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2020 Mazda CX-30 Classes Up Subcompact SUV Class

mazda cx 30 2020 cl 02 exterior red front jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 01 exterior red profile jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 08 wheel jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 04 exterior red front angle jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 03 exterior headlight jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 07 exterior taillight jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 12 interior front row jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 13 interior center console jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 09 interior front row cockpit shot jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 14 door interior jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 10 front row jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 15 second row jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 11 front row jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 02 exterior red front jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 01 exterior red profile jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 08 wheel jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 04 exterior red front angle jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 03 exterior headlight jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 07 exterior taillight jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 12 interior front row jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 13 interior center console jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 09 interior front row cockpit shot jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 14 door interior jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 10 front row jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 15 second row jpg mazda cx 30 2020 cl 11 front row jpg

Automakers continue to find new ways to slice the SUV class, and the 2020 Mazda CX-30 is the latest example of this trend. Slotting between the CX-3 and CX-5 in Mazda’s lineup, the CX-30 offers the same clean styling and available premium interior as other Mazdas. The CX-30 hits dealerships next month with a starting price of less than $23,000.

Related: More 2019 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

The CX-30’s exterior features smooth, mostly unadorned sheet-metal, but it gets more cladding on the wheel arches and lower portion of the doors than the CX-5. The rear roof pillars are swept forward, giving the SUV a more athletic look.

Mazda had a top-of-the-line Premium trim level (priced from $29,245) on the auto show floor, and the SUV’s cabin lives up to the trim name. With rich leather upholstery and padded touchpoints, the interior has a classy, upscale look. The only thing that breaks up that impression are the basic-looking dashboard vents in front of the front passenger.

The backseat in the CX-3 is tight, and the new CX-30’s backseat is still small; there’s not much legroom for adults. Headroom, however, is surprisingly good despite the CX-30’s sleek exterior design. If you need more cargo space the second-row seat folds flat.

mazda cx 30 2020 cl 15 second row jpg 2020 Mazda CX-30 | Cars.com photo by Christian Lantry

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Senior Road Test Editor
Mike Hanley

Mike Hanley has more than 20 years of experience reporting on the auto industry. His primary focus is new vehicles, and he's currently a Senior Road Test Editor overseeing expert car reviews and comparison tests. He previously managed Editorial content in the Cars.com Research section.

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