Mazda CX-30 i-ACTIV AWD Sport Utility, starting at 25,000 $

The Mazda CX-30 i-ACTIV AWD Sport Utility impresses with 227 HP and an attractive starting price of 25,000 $ . Here are all the details at a glance.

from $25,000
CX-30

Mazda CX-30

  • Engine Type : Gasoline
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : All Wheel
  • Power HP : 191 - 227 HP

Curves With a Purpose

The Mazda CX-30 trades boxy for beautiful, with sleek surfacing and just enough cladding to look adventurous without going full trail boss. At 173 inches long and 70.7 inches wide, it slips easily into city spaces yet still has a planted stance. The proportions are classic Mazda—long hood, taut rear, and a dash of sporty coupe vibe that gives this small SUV real showroom pull. Standard all-wheel drive underscores the look with genuine all-weather intent.

Boutique Cabin, Real-World Smarts

Inside, the CX-30 feels more premium than its price tag suggests, with rich materials, tight panel gaps, and clean horizontal lines. Controls fall naturally to hand, with physical knobs for climate and a tidy cluster for drive modes and audio. The seating position is spot-on, and front seats offer long-trip support without feeling overstuffed. It’s an interior that looks designer yet works daily—coffee, kids, and commute included.

Small Footprint, Everyday Utility

Space is honest: adults up front ride comfortably, while the rear is fine for two average-height passengers on shorter trips. Cargo room sits around 20 cu ft behind the second row, enough for a weekend’s worth of bags or a stroller and groceries. Fold the seats and it opens up into the mid-40s, turning the CX-30 into an able IKEA runner. The low lift-over and wide hatch make loading simple, even in tight parking lots.

Two Engines, Two Personalities

The lineup stretches from the 2.5 S AWD models to the Turbo Premium Plus, with a Carbon Edition in the middle—each with a six-speed automatic and standard i-Activ AWD. The base 2.5-liter makes 191 hp and 186 lb-ft, good for a relaxed 0–60 mph in roughly the mid-to-high 8-second range; it’s smooth, predictable, and happy to commute. The 2.5 Turbo wakes things up with 227 hp and 310 lb-ft, dropping 0–60 to about the 6-second neighborhood and delivering muscular midrange punch for confident passing. Curb weight hovers around 3,400–3,500 pounds, so both versions feel solid without feeling heavy.

Handling That Still Says Zoom-Zoom

On a winding road, the CX-30 feels more hatchback than crossover, with direct steering and tidy body control. Mazda’s chassis tuning keeps things composed over broken pavement, though the ride is on the firmer side with larger wheels. Grip is plentiful in the wet, and the AWD system shuffles torque quietly in the background. It’s the kind of setup that makes a grocery run oddly enjoyable and a Sunday detour irresistible.

Mileage That Matches the Mission

The non-turbo 2.5 S returns an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo posts 22/30 mpg. With a 12.7-gallon tank, expect real-world highway legs of roughly 350–420 miles between stops, depending on engine and pace. Around town, the smaller tank means more frequent fill-ups, but day-to-day costs stay reasonable for the class. Light feet will be rewarded; impatient right shoes will pay a small premium, especially in the turbo.

Tech That Helps, Not Hinders

The widescreen Mazda Connect interface brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless on many trims), plus an available 12-speaker Bose system that fills the cabin cleanly. The interface favors a rotary controller for minimal distraction, and the layout keeps key functions just a click away. Driver assists are comprehensive: adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking are all present. Upper trims add niceties like a head-up display and surround-view camera for tight maneuvers.

Trims & Targets

Whether it’s the well-equipped 2.5 S AWD, the stylish Carbon Edition, or the fully loaded Turbo Premium Plus, every version feels thoughtfully curated rather than padded. Even the entry models include AWD and a robust safety suite, while higher trims layer in leather, a power driver’s seat, a moonroof, and upgraded audio. Shoppers who value design and driving feel over maximum back-seat volume will be happiest here. Think urban professionals, empty nesters, or anyone who wants small-SUV practicality with a touch of showroom shine.

Final Word: Who Should Drive It?

The CX-30 suits drivers who enjoy a little spark in the daily grind without giving up comfort or quality. The 2.5 S fits calm commuters and road-trippers, while the turbo caters to those who want real punch for on-ramps and two-lane passes. It’s not the roomiest in the segment, but it might be the most refined to sit in and the most rewarding to steer. For a compact crossover that feels cut from a more premium cloth, this Mazda hits the sweet spot.

Costs and Consumption

Price
25,000 - 37,000 $
FuelEconomy City
22 - 26 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
30 - 33 MPG
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
12.7 gal

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
i-ACTIV AWD Sport Utility
Seats
5
Doors
-
Curb weight
3,419 - 3,527 lbs
Trunk Volume
-
Length
173 in.
Width
70.7 in.
Height
61 - 62 in.

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Drive Type
All Wheel
Power HP
191 - 227 HP
Torque
186 - 310 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
2.5 L
Gears
-

General

Model Year
2,025
Brand
Mazda
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