2025 Mazda CX-30 assessment | CarExpert

Within the small SUV world, Mazda continues to be a key participant.

The CX-30 is its major candidate towards the likes of the Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Crosstrek, alongside which it continues to submit respectable gross sales figures – even when all are lagging behind the MG ZS.

To the top of October this 12 months, 10,803 CX-30s have been delivered in Australia, in comparison with the Crosstrek’s 9772 and the Corolla Cross’ 7459. So though it’s a lot much less in style than the top-selling ZS (18,668), the CX-30 stays one of the vital convincing propositions in Mazda’s lineup, and the small SUV class.

It’s preferrred for younger households who have to make the bounce to a compact SUV, and on the identical time it’s a smart alternative for a primary automobile. Its gross sales figures inside the Mazda lineup replicate that too, because it presently sits third behind the bigger CX-5 and smaller CX-3 SUVs.

Whereas the cheaper variants could current the perfect worth within the CX-30 vary, there’s loads to be loved by transferring additional up the ranks and in direction of the $40,000 mark.

One such candidate is the car on check right here: the 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring LE.

It’s the second-most costly CX-30 fitted with a 2.0-litre engine, whereas nonetheless being costlier than essentially the most comparable 2.5-litre possibility.

Inside, you get tasty goodies like uniquely colored upholstery, and also you profit from Mazda hallmarks like a high quality infotainment system and spot-on ergonomics.

Is it value spending slightly bit extra for a higher-end 2.0-litre CX-30, or must you bounce to the larger-displacement different as a substitute?

How a lot does the Mazda CX-30 price?

The Touring LE sits proper in the course of Mazda’s CX-30 lineup. It carries a $2300 premium over the usual 2.0-litre Touring, and prices $800 greater than the two.5-litre Touring.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software

What’s the Mazda CX-30 like on the within?

Very sometimes Mazda. That’s factor although, as a result of it means it’s very simple to hop in and rapidly get comfortably located should you’re a first-time CX-30 driver.

A singular characteristic of the Touring LE is its black suede and ‘terracotta’ upholstery – or brown to you and me. It’s one thing a bit completely different for a automobile like this, and it does wonders to distinguish this mannequin from the remainder of the vary.

The supplies are high-quality too, whereas the seats are snug to take a seat in throughout lengthy drives. That consolation is bolstered by the CX-30’s sensible ergonomics – one thing Mazda has efficiently dialled in over the previous few years.

The seating place is especially satisfying, as a result of the excessive window creates a closed-in feeling that makes you are feeling considerably cocooned within the automobile. That’s once more typical of Mazda, as the same feeling will be discovered within the intently associated Mazda 3.

Adjustment is straightforward too, as a result of the Touring LE advantages from a 10-way powered driver’s seat. It would take a second to get the whole lot the place you prefer it, however all method of drivers can be simply accounted for.

By way of tech, some will not be happy to seek out the CX-30 as soon as once more has a dial on the centre console that’s used to regulate the infotainment system up prime.

However I’m a fan of this setup; there’s one thing satisfying about having the ability to lean again and scroll via the varied menus with out having to lean ahead and out of your seat.

It’s significantly useful in a automobile just like the CX-30, as a result of the positioning of the 8.8-inch infotainment system is considerably awkward. As is now customary, it’s positioned in a perch atop the dashboard, but it surely appears to be sunken deeper into the sprint than it’s in fashions just like the Mazda 3.

Meaning in case your seating place is low, a part of the display’s bottom-right nook can be minimize off by the steering wheel. Equally, it’s fairly a attain to control controls located on the far left of the display.

At the very least this display will be operated by contact whereas on the transfer, one thing that isn’t all the time the case in Mazda vehicles. Once more that isn’t obligatory, as one other good thing about the central dials is that issues like quantity will be simply managed by passengers within the entrance.

There aren’t some other bodily buttons to regulate the infotainment system past these on the steering wheel both, so until you may have arms lengthy sufficient to make the touchscreen snug the central dial is your solely actual possibility.

That’s positive should you’re primarily utilizing Mazda’s native software program interface, but it surely turns into slightly clunky when utilizing (wi-fi) Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 4 shortcuts across the massive dial all work reliably when utilizing smartphone mirroring, which is useful for switching between apps like maps and music.

In any case, the entrance of the CX-30 is a sensible, simple place to spend time, helped by the very fact there are minimal bells and whistles to litter issues up.

