2023 Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring Review | Does Mazda’s popular small SUV stand up to the test of time?

When it was released in 2020, the Mazda CX-30 became the stylish meat in Mazda’s SUV sandwich, positioned between the smaller CX-3 and larger CX-5 – both one-time top-sellers in their classes.

While they focussed on practicality, the Mazda CX-30 was a new-generation model seeking to introduce a more premium feel. It’s a strategy that’s attracted plenty of buyers.

Sitting at the heart of the range is the CX-30 G20 Touring. Priced competitively at $36,810 before on-road costs, it comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine, six-speed auto and front-wheel drive.

Undoubtedly, there are more powerful and better equipped versions of the CX-30, as well as variants with more interesting tech. But could the G20 Touring simply be all the CX-30 you need? Let’s find out.

Fast Forward
00:00 Intro
00:32 Pricing and specs
02:13 Interior review
03:15 Infotainment & safety
04:03 Passenger space
04:38 Luggage space
05:10 On the road
07:00 Verdict

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[grant]

I am loving our new CX 30. Amazing car, packed with features, drives beautifully. I find it has plenty of pep, even on hills. Quiet with low road noise. Good looking too! Great value, doesn’t seem to be another in its class that compares.

[stendecstretcher]

A 10k service interval is a plus ask any mechanic.

[yumillai]

Planning on getting the 2023 Mazda cx-30 for my very first car😁

[liamcalleja]

not him saying that the petrol cx30s consume more fuel then a hybrid toyota, like who would have thought

[colinsimmons]

for a fuel comparison why didn, t you use the tesla (hybrid really)

[wyysoserious]

Subaru Crosstrek L model has same onroad cost(40k) as this mazda model but gives you a lot more goodies and plus it is a full time All Wheel Drive.

[philross]

Having owned and driven many Mazdas over the last 40 years and currently own 2.
I have driven the CX30 and true to Mazdas heritage for building reliable high quality cars it certainly keeps this tradition going with the CX30.
Having driven both the G20 and G25 a serious purchaser wanting to be perfectly happy with a CX30 would have to invest in getting the larger engine as it has a much more pleasurable driving experience.
However I still have a few design issues with CX30, the side windows are a little shorter than in other cars which can give a slightly claustrophobic feeling, the infotainment screen is a little small and having a dial in the centre console rather than a full time operative touch screen is a mistake .The last criticism I have is Mazda’s over use of that awful and extremely delicate Piano black gloss plastic on both the exterior and interior.
My model pick in the CX30 model range would have to be G25 Touring SP but having said that the price of this model is starting to getting very close in price to the larger CX 5 AWD touring active however I feel that the sweet spot of the CX30 model range is the G25 Touring.
I

[cityplanner]

The car isn’t as small as people think and the space is on the smaller side. Why? Bc the bonnet is so long. Look at other cars in the class and they basically same size but bonnet is half the size.

[jeremybean-hodges]

Just be aware that for the same price as the G20 Touring, you can get a Mazda 3 G25 GT.

Faster engine, lighter car, better fuel consumption, more options, and almost exactly the same interior.

It's probably well worth considering what the extra height is actually worth.

[TheGillederais]

You also forgot to mention that corolla cross hybrid, altho consume 1 litre less petrol on avg, cost 5k more with interior looks like nasty plastic poverty

[rcys]

I drive one.

It’s thirsty at 8.9L/100 a little sluggish at times.
LED headlights but halogen park lights ? 😮
Limited boot space.
Limited leg room in the back.
Good looking vehicle but so many other priced well competitors.

I like the infotainment isn’t touch screen but using a simple scroll button.

I agree I take my eyes off the road just the same.

It is an easy vehicle to drive in tight spaces.

[GlowingTube]

Poor packaging, a bit gutless and not that good on the value front. Those thick plastic wheel arch moulds look bad to my eyes and spoil the styling. Overall, I'd rather buy a hatchback and pocket the change.

[crow_kbeatsbydre]

Torsion beam rear suspension is cheap and that ridiculous rotary knob/dial infotainment system in 2023 is outdated, Toyota and Honda are better options in this CUV/mini

[SuperAlmighty]

It's wierd not having a touch screen.

[takuan]

I don't get why Mazda is ruining a beautifully designed car with this painfully ugly plastic cladding. It beats me! I did test drive the non turbo variant and agree that the engine is lame. Not much fun on the accelerator. I bought the CX5 and never look back.