2023 Mazda CX-30

Among its peers in the compact crossover SUV market segment, the Mazda CX-30 stands out for its fun-to-drive nature and upmarket interior. This should be even more true for the 2023 model, as the base engine receives a slight output boost and brings a notable efficiency improvement as a bonus. This takes the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter unit to 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque, an increase of five hp over last year's model. There is a turbocharged engine on offer, however, that makes up to 250 hp. Built on the same platform as the Mazda 3, the CX-30 is a hoot to drive.

But the segment isn't a quiet one, and competitors to the Mazda CX-30 include the Hyundai Kona, Volkswagen Taos, and Kia Seltos, all highly-rated too. But the CX-30 makes a very strong case for itself, even in the company of such accomplished opponents. While the Mazda's rear seating area is on the smaller side and its trunk isn't overly large in comparison to these opponents, it compensates with excellent driving dynamics, a really nice cabin, and a good value proposition.

The entry-level 2.5 S carries a base price of $22,950 while the 2.5 S Select costs $25,250. The mid-tier 2.5 S Preferred goes on sale for $28,220, and the new Carbon Edition begins at $29,290. The final model with the naturally-aspirated engine is the 2.5 S Premium at $31,500.

The 2.5 Turbo Premium starts at $33,800. It can be upgraded to the Turbo Premium Plus, which has the highest base price of $35,400. These are MSRP figures and do not include tax, registration, licensing, or Mazda's $1,275 destination charge.

Regardless of the engine under the hood, the Mazda CX-30 is very enjoyable to drive. This may be one of the best-handling compact crossover SUVs out there, with immediate responses to steering inputs, well-balanced behavior at its high grip limits, and controlled body motions in sudden direction changes. It drives more like a hot hatch than a small SUV but doesn't incur severe ride comfort compromises in doing so. A minor point of criticism is that the suspension may be too firm for buyers of the non-turbo variants, but not quite firm enough to fully contain all the performance on tap from the turbo engine.

The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine is a bit limp at low engine speeds, and needs to be wound up tightly to deliver its outputs. This is emphasized by a transmission that's programmed for efficiency rather than performance, resulting in rather gentle progress in normal driving. The turbocharged version has up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft on tap (a little less if you don't use premium fuel), so it is substantially quicker, and its useful bump in torque output overcomes the languid transmission programming.

The new Mazda CX-30 is one of the best compact crossover SUVs currently available, and strongly contends for class honors in a number of areas. It has arguably the nicest interior in its segment, looks more upmarket on the outside than it really is, offers a good balance between ride comfort and great handling, is good fun to drive even in its lower-powered trims, delivers plenty of power when fitted with the turbo engine, and has a very comprehensive standard safety specification and plenty of standard comfort and convenience features for the money. The IIHS's safety review of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 is a feather in its cap.

The CX-30's only downsides are that its rear seat is not as spacious as those of many competitors, and its cargo volume also lags behind the class leaders. But, if your planning doesn't include carting around a full load of large people and all their luggage, you'd do well to take the Mazda CX-30 for a test drive.

The CX-30 is a great deal, no matter which trim you opt for. Even the base model is well-equipped, especially with the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range. However, the turbocharged engine on the 2.5 Turbo models is an extremely tempting proposition. Unfortunately, these models are significantly more expensive, starting at around $33k, so they may not suit every wallet.

If you are on a tighter budget, the mid-tier 2.5 S Preferred would be a great place to start, and you can build on it with navigation and the wireless charging pad while still having some cash left over for one of the premium paint options without the cost of your Mazda CX-30 breaking the $30k mark.