Nowhere is that extra obvious than the instrument cluster, which incorporates a round dial display flanked by two analogue gauges. The central display will be adjusted to point out a handful of various shows, although we really feel the usual digital speedo is the cleanest whereas nonetheless displaying an applicable quantity of data.

The local weather management system beneath the infotainment show is one other customary Mazda unit, however as a result of the Touring LE isn’t a top-spec variant, there are a good few button blanks the place controls for capabilities like seat heating would usually be positioned.

It’s nonetheless a high quality unit although, and the number of buttons you do get are simple to determine and function. It could take a second to completely become familiar with the system, however all inputs present suggestions utilizing both the small show above, or lights to point out you what you’ve adjusted.

The opposite buttons within the cabin will be discovered on the steering wheel – for infotainment and driver help controls – and to the correct of the steering wheel, the place you may view the varied cameras or toggle the idle cease/begin system.

Once more it’s all clearly legible, which is precisely what you’d need from a automobile like this. The one actual gripe is the usage of gloss black plastic, in addition to the dust-attracting black suede on the dashboard.

One other power is storage up entrance. There’s a sizeable field underneath the central armrest, and forward of the mechanical gear selector are two properly positioned cupholders – with simply sufficient room above to suit a tall drink bottle.

There’s a passenger-side glovebox and bottle holders in every door, the latter of which isn’t fairly massive sufficient for that aforementioned drink bottle. On the ceiling is a sun shades holder, which helps to maintain gadgets neatly out of sight and out of thoughts.

Forward of the 2 cupholders is a wi-fi telephone charging pad, which once more is appropriately sized to suit most telephones or unfastened gadgets.

The second row is a comparatively sparse affair. There aren’t any facilities past the rear-facing air vents on the again of the centre console, which implies rear seat passengers might want to ask kindly to make use of the USB-C ports inside that centre console.

The brown and black upholstery continues again right here, however the phantasm of luxurious is considerably disturbed by the gray headliner above. It’s not a dealbreaker, however a black different (like what you’d discover in a Mazda 3) would have added that little one thing additional.

Within the center is a fold-down armrest with two cupholders, and there are once more small-ish bottle holders in each doorways. Moreover, there’s a map pocket to utilize – however solely on the passenger aspect.

It’s not at all uncomfortable – merely simply barebones. At this value level we’d anticipate a few USB ports again right here, however not less than there may be loads of area to stretch out behind a median entrance seating place.

The CX-30’s boot is surprisingly sensible. It could not appear to be there’s lots of area on account of that sturdy detachable cargo cowl, however the lengthy ground creates loads of area for transporting bigger gadgets.

There’s a appreciable lip to beat when loading issues up and in, however the ground is completely flat and straightforward to work with. The one cut-outs will be discovered on the rearmost corners, that are shallow however completely sized for no matter odds and ends you could have.

Extra vertical area is misplaced the nearer you get to the rear seats, as a result of there’s a reasonably aggressive incline which means there can be some wasted area on the ground behind taller gadgets.

For context, quoted boot area is smaller than rivals just like the Toyota C-HR (388L) and the incoming MG ZS Hybrid+ (443L), although it’s bigger than the Subaru Crosstrek (291L).

For added practicality you may not less than fold down the rear seats, which characteristic a 60/40 break up however don’t have a most quantity determine. There’s no passthrough within the center, which implies you’ll lose not less than one outboard seat if you want to cram in significantly prolonged gadgets.

Below the ground is an area saver spare wheel. Thankfully, it doesn’t eat into cargo capability in any significant method, and also you get some safety within the occasion of a flat tyre as a substitute of getting to depend on a fiddly restore equipment.

There are cargo hooks ought to you want to tie down your load, in addition to a handful of ISOFIX youngster seat factors and top-tether anchors.

The CX-30’s power is simplicity, and the whole lot inside provides nearly as a lot as you want by way of consolation and comfort with out being too flashy or over-the-top.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software

What’s underneath the bonnet?

The Touring LE is solely out there with the ‘G20’ 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, with energy despatched to the entrance wheels.

Our week with the automobile was dominated by freeway driving at 80km/h and above, although there have been transient stints in Melbourne’s CBD, regional cities, and filth roads.

Even so, our recorded gasoline financial system was worse than Mazda’s declare, however not by sufficient to attract any main complaints.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software

How does the Mazda CX-30 drive?

There’s an actual meat-and-potatoes really feel in regards to the CX-30, which does the entire fundamentals properly, and that features the driving expertise.

