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.
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.
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.