Is the 2020 Mazda CX-30 a BETTER SUV than the CX-3? 

Bought a CX-3. Great build quality, super responsive and fun to drive.

CX 3 all day for me

This channel has been really active recently. Great job Joe!

Having watched many baby suv reviews, Mazda CX-3 is still my fav and lucky that it's still very popular and active in AU&NZ market. I'm thinking buying CX-3 as my very first car as it just meets all my needs!! I need a bigger version of hatchback but not yet a bulky suv. CX-3 is taller and wider just to the perfect and also able to handle more complex road condition with a more powerful engine and torque. CX-30 is way too expensive and big for me. I'd rather use the extra money to buy some add-ons on top of a basic CX-3. It looks classic and sharp. I'm not a big fan of those very trendy cars like Toyota CH-R. To me it's more like a toy with less fun to drive. Too many automatic things and reduced engine power are not for me. My driving instructor has CX-3 and whenever I drive it, it's just as cool as how it looks. 🥰

As a Mazda fan I love it when you give these in depth reviews of their products. Another great one Joe!

This is a birthdays surprise for me 😄thank you joe for your hard work into these RU-vid videos 💪

My father was a used car salesman so I have always been exposed to all types of cars and trucks So I have always had a car sickness that I always have to the make and model of every vehicle I see and watch a lot of car reviews on RU-vid So I just wanted to say I enjoy and think you are the BEST and my FAVORITE reviewer:)

The gentleman doing these reviews is very pleasant, informative, and entertaining personality which personal investment in a presentation matters or passion for another word. Excellent job.

Very detailed review thank you for all of this!

Lol bro you ran like 5 stop signs. does the mazda warn you when cops are around?

Just bought a CX-30 GS-L AWD. Love it, every second of it.

I plan on buying a new vehicule next year and was pretty much "eye-ing" the CX3. With the coming out of the CX30, I wasn't sure of my choice anymore so thanks for this video. When the time comes for me to start shopping, I will probably test drive both models. I don't need much space as I am the only driver and I'm only 5 ' tall. By the way, I'm still driving my old Mazda 3 **2009** to this day and it's still rolling well :) Takes me everywhere I want to go, no hassle. Everything manual in it including the roll down windows... so I'll have a lot of learning new gadgets to do !

The advantage of CX-3 really is just that it is cheaper at least in my region. And although it is small, considering that it is a Japanese brand it is reasonable to make it its size since the average height in Asia is a bit shorter and not a lot of people would find it cramped. Suits me well.

Ahh Joe, as far as I know you're the only reviewer out there with a head to head of the CX-3 and the CX-30. Good job! ... Now could you do a comparo between the CX-30 and the Mazda3? 😁🙏

Thanks for answering my questions!

I bought the Cx3. I love it, perfect sized car for my needs.

Wonderful video and review! :) You review video played a pivotal role in my decision. I was deciding to buy the Mazda CX-3 initially but in the car dealer's showroom saw this Mazda CX-30. After reading up on both models and also watching your review video and comments and test-driven both, I decided to buy the Mazda CX-30. I have taken delivery of the vehicle and drove it for a few days. No regret. It is such a wonderful car! :} Even though other competitor models will beat it in one area or other, but as a whole package the Mazda CX-30 is a very well-rounded package. No car in its class can be above all of its competitors in all areas, but as a well-optimised package of all areas the Mazda CX-30 is excellent. :) Once again, praise to you and your excellent review video. :)

U the man, hardest working man on RU-vid 👍👌🏼😎

thank you so much for a great job on the mazda cx 3 vs the Mazda 30 comparison.

Hey joe love all yo videos great job, planning to go for a Cx 30 how was the cabin noise when you were driving? Thanks

I think Mazda should retire the CX3 and concentrate on making the CX30 even better! Nice job Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

i think the CX3 is better. It´s way cheaper and has a perfect size for 2 people who only need the 2 rear seats occasionally. For 4 people, the CX5 is better than the CX-30.

ok, 2017 CX-3 GT driver here. Not much has really changed other than the trim, so my experience is still pretty relevant to this discussion. I'm about mid-5', and I have never really found the back seats cramped. I have also never felt like I did not have enough room in the trunk. I was able to move across the country in this, and had enough space for everything I needed to feel at home, as well as my bf's suitcase as he helped me with the driving. The one thing I really miss is the power seats in my sister's Mazda3. Honestly I'm kinda annoyed that the CX-30 is the same price as the CX-3. Our streets need more small cars. The main advantage to the CX-3 is kinda irrelivent now than the Mazda3 has an AWD option. Before the most recent revision of the Mazda3, the CX-3 was the smallest option with AWD. That's why I wanted the CX-3, because I was moving to a place with snow. If I could have had a Mazda3 with AWD I would have taken it easily. The only advantage I see the CX-30 has over the Mazda3 is the slightly lifted ride height, but as long as you stick to paved roads, the slight lift isn't going to really help anyone. On the older style flip up HUD, this is purely my opinion, but I really prefer the old style HUD. The slight tint to the panel helps when it's bright. You can adjust the height so it shows up above the hood, Raiti didn't adjust it far enough before driving, I think. Plus the HUD feels more light a jet with the panel, not just projected on the screen. Feels more fun. Unless you're 6' tall, the CX-3 isn't too small inside. It's a bit more snug compared to the larger car, but it has never felt cramped. The CX-30 will probably kill the CX-3, and honestly that has me sad. We need more smaller cars, and I don't really see any advantage the CX-30 has over the normal Mazda3

