Average advertising may cause a ripple in the water, but legendary advertising creates tidal waves, the cosmos align, and a manufacturer propels into the cultural mainstream with the simplistic beauty of a catchphrase. Even today, when I think Mazda, I think “zoom zoom.” Who doesn’t want to go “zoom zoom?” I know I want to go “zoom zoom,” so what would be my best choice? I should probably start looking for a Mazda CX-30 for sale.
The Mazda CX-30 is by no means a longstanding icon because its debut in the automotive market was in 2020. For a manufacturer with a history dating back over a century, what can you expect from one of Mazda’s latest offerings? We’re glad you’re here because we’re going to take a deeper dive into the 2022 CX-30, check out its specs and features, and ultimately help you decide whether it will be worth your time and hard-earned dollars.
The 2022 CX-30 is available in an assortment of trim levels and configurations. The base model is the 2.5 S, starting at an MSRP of $22,200. Mazda holds its weight against other big-name manufacturers by ensuring the base-level CX-30 is an enjoyable experience with ample power and modern interior tech. After the 2.5 S, the 2.5 S Select, the 2.5 S Preferred, and the 2.5 S Carbon Editions are next on the lineup of trims. By this point in the trim ladder, you’ve already added the likes of heated leather power-adjustable seats. The next few trims for the CX-30 are the 2.5 S Premium, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Expectedly, the last three trim levels for the CX-30 utilize the available turbocharged powertrain not available to the other trims.
Do You Want Turbo With That Engine?
The Mazda CX-30 keeps things rather tame in the sense that its assortment of two engines is anything but confusing. At a glance, you should be able to figure out which performance profile suits your wants and needs best. The 2022 CX-30 comes standard with a 2.5L I-4 engine seen on some of Mazda’s other offerings like the Mazda3 Hatchback and Mazda3 Sedan. Like in those two vehicles, the 2.5L I-4 engine inside the CX-30 produces the same 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque.
Unlike the Mazda3 Hatchback, and more in line with the Mazda3 Sedan, the 2.5L I-4 engine in the CX-30 only pairs with a 6-speed automatic transmission, with no optional manual transmission. Not a deal breaker for most, but undoubtedly worth mentioning. An advantage of Mazda’s well-known 2.5L I-4 engine is reaping the benefits of its fantastic fuel efficiency. With the 2.5L I-4 engine, the CX-30 produces EPA-estimated ratings of 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. These ratings stem from the AWD drivetrain, which comes standard.
You may wonder how the turbocharged 2.5L I-4 engine plays into the equation. As you’d find in the Mazda3 Sedan and Hatchback, the turbocharged 2.5L I-4 engine inside certain CX-30 trims outputs 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque; a 34% and 72% increase in horsepower and torque, respectively. Mazda does the smart thing by retaining a turbocharged 2.5L I-4 engine instead of an engine like a 3.5L V6. Not only do you get the aforementioned performance improvements, but fuel efficiency is comparable to the base engine with EPA-estimated ratings of 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway.
Luxury at Every Turn
What impressed me about the 2022 CX-30 is its features, most notably those found within the cabin. The 2022 CX-30 is a feature-rich vehicle in any of its configurations, including the base model, which comes complete with things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, equipped on a large 8.8-inch infotainment center, a premium sound system, and more. Admittedly, drivers may find the seating arrangement a tad underwhelming in the 2.5 S or 2.5 S Select trims, and if you’re one of these drivers, you should consider shopping for the 2.5 S Preferred trim and above.
The Preferred trim swaps out your manually-adjustable chair with an 8-way power-adjustable chair that’s both heated and offers power-lumbar to help maintain posture, which will do wonders for your lower back. The 2.5 S Preferred trim swaps the cloth seats out for ones with leatherette stitching, but my personal favorite stems from the 2.5 S Carbon Edition with its genuine red-colored leather on each seat that contrasts with the dark materials that make up the dashboard to create a classy and striking appearance.
The true luxury of the CX-30 lies in its interior technology, which Mazda has consistently succeeded at for years. Every CX-30 model comes equipped with the aforementioned 8.8-inch infotainment center. Entry-level models enjoy the core fundamentals of the infotainment center experience found on the pricier CX-30 models, so tech-savvy drivers won’t have to worry about missing out on all the fun. If you’re looking for an SUV that will keep you connected in your travels, look no further than the CX-30. As mentioned, the CX-30 includes a crystal-clear audio system designed by Mazda and not a third-party audio manufacturer like you’d find on competing models.
All About the Space
The 2022 CX-30 is a spacious SUV, whether we’re talking about cargo and belongings or yourself and your passengers. The interior dimensions will differ slightly depending on the trim level you purchase, but on trim levels like the 2.5 S and 2.5 S Select, you’ll have 38.1-inches of headroom in the front row and 38.3-inches in the rear row. Should you opt for a trim level like the 2.5 S Preferred, the front-row headroom is decreased slightly to 37.8-inches, but the dimensions remain the same around the back. Legroom is more of an even match, meaning you can expect 41.7 inches of legroom in the front row, and the back row offers an impressive 36.3 inches.
We’ve established how you’d fit in the vehicle if you were tall, but what if you sported a larger frame and needed a wider seat? Hip and shoulder room are also more than adequate on the 2022 Mazda CX-30, with the front row receiving 54.6 inches of hip room and 55.6 inches of shoulder room. Around the back, the rear row of seats gets 53.2 inches of hip room and 53.6 inches of shoulder room. The 2022 CX-30 has a passenger volume of 94.1 cu.ft., and no matter which trim level you purchase, the CX-30 will give you 20.2 cu.ft. of cargo space for your belongings.
Although the Cx-30 May Be New, It’s on Its Way to SUV Greatness
Although the CX-30 has many years to go before it’s considered one of Mazda’s mainstays, it undoubtedly continues to be pushed in the right direction. If you’re in the market for a cost-effective SUV that includes some of the industry’s latest technology, the CX-30 will be the best route for you. The CX-30 will surely get more popular over the years, and the 2022 CX-30 is unmistakably the best model to come out of the compact SUV segment over the last couple of years. The rise in SUV popularity may have slowed down over the years, but there’s still plenty to get excited about, especially if you’re a Mazda fan.
