrest covers a space that’s just not as versatile as it might initially seem. Mazda’s tech interface is also a bit love-it-or-hate-it. The dashtop screen is large and easy to see. The knob that controls it is large and ergonomically placed on the center console. It’s not always a touchscreen, though, as Mazda engineers determined that hunting for touch-operating icons can be distracting. For 2024, touchscreen functionality has been added, but only when Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are in use. This is a big improvement even though you still have to use the dial controller for Mazda’s native infotainment system.

If you want to feel what a car is doing through the steering wheel, throttle pedal and through the seat of your pants, the Mazda CX-30 is exactly the type of small crossover you’re looking for. Its taller stature means it loses some of the agility provided by the lower Mazda3, but the primary control efforts and feedback are just as exceptional. The CX-30 provides an engaging driving experience that no SUV comes remotely close to in its price range. There’s even a case to be made that it provides more driving fun than a BMW X2.

The available turbo engine is there to make the CX-30 feel luxurious and effortless, rather than burn rubber and set lap times like some turbocharged Mazdaspeed of old. On paper and in practice, none of its non-luxury competitors can touch it in a straight line. It obviously costs more, but it’s the engine we’d certainly want.

Nevertheless, the base engine is still a peach. It’s more powerful than most. 

Every CX-30 comes with a comprehensive array of standard safety features beyond the usual airbags and stability aids. These include forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking (Smart Brake Support), lane-departure warning, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, lane-keeping assist, a rear-seat passenger reminder and a driver inattention warning system. The top Turbo Premium Plus trim also gains a traffic jam assist called Cruising and Traffic Support that combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping steering assistance to reduce driver fatigue.

The CX-30 has received great safety ratings. The government awarded it a perfect five stars in overall, frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover evaluations. The Institute for Highway Safety named the 2023 CX-30 a Top Safety Pick (the 2024 should at least get the same scores that result in that pick), the Institute’s second-highest honor. It received the best-possible ratings in all crash tests and for its front-crash prevention system (both for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian accidents). The one hang-up was a “Poor” rating for some headlights, but that was no longer shown on the IIHS website at the time of this writing.

Photo Source: Mazda Newsroom