In Canada the CX3 has a GT model with power drivers seat. Bought one $33.000 CDN

17:41 the best thing about cup holders being moved is how it improves ergonomics with where arm and hand fall. They intentionally made the arm rest on door and centre the sane comfortable height and the hand naturally falls onto command wheel whereas before you had to reach over cups. When shifter is in drive (when in use) the cups have no obstruction. Only time it’s a pain is in park…. But reaching from either side is ok.

Definitely CX30! Thank you for the review

Another great review. I actually had a 2016 CX3 grand touring. And, while I loved the looks of it, and it was fun to drive, it was a bit too small. I agree with you that the CX 30 seems to have fixed any gripes with the CX 3. Again, thank you for your great reviews. I always get a kick out of your measuring storage compartments with how many Twinkies and Little Debbies would fit. LOL

so what do you think when it comes to the dimension on the back seat? is the cx3 really cramped compared to cx30?

Yes!!! Great video Joe!!!

Thanks for the valuables information

I love your approach to car reviews... "circus peanuts, Twinkies" haha well done!

I like your comparison reviews! Haven't been around a Mazda, SUV, in twelve years, however, I wasn't all that disappointed in them. 👍

I'm always craving snacks after watching your reviews. I wonder why, hmm... lol

Excellent review you are the best!!

Can you compare the headlights? I got a 2021 Mazda3 hatchback AWD and loved it until nightfall. The brights illuminate a very small area and driving on country roads was hazardous. The CX-30 lighting is much brighter and broader - does the CX-3 have the same kind? This is surprisingly hard information to find.

A comparison between the Mazda 3 Hatchback and the CX-30 would be interesting. Agree with another post, CX-3 should be rebranded as CX-2 (based on Mazda 2 or discontinue it altogether), and the CX-30 rebranded as a CX-3 (based on the Mazda 3) or as the CX-4. All other Mazdas have a single number. Great review as always.

Watching Joe pump that seat lever like he’s jacking up a car for a tire change makes me realize how much we take power seat controls for granted lol

I didn’t think the 2020 cx 3 had a sunroof/moonroof? I can only find that they have only 1 trim (the Sport) with no moonroof/sunroof. Did they only make a few and then stop making them?

Good job! One note: the lower trim levels of the CX30 don’t have cylinder deactivation. The top level trims do; same 2.5 engine just added cylinder deactivation. Which I will avoid.

I've just bought a 2018 CX-3 GT sport, can't wait to pick it up next week. I prefer the look of it to the CX30 and I don't need more space.

The CX-3's touch screen doesn't work past 5 or 10 miles an hour. After that you have to use the scroll wheel. Same in my Miata (which uses almost all of the same interior). While my Miata is in the shop, the dealer gave me a CX-3 to borrow and I love it. I'm 6' 1" and it feels very nice and roomy. My only gripe with it is the one I have doesn't have the Bose sound system. It's a little weak at 140hp...but I'm hoping in future years Mazda will push the CX-3 towards more of a hot hatch vehicle. Put a little more power in it and give it a few more curves and it'd be a hot seller.

I’m buying cx 30 because of your review

Great review my friend, cx3 is nice but its the cx 30 all day for me.

I noticed while watching this is that the CX-30 looks like it was bought a while ago, does it age well? Maybe its the colour? Or the lighting?

Would you choose cx 30 over Honda hrv ?

I actually just purchased a 2021 CX-30 (certified) from this dealership. It was Ed Morse Mazda, but is now known as Coast Mazda. Their service department is top notch and this is my second vehicle I've purchased from them. I absolutely love my CX-30! This is my 3rd Mazda and I would recommend this over any other brand of car as they have been very reliable. When I was looking to trade in my old Buick years back (which I constantly had to repair), I looked at a CX-3 and loved the style and way it drove. However, I play hockey and the back was way too small for my equipment even with the seats folded down. It also had barely any leg room for passengers in the back. So, I leased a CX-5 which was perfect then later got a great deal on a 3. Both of those vehicles were absolutely solid. However, out of all my Mazda's, my CX-30 is my favorite because it combines the SUV like space of the CX-5, but sits lower and rides like the 3. It gets great mileage and I spent less and got more than I would have on a Honda. My CX-30 also has the premium package and the inside has everything you'd get in a luxury vehicle. I always say that the CX-30 is everything the CX-3 should have been.

