Mazda is known for offering great-looking, reliable, sporty and efficient vehicles with premium interiors that come loaded up with desirable included features. And this reputation holds true across the board when comparing the brand’s multiple offerings in the competitive compact SUV line-up.
Building upon the best-selling Mazda CX-5 compact SUV, Mazda rolled out the slightly smaller CX-30 in 2020. And the slightly larger CX-50 now adds an off-road ready option to the line-up. All of the above seat five. Our test drivers both had the 2.5-liter turbo engine.
CX-30 zips in and out of tight parking spots.
CX-50 handles nearly any terrain or weather condition
The CX-30’s turbo engine delivers 250 hp and 320 lb-ft torque with premium fuel (or 227 hp and 310 lb.ft. on regular). That gives it a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds, making the CX-30 Turbo the quickest car in its class. Responsive, intuitive steering and all-wheel drive add extra assurance. And the turbo engine gets 25 mpg combined. While the CX-30 with the base engine starts at $26,370, and starter price on the turbo brings it up to $34,165. Total price on our top-of-the-line Premium Plus trimmed tester was $38,310.
With i-Activ AWD® and four available performance-enhancing drive modes, the CX-50 handles nearly any terrain or weather condition, albeit with a stiffer ride to do so. The turbo engine produces 256 hp and 320 lb.ft or torque with premium gas (227 hp/310 lb.ft with regular). It averages 25 mpg combined. CX-50 features high-strength roof rails, a low roof line, up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance and available towing capacity of up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped. Its long and flat cargo layout makes loading and unloading easy with up to 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Starting MSRP for the CX-50 is $31,675 (Ours with the turbo engine was $40,800). Adding premium paint and a Meridian Choice Apex Package for crossbars, a roof platform, and front and rear splash guards, the total price was $43,800.
What’s coming next for Mazda’s SUV line-up
Mazda North American Operations announced the first-ever 2024 CX-90 will be available nationwide as a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).
What are some other compact SUV Mazda competes with?
Right-Sized Options for Toyota SUVs