It’ll rise up to hurry with out an excessive amount of difficulty, hum alongside fortunately on the freeway, and iron out majority of the smaller imperfections on the street. It’s all simply as you’d anticipate for a small SUV just like the CX-30, however that doesn’t imply it couldn’t be improved.

The two.0-litre engine on this automobile is okay, but it surely does really feel a bit strained. In comparison with the Mazda 3, which shares the identical platform and is obtainable with the identical two engines, on this software the G20 feels a contact weak.

Within the Mazda 3, the two.0-litre engine provides sturdy baseline efficiency and appears like an applicable beginning floor for such a automobile, whereas the two.5-litre different is a sooner improve, bringing warm-ish efficiency.

In distinction, within the CX-30 it looks as if the G25 needs to be the minimal by way of driveability and efficiency, as a result of the G20 doesn’t really feel significantly quick and makes fairly the racket when accelerating.

On prime of that, the six-speed auto can typically stumble from a standstill or once you’re getting on or off the throttle. None of these elements are essentially dealbreakers, however they do boring the CX-30’s in any other case sharp efficiency.

The automobile’s on-road dynamics are dealt with in a satisfyingly constant method, which implies there’s unlikely to be something that can catch you off guard.

Trip high quality isn’t good, but it surely’s not anticipated to be for a automobile at this value level. Extended stints on tough rural roads will reveal these flaws, and whereas it’s easy sufficient in such conditions we’d cease wanting calling it plush.

Certainly, certainly one of our largest on-road criticisms is the trip, which we discover to be considerably harsh and bouncy.

This isn’t a high-end, costly SUV, which makes it a bit simpler to excuse such shortcomings than it’s with any of Mazda’s massive SUVs like, for instance, the CX-60.

And it’s one of many solely features of the automobile which will shock you behind the wheel. When you’re going to be doing lots of driving on rural roads, you’d higher be ready for trip high quality that isn’t fairly as snug because it maybe needs to be.

After all, the upside of the agency trip is sportier than common dealing with, which is clearly what Mazda has prioritised right here, as a result of the CX-30 excels in eventualities like well-surfaced windy backroads and tight metropolis streets, which is its extra seemingly surroundings and the place it’s extremely manoeuvrable and appropriately snug because of the decrease speeds.

To its credit score, the CX-30 additionally shines on lengthy stretches of freeway. Naturally, such roads are typically smoother and customarily extra mild on the automobile, which implies you actually do discover how properly Mazda has been capable of hold street noise down.

At 110km/h there’s no wind noise to be heard, and there’s a formidable stage of refinement. What’s higher is that once you’re cruising at freeway speeds, you’d be onerous pressed to note what’s occurring underneath the bonnet.

The high-speed shortcomings of the G20 in comparison with the G25 seem once you encounter a hill, because it’ll have to drop down a gear or two to make up for its torque deficit. Overtaking slower autos can also be not as simple because it may very well be for a similar purpose.

Nevertheless, in lower-speed driving via built-up areas, the CX-30 stays sturdy. Its constant, properly weighted steering really feel makes it simple to navigate tight turns, whereas tools like a surround-view monitor helps when squeezing into parking areas.

Equally, visibility out of the CX-30 is surprisingly good. Although the aspect home windows are fairly slender, they don’t influence head checks and the aspect mirrors present sufficient visible vary to have the ability to comfortably see what’s occurring outdoors.

On that observe although, Mazda has fitted a ‘zoomed-in’ mirror on the motive force’s aspect solely, which generally is a little disorienting at first.

As a result of the passenger aspect mirror seems to be extra regular, the distinction between the 2 takes time to get used to. The zoomed-in nature additionally means it’s tougher to see what’s instantly alongside.

The suite of security tech helps to counter this abnormality. The blind-spot monitoring works reliably to maintain you from operating somebody off the street, and the lane help perform steers the car faithfully again should you drift to both aspect.

Lengthy drives are additionally made simple due to adaptive cruise management and the related lane-centring perform.

You’ll be able to comfortably depend on the system to remain in your lane and preserve a snug pace, although be mindful you’ll need to take management if you wish to cross somebody on the freeway.

The system is on the delicate aspect by way of reacting to site visitors forward, which implies it takes a second for it to get again in control if the automobile in entrance is sluggish.

Regardless, there have been no main hiccups with any of the protection methods throughout our week with the automobile, and even in inclement climate they have been capable of hold tabs on the street forward and appropriately react to surrounding site visitors.

