The 2020 Mazda CX-30 might be the newest addition to the Mazda family, but one peek inside makes it abundantly clear this crossover belongs in the same showroom. The Japanese automaker might not have the size, clout, or breadth as larger full-line global automakers, but the CX-30 continues the tradition of excelling in the areas where Mazda does well. One is the fun-to-drive quotient. The other is interiors that are clean, sophisticated, and feel more premium than the segment might warrant.
First, what is a CX-30? Mazda’s newest small crossover is essentially a lifted Mazda3. That means it is bigger than a CX-3 subcompact crossover that shares underpinnings with the Mazda2. The CX-30 uses the larger Mazda3 chassis and is packaged to give rear-seat passengers more legroom than the regular sedan and more cargo room behind the second row than the larger Mazda3 hatchback. Confused? Bottom line is it is a small crossover that sits between the CX-3 and the CX-5. The only reason it is not called the CX-4 is because that name was already taken for a model sold in China.
What is not confusing is that the CX-30 carries on the tradition of delivering premium interiors in vehicles that are moderately priced.
Less is More in the CX-30 Interior
The cabin design is strikingly simple but upscale. The 2020 CX-30 we spent some time with has a dark brown and black interior. So many vehicles hide cheap materials and miles of plastic in a black cabin, but this has a wide expanse of rich brown leather on top of the dash, soft to the touch, with more black leather below. A bit of stitching and chrome add some bright accents. There is more chocolate brown leather in the doors. Tasty.
The bottom tier of the dash is refreshingly minimalist, back to the days when interiors were not as cluttered with less tech to control. The CX-30 has the requisite amount of tech, but the cockpit gets by with the bare necessity when it comes to vents and controls. Solid buttons to adjust heating and cooling is almost retro.
An 8.8-Inch Display is Standard, But Not a Touchscreen
There is a screen for the infotainment system, but it is set back in the dash. It is not fully integrated, but it also doesn’t look like it was just propped up on the dash. The Mazda Connect 8.8-inch screen is standard on all trims. It is on the small side given the trend toward ever-larger screens that dominate the cabin. Instead of being the focal point of the center stack, it is positioned high and to the side so it can be seen while keeping eyes on the road. It is also out of easy reach, on purpose. It is not a touchscreen and was never intended to be. Mazda execs feel it’s less distracting to control infotainment using a large, nicely weighted dial in the center console designed to be able to feel the inputs, again without taking your eyes off the road. The steering wheel—kind of hard and boring in design—houses a lot of controls, including a button for voice commands that works well.
The driver has a 7.0-inch digital gauge display, and the gauges actually look like gauges, which is refreshing in a world where innovation can run a bit wild. The gearshift is also nicely wrapped in leather. It makes it feel more like a driver’s car, even if it only has a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque) and six-speed automatic transmission. You can get paddle shifters on top trims and opt for all-wheel drive.
In-car Wi-Fi is standard, but you have to upgrade to the $24,945 Select trim to get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. There are two USB ports up front, but you have to go into the covered center console to access them. The vehicle has a base audio system with eight speakers, but there is an upgrade to a 12-speaker Bose system available. Side-by-side cupholders are always welcome—no arguing over whose beverage is whose.
The black perforated leather seats are comfortable, and the space not cramped, but the high beltline can be slightly claustrophobic and makes it harder to drape an arm out the window. Depending on the trim level, the seats are cloth, leatherette, or leather. If you want leather heated seats with lumbar support, you must step up to the Preferred trim level which starts at $27,245.
There is more legroom in the back than in the CX-3, which is a blessing, and while the rear seats are comfortable enough, no one will ever describe it as spacious. The CX-30 is billed as a five-passenger crossover, but putting three people in the back seat is mean. To get dual-zone climate control and rear air vents you must opt for the Select trim. Premium grade gives you a power liftgate, head-up display, and a moonroof.
Cargo room is competitive with the rest of the segment. Mazda also offers a rear camera for backing up, and the images are fairly crisp.
Overall the CX-30 shows nice, understated taste with high-end materials and nice fit and finish. Nestled between the CX-3 and CX-5, it offers a different flavor of utility than the Mazda3 hatchback. With the car starting at $22,945, it feels like you spent more.
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