2022 Mazda CX-30

Most Mazdas are affordable, fun to drive, and look good inside and out. Many of its crossovers, SUVs, and sedans have earned Consumer Reports’ recommendations and above-average reliability ratings. Used Mazdas are usually a good option for an affordable pre-owned car. Mazda’s two- and three-row SUVs, identified by CX in the name, are consistently near the top of our ratings. Some Mazdas are available as plug-in hybrids that are capable of useful amounts of electric-only driving range. Most Mazdas achieve solid, but not exceptional fuel economy. Though sports cars are less popular now than decades before, Mazda still sells the MX-5 Miata, one of the best of the few remaining enthusiast cars.

Based on the Mazda3, the new 2020 CX-30 fills the gap in price and size between the CX-3 and CX-5 SUVs. The only available powertrain is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and six-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard, and all-wheel drive is optional. In everyday driving, acceleration feels tepid--wringing out more power requires a heavy foot on the accelerator. Fuel economy of 27 mpg overall is respectable. The CX-30 benefits from responsive handling, but its ride is rather firm and a bit jumpy, and the engine sounds raspy. The frustrating infotainment system requires multiple steps to complete simple tasks. The interior is well-trimmed but snug--especially the rear seat. Small side windows hurt outward visibility. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard. Updates for 2021 included standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility for all versions. There's also a new 2.5-liter turbo engine available, which comes with standard all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims beginning in 2022. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane keeping assistance are standard. For 2024, blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning became standard. Higher trims received a 10.25-inch center screen with touch screen Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality.