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A grey 2023 Mazda CX-30 is shown driving on a path overlooking the ocean.

The Endless Options of the 2023 Mazda CX-30

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is coming in fast with seven exhilarating trims to choose from. Everything you love about the CX-30 is back, but with a power upgrade that will have you squealing with delight. With a unique and dynamic design and loads of tech, the CX-30 is feature-heavy but wallet-light.

At first glance, the CX-30 may appear to be moving even when parked, and that is thanks to the creative styling of the Kodo design language. Movement and flow are created using contours along the sides of the vehicle. Black cladding frames and protects the bottom of the vehicle, and LED lighting is standard across the trim lineup. Plenty of trim options mean lots of choices, and with even the top trim being so affordable, you’ll have the freedom to choose what’s right for you.

It’s Got the Looks

Not many changes have been made to the 2023 Mazda CX-30 since its introduction in 2020, but that’s because when you find something that works, why change it? The wispy side panels create a natural movement in the Mazda, and with the sporty wide-mouth grille and angled headlights, the CX-30 appears to be moving at the speed of light. The addition of roof rails to the top-tier trims adds even more flair and functionality.

A spacious power moonroof comes on the top five tiers, providing an elegant feature that makes the CX-30 feel roomier and lighter. Memory positioning side mirrors with reverse tilt are also included, making it easy to select your ideal mirror settings. The Premium, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus are all offered with a rear power liftgate for additional convenience.

LED headlights come standard, with a few upgrades as you climb the tiers, like Mazda’s signature lights and Adaptive Front Lighting System. Heated side mirrors are another upgrade given to the upper trims, while rain-sensing wipers come standard on all tiers. The simple but elegant exterior hints at the comfort and luxuries hidden inside the Mazda CX-30.

A close up shows the center console in a 2023 Mazda CX-30.

Affordable Luxury

Simplicity at its finest, the CX-30 is understated comfort and luxury. Roomy enough for five people, this subcompact SUV is just the right size for those that aren’t bogged down by a bunch of extras. A 60/40 folding back seat provides enough flexibility to switch from accommodating passengers to cargo with ease. With the seats folded down, you get a little over 45 cu.ft. of cargo space.

Top-tier trims utilize a multi-position power seat for the driver that offers lumbar support and a memory system that can recall preferred settings. Heated seats are another added luxury to the same top five tiers. Leather seats are available for the upper trims, and a snazzy red leather interior is exclusive to the Carbon Edition trim. A neutral interior color pallet creates a peaceful space sprinkled with elegant upgrades.

A beautiful leather-wrapped steering wheel is found on all but the base trim, offering a strong and long-lasting finish. The top two trims of the 2023 CX-30 go even further with a heated steering wheel. Every detail was thoughtfully picked to provide a minimalist but elegant interior to match the stunning exterior of the Mazda.

Technology Is Included

A standard seven-inch driver display conveys important information. If you opt for the Premium trims, you get the addition of a head-up display that projects important information onto the windshield in front of you. Traffic Sign Recognition is also included and will use the head-up display to alert you to changes in the speed limit and more. A large 8.8-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on all trims and is mounted front and center to make access easy. Read text messages, listen to music, and with the Premium tiers, use the built-in navigation.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard in the CX-30, along with Bluetooth, and are paired with a standard eight-speaker sound system. The top two trims take it a notch up with the upgraded 12-speaker Bose Centerpoint premium sound system. A three-year subscription to SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link is also included to keep you on the right path.

A three-year complimentary subscription to Mazda Connected Services is included for all trim levels. Mazda Connected Services gives you instant access to your vehicle’s owner manual, vehicle status reports, and more from a smartphone app. You can be automatically notified of necessary maintenance and even get tips on how to drive more efficiently. Wi-Fi and emergency service access are also available, automatically contacting 911 in the event of an accident.

You can use the Mazda app to locate your vehicle or access your horn and hazards remotely as a safety feature to ward off unwanted guests. Remote start is also available, giving you the option to warm up or cool down your CX-30 before you even step foot out of your home.

Snappy Turbocharged Performance

A snappy 2.5L SKYACTIV-G engine comes standard in the 2023 CX-30, producing 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque––five hp more than the preceding model year. The Turbo Premium and Turbo Premium Plus trims feature an enhanced turbocharged engine for an extra boost of power. The 2.5L Turbo can make 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque for a more exciting drive. Standard i-ACTIV all-wheel drive with Off-Road Traction Assist is designed to keep you safe and in control, providing additional traction when driving in adverse conditions. The CX-30 supplies the fun of speed and power with the safety of precision and control.

Usually, more power and all-wheel drive mean sacrificing your fuel efficiency, but not in this case. The 2023 Mazda CX-30 gets an impressive 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway with its base engine. The 2.5L Turbo gets a little less at 22 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway. You don’t have to give up what you need for what you love when it comes to the smallest Mazda SUV.

Standard Safety and More

Most vehicles come with a full suite of safety features, and the Mazda CX-30 is no exception with its award-winning safety record. In fact, the 2023 model was named an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ after receiving a perfect score on every test, making it one of the safest vehicles on the road. It has received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

Standard driver-assist features include a Lane Departure Warning System and Lane-Keep Assist, which works to keep you from drifting and alerts you to a potential collision. Mazda Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go also works to prevent collisions by automatically adjusting your cruising speed to match the vehicle in front of you. The CX-30 also comes equipped with Driver Attention Alert, which monitors the driver for fatigue.

The top-tier trim offers a bit more, with Smart Brake Support-Rear, a 360-degree View Monitor, Traffic Jam Assist, and front and rear parking sensors. The 360-degree View Monitor utilizes several small cameras placed around the vehicle to give you a full view of your surroundings. The other added features help prevent collisions when in reverse, giving you a safer driving experience.

A red 2023 Mazda CX-30 is shown parked on a city street in front of shops.

Simple, Refined, Enjoyable

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is an affordable subcompact SUV with all the bells and whistles you’d hope for. The CX-30 is the perfect size for easy maneuverability while providing enough cargo room for more than the basics. A simple and refined interior provides a calm and relaxing environment, but step on the pedal, and the turbocharged engine will give you a fun ride. With so many trims to select from, it may be hard to choose, but the price tag is one consideration that won’t hold you back.