Merely put, that is an exceptionally simple automobile to drive, but it surely’ll by no means do something significantly extraordinary or sudden. It’s constructed to serve a goal, and it serves that goal properly.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software

What do you get?

The Touring LE sits in the course of the CX-30 vary price-wise, and it’s the second-highest specification of two.0-litre variant beneath the Astina.

CX-30 G20 Pure highlights:

• Mazda Related Providers
  • Automobile locator
  • Geofencing
  • Flashing lights characteristic
  • Curfew notifications
  • Distant locking
  • Automobile well being
  • Standing reviews
  • Stolen car monitoring help
• 16-inch gray alloy wheels
• House-saver spare wheel
• Computerized LED headlights
• Computerized high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Computerized power-folding aspect mirrors
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8.8-inch infotainment system
• Head-up show
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 2x USB-C ports (replaces USB-A)
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Push-button begin
• Leather-based-wrapped shifter
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel
• Material upholstery

CX-30 G20 Evolve provides:

• 18-inch silver alloy wheels
• Paddle shifters
• Twin-zone local weather management
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-fi telephone charger
• Overhead sunglass storage
• Rear fold-down centre armrest

CX-30 G20 Touring provides:

• Entrance parking sensors
• Auto-dimming driver’s aspect mirror
• Reverse tilt-down driver’s aspect mirror
• Facet mirror reminiscence
• Keyless entry
• Illuminated entrance self-importance mirrors
• Black leather-based upholstery
• 10-way energy driver’s seat
• Two-position driver’s seat reminiscence

CX-30 G20 Touring LE provides:

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Black grille
• Signature spoiler
• Black mirror caps
• Terracotta ‘Maztex’ and suede upholstery
• Terracotta armrest, centre console, door card and dashboard distinction stitching
• Imaginative and prescient Expertise Bundle
  • Entrance cross-traffic alert
  • Cruising & Visitors Assist
  • Driver monitoring system
  • Encompass-view monitor
  • 10.25-inch infotainment system

Is the Mazda CX-30 protected?

The Mazda CX-30 obtained a five-star ANCAP security ranking again in 2019.

Normal CX-30 security options embody:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Bicycle owner detection
• Rear AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keep help
• Lane departure warning
• Driver consideration alert
• Visitors signal recognition
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing digital camera
• Tyre stress monitoring

CX-30 G20 and G25 Touring add:

CX-30 Touring LE and G20 and G25 Astina add:

• Entrance cross-traffic alert
• Cruising & Visitors Assist
• Driver monitoring system
• Encompass-view monitor

How a lot does the Mazda CX-30 price to run?

The CX-30 vary is roofed by Mazda’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee and 5 years of roadside help. Servicing is required each 12 months or 15,000km – whichever comes first.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up towards its rivals, use our comparability software

CarExpert’s Tackle the Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring LE

It is a stable automobile; no-nonsense, simple to reside with, and cozy.

The CX-30 is already a robust platform, and the Touring LE’s additions add a bit of additional spice to an in any other case straight-to-the-point recipe.

Its black and terracotta seat trim particularly is a pleasant contact, and whilst you gained’t essentially discover it on the street, you’ll recognize the exceptionally snug seats, and the standard upholstery shouldn’t prematurely put on out over time.

The identical will be stated for the remainder of the cabin too; the tech is all crisp and dependable, the whole lot is ergonomically positioned, and Mazda’s top-notch construct high quality shines via with no creaks or rattles to talk of.

Practicality is robust too, with usable cupholders and loads of storage choices. The one factor missing are back-seat facilities, however you can simply reside with that should you have been coming from an older automobile.

Certainly our solely actual complaints are on-road, the place it’s considerably underpowered and bouncy. The two.5-litre engine is way more preferable over the two.0-litre within the Touring LE, but it surely nonetheless will get the job executed with ease should you can’t stretch to the G25 powertrain.

Given its meant goal, the CX-30’s suspension setup may very well be extra compliant. Damper tuning that may extra comfortably deal with a broader spectrum of street situations would make for a way more full bundle.

Nonetheless, the CX-30 fulfils its goal function properly, and as a small SUV with loads of usable space for storing within the again, it’ll simply deal with no matter younger households can throw at it.

The lower-spec variations could also be cheaper, however there are many causes to present the Touring LE a double-take if you need a CX-30 that feels a bit extra upmarket.

Fascinated by shopping for a Mazda CX-30? Get in contact with certainly one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

Click on the pictures for the complete gallery

MORE: Every thing Mazda CX-30