I spent a week with Mazda's CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, the automaker's entry-level crossover in its top-of-the-line trim. Introduced in 2020 as the replacement for the CX-3, Mazda called the new CX-30 a more mature interpretation of its striking Kodo design ethos. A few years into its lifecycle, the CX-30 was Mazda's second-best-selling vehicle last year, and with good reason.
A week of daily commutes, errands, and baby-wrangling later, I found the CX-30 an enjoyable companion while in the driver's seat and sufficient cargo hauler, which aligns with Mazda's human-centric approach to building cars. Where the CX-30 embodies great driver-focused qualities, it falls short in utility and comfort in the rear seats.
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus is well-equipped with standard premium features
Mazda did little to change the CX-30 for 2025 aside from adding a new Aero Gray Metallic exterior paint (as seen in photos of my tester) and offering Alexa Built-in integration on the Select Sport trim and above. That's because it already comes equipped with a ton of good stuff.
The CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus example Mazda provided me is the highest trim available for this model. It comes standard with 18-inch black alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights and LED daytime running lights, an adaptive front-lighting system, a gloss black front grille, black rear roof spoilers, two-tone black and brown leather-trimmed interior, heated front seats, frameless auto-dimming interior mirror, Bluetooth hands-free capability, power sliding-glass moonroof, QI wireless phone charger, wireless-capable Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also standard is Mazda's i-Activsense safety features, which include Mazda radar cruise control with stop and go, smart brake support, high beam control, and lane departure warning with lane keep assist, rear seat alert, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert.
This example was also optioned with the Aero Gray Metallic exterior paint, front, and rear parking sensors, cruising and traffic support, auto-dimming driver-side mirror, 360-degree view monitor, smart brake support-reverse-and-rear crossing, and Mazda online navigation system.
Mazda's design philosophy prioritizes the driver in the CX-30
After parting ways with Ford, Mazda moved to elevate itself with a brand-led design philosophy that prioritizes the driver. With intentional design and engineering through innovative technology, the automaker's mission is to inject soul into all of its cars where they aren't just a means of getting from point A to point B but a partner that drivers can rely on and be inspired by.
This partnership is evident from the moment you get settled into CX-30's driver seat. The subcompact crossover looks and drives small, but the open cabin negates feeling cramped, except in the rear seats. As a family with a toddler that uses an Evenflo Gold Revovlve360 rotational car seat, the front passenger seating space was limited by having the car seat installed. Of course, this is a niche circumstance. With or without a car seat, Mazda says all seating positions were designed for proper posture, which translates to a comfortable and secure feel. The CX-30's coupe-like silhouette offers good visibility considering its sportier proportions, except in the corners of the cargo area.
On the road, the CX-30 offers a firm but not rigid ride; going over bumps or train tracks was felt and heard but absorbed well without being aggressively jarring. The steering feel is smooth and direct, with impressive feedback. There's plenty of power available from the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, which produces 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque with 87 octane, regular gas, and up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93 octane, premium gas. There is no auto stop/start feature on this model, which felt weird to adjust to after driving so many cars that use it. Both CX-30 engines are paired with a six-speed automatic transmission that drives all four wheels. Shifts are crisp and smooth, and the all-wheel drive system keeps the car planted on the road without being fussy.
The CX-30 delivers on Mazda's Kodo philosophy by creating an engaging driving experience for the everyday commute, one that is complimented by a sharp exterior and handsomely premium interior. At the end of my time with the CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus, my overall impression is that 1) it has a long name and 2) it doesn't try to be anything it isn't. It's a tastefully minimalist daily that is good-looking, athletic, and with hints of luxury.
Skyactiv engineering synergizes design and performance
In conjunction with a new design philosophy, Mazda created its in-house brand of engineering and technology by the name of Skyactiv. Everything from the chassis, to the body, to powertrains, and engines falls under the Skyactiv umbrella.
Mazda boasts the Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine is unique for being the world's first gasoline engine for mass production vehicles to achieve a high compression ratio of 14.0:1. The result is more low-end torque and better fuel efficiency. The engine pulled the nearly 3,500 lb crossover to speed with ease and without needing to gear-hunt to maintain speed. I averaged around 20.4 mpg during the 200 miles I drove this CX-30 for.
A six-speed Skyactiv-Drive automatic transmission is the only option available on the CX-30. According to Mazda, this Skyactiv-Drive transmission combines all the advantages of conventional automatic transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, and dual-clutch transmissions. The automaker says that a widened lock-up range improves torque transfer efficiency and enables a direct driving feel equivalent to a manual transmission. Shifts aren't lightning-quick, but quicker than a standard automatic. Most notably, upshifts and downshifts were effortlessly smooth.
The CX-30 is great, there was just some minor gripes
Though my complaints are few, I did make some observations that some would maybe find bothersome if the CX-30 was there daily. On the highway, I found wind noise to be intrusive at around 70 mph. Turning up your music to a healthy volume of course minimizes the disturbance.
The gloss black trim pieces around the dash look sleek, but they collect dust and fingerprints easily. Regular cleaning with a microfiber towel keeps this at bay.
Other items I noted were XM channels were slow to load up on the infotainment system, and I don't really like the lock and unlock buttons being on the side of the key fob.
Mazda deserves more attention
Where the thought of a "driver's car" seems reserved for upscale brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, or Porsche, Mazda proves that even the most unassuming daily can be a driver's car, and a good one, too. The brand's Kodo design philosophy fuses function, form, and beauty in well-designed, well-performing cars. For this $38,955 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, buyers get a vehicle intentionally made to make the driving experience better in every way, including options for premium-level features.
My time with the CX-30 leaves me wanting to experience the rest of the Mazda lineup with a focused purpose of understanding how Kodo has been applied to each model. One could argue that Mazda has mastered the art of creating a high-volume product that breaks away from the monotony of other automakers. The CX-30 is a great gateway car to the luxury space. Mazda, as a whole, has the depth of being approachable and legitimate enough to be cross-shopped against other premium and luxury brands.