Which Mazda crossover is right for you? | Mazda CX-5 or Mazda CX-30

There's plenty of overlap between Mazda's smallest crossovers.

Sometimes, car names can get confusing. There was the CX-3, now there's a CX-30. Your neighbor has a CX-5, but is that better than a CX-30? How do you keep it all straight? Clifford Atiyeh drives both to determine which is the better buy.

Video review: Clifford Atiyeh
Written CX-30 review: Christian Wardlaw
Written CX-5 review: Eileen Falkenberg-Hull

#Mazda #CX30 #CX5
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0:00 The CX-30 OR the CX-5?
1:53 Exterior Dimensions
2:15 Styling
3:22 Inside the CX-5
4:19 Inside the CX-30
4:58 Cargo Space
5:28 CX-5 Driving Impressions
9:08 CX-5 Fuel Economy
9:51 CX-30 Driving Impressions
12:30 CX-30 Fuel Economy
13:43 Technology and Safety
15:15 Pricing and the Competition
15:42 Final Thoughts

[srinip]

I wish you reviewers wouldn't constantly fetishize the top trims. I'd be a lot more interested in finding out what one of the more affordable trims is like.

[ALEZANDAR]

I just bought a 2024 Mazda CX-30 S AWD for $24, 900, which is the base model. Yes, it doesn't come with a sunroof, heated seats, remote liftgate, leather seats, turbo engine, and with very limited interior space; but as an educated consumer some of those extra trimmings will require higher maintenance, and possibly future costly repairs. The Cx-5 is perfect for a small family, and I am being reserved! while the CX-30 is more catered towards a single person or a couple! additionally the CX-30 is much better on gas, and an ideal city car. I love how it handles city traffic in a very comfortable and stabled ride, and parking the car in tight spaces is a new thing for me; since I was a previous owner of a 2008 Honda CR V. I am sorry but I refuse to pay an extra $6000 for six inches more of space, that the CX-5 offers over the CX-30. I have no regrets buying the CX-30. I am a long term car owner, as I usually keep my cars for at least 15 years. My previous 2008 Honda was totaled, and that is why I had to buy a new car. If it wasn't for that unfortunate accident I would still held on to my 2008 Honda CR V; which incidentally I was shocked how much the insurance paid me for its market value, $8, 800!!! I don't think I' will ever get that much from a Mazda CX-30, thou!

[areasevenpro]

I fell in love with the CX-30 when I visited the Mazda Hiroshima plant back in 2019. A year later, I got mine, and it's the best daily driver I've ever owned.

[daimon]

The CX-30 does have tire pressure information but you have to search for it. It's under Information > Vehicle Status Monitor > Maintenance Details. I had my CX-30 in for service this weekend and they gave me a CX-5 as a loaner car for two hours. Two hours was not enough time to experience this car but it looks and drives well. I also love the little holographic MPH display on the windshield.

[jms]

Great review. The only thing I’d disagree with is, the CX-30 turbo is very impressive and has more than adequate punch in my opinion - especially in its class. It’s also a very smooth, buttery drive, and the steering is amazing - I’d say it mimics many of the more expensive luxury German cars. The big harsh bumps are a little more noticeable in the CX-30 vs. the CX-5, but the overall ride glides a bit better in the CX-30.

[ellamarieb]

I just traded in my Nissan Altima for my first SUV about three weeks ago. I purchased a 2017 CX5 and I am in love! So happy with my purchase.

[sergiorivera]

I purchased the 2022 CX30 Turbo, with the new Plantinum Quartz, it’s a beauty with beige leather seats. The turbo model it’s amazing, great pick up handles very well. It definitely turns head, got a lot of compliments. CX30 is the way to go 👍

[zachgalati]

I’ve owned my CX5 for exactly 1yr now and I absolutely love it. Best car purchase I’ve ever made.

[clayz]

2021 CX-30 Turbo Preferred. I love this car. I get a shade under 21 mpg driving around town, and 31.5 on the highway over a moderate mountain pass (from sea level, nice freeway, not steep, 3600 feet alt). If the road is choppy, the car rides somewhat choppy. Otherwise it is serene and quiet.

[DavidisNice]

I got the base CX-30 for a rental and I was so impressed that I went to test drive the Turbo. To me, it was night and day. The Turbo is definitely the way to go. It’s so much fun to drive, it handles freaking great and it feels good driving in the city on the horrendous roads. The only thing holding me back is the MPG and the god damn mark ups.

[eks]

After selling my previous Mazda 3, I tested driving CX 30 and yes it made me feel very luxurious. But I bought my new CX 5 which makes me so comfortable driving behind the wheel for everyday commuter. Love the colour Zircon sand metallic 🥰❤👍 however I'm still missing the fun driving of Mazda 3 !

[porterbrass]

I own my second CX5 GT (2020). It’s the best car I’ve ever owned. Low maintenance cost, sporty, economic. I’ve driven the Cx30 and it’s also an excellent car but smaller and lower than the CX5. My next car will probably be the CX50. My favorite features on the CX5 GT- heated and cooled seats. Heated steering wheel. Adaptive headlights. Automatic everything. Great cornering. Great in snow. Love it.

[eliasdlga]

I’ve owned both, I like the cx30 more for daily driving. But if you need space, go for the cx5 (not the biggest of the segment but it’s fine).

[diegudr]

I really like leather seats and the preferred package of the cx5 was the cheapest way to get them. I think you have to go up to the carbon edition of the cx30 to get the cheapest leather which was slightly cheaper than the cx5 but not by much. So I ended up choosing the cx5 preferred. I am sure I would have been happy with either choice though.

[jmanstuck]

I'm 6'2" I find my CX 30 plenty spacious enough for me. I own an 04 MX5 as well. That ones a little tight. Love them both.

[katrinam]

You saved me with the explanation of the cx5 turbo vs standard. Thanks!!!!

[andrec]

The infotainment controls are actually great and better than a touch screen once you get used to them. Tire pressure readouts can be found under information on the main menu, and the wireless pad can are optional.

[tadinator]

I'd have to opt for the CX30, it just looks a bit more updated and sharply finished. Additionally, on NY roads, something a bit more softly sprung might be welcomed, especially if the both handle similarly.

[Lxldipper]

I had a 2021 cx30 and while I liked the car in the beginning, I’m also 5’11 so it wasn’t too comfortable. It also was a gas guzzler by a short shot. I just switched to a 22 cx-5 and I’m in love with it! Space, everything!

[hendrikspysschaert]

4:00 If there are 3 of you in the back seat, you certainly don't need heating