I'm also 6ft tall and interesting thing for me was that both times getting into CX30 bumped my head on roof. Everything else agreed with, shame they changed the front grill because CX3 much better!!!🙂

Is the Mazda cx30 better than the Honda Insight? I don’t know which one is a better choice.

Can someone tell me what the win is in having usb/power outlets inside the center console? I don’t understand when someone would ever use it rather than having one in the back seat.

I have a Miata, it needs a big brother. Joe’s got one for me: CX30. Thanks Joe, love ya. Pete

Joe, You dropping so many new videos, I can't keep up.

I know this is an older video, so you might not see this one Joe but what is the purpose of that clear/light blue plastic piece above the steering wheel that you said blocks the heads up display? Why did Mazda ever even put that there? On the CX-3*

Well I’ve watched about 20 videos on this vehicle. The answer seems to be the CX 30 is fantastic. Great interior... nice design. Yeah I know the cladding in the CX30 causing some to run and scream! I just a bit worried about the cylinder deactivation on the top trim... cause I like the top trim as it has the new Gray color, real leather and a heads up display! Joe... should I risk this cylinder deactivation. They’ve had problems in the past.,,

Also why did they stop make the cx-3 and change it to the cx-30

Great Review!

without waste of words thanks

one good thing about the new 3's and 30. they improved the sound system. they got the woofer out of the door in the 3's anyway, dunno about the 30.

wich is better 2020 mazda6 or 2020 mazada cx-30

CX 30 is the winner. It is simply more current. Good comparo!

Personally I prefer manual seats of at all possible. I think doing cx30 vs cx5 would be a great next comp video!

How is the torque on the cx30

Doug did a video on the CX-30 as well today..Wonder who he got the idea from😂 (just kidding)

Wondering if the CX-3 will be discontinued? With the CX-30 now launched, it seems that the lineup is a little cluttered with a slightly smaller CUV. I have an 18 Mazda 6, so I was doing a little comparing between the two this past weekend, while waiting for some maintenance to be done on my car.

Cx 3 is so much more pleasing to the eyes.

If I had to choose between these two, I would go CX-30 as well. Yeah I'm not as big a fan of the exterior looks (too much flap black plastic) but everything else is spot on. And to be honest this car is barely any more expensive than the Mazda 3 it is based on (Maybe by like ~$2k at most). It's a no-brainer. You want me in a 3 or CX-3? Time to start chopping that price down a bit and maybe I'll consider it.

Great video! That said, I'm probably the only person who test drove both the 2020 CX3 (one trim only) and the 2020 CX30 and opted to purchase the CX3. I just think the CX3 is so gorgeous and "tiny"...it's the vehicle that I went to the dealership to test drive and I'm glad I was able to get one from Concord Mazda here in the Bay Area.

I have a 2018 CX-3. I regret not getting a 3 hatchback instead.

I had a 2019 CX3 and after a year got rid of it as it was too small, cramped rear legroom, limited cargo, buzzy engine, harsh and bumpy ride due to torsion rears! Wanted a larger and more comfortable ride so I test drove this and wasn’t thoroughly impressed, more quiet, nicer interior and slightly larger cargo with better engine but didn’t like the large plastic cladding and still cramped rear legroom and torsion rears. Ended up with 6 that was larger, more comfortable and quieter cabin plus felt more solid. Only thing I missed was the AWD but was a small trade off for a better ride and much lower price. Plus, the CX30 was $8K more than my 6! The CX30 on its own is good if you are coming from another brand but not a huge improvement from a CX3!

Drivers hate the drivers' side seatback pocket. Nothing more annoying than a passenger rummaging through it while you're driving.

note that Mazda makes its own automatic transmission. double anti-zonk

Just why oh why do manufacturers not wanna give us the hydraulic hood supports. Can't add that much cost to a vehicle. But I love how quiet the Mazda sound when engine running

Alright, two for one! 🤩

Hey Joe great video! What are thoughts on the cx30 vs the larger cx5 with the base engine? Does the cx30 with the same engine feel quicker because of its weight? Hows the ride compare, handling, etc.?

I’m trying to decide the Mazda cx3, the Kia Soul and the Hyundai Kona. All great small SUV’s but what would be your choice???

I noticed you did not show that under the CX-3 storage in the back is another panel that lifts to reveal the spare tire.

Mazda had a recall on the cylinder deactivation last year , hope this model is free from glitches

Cx3 for Me

Love it ❤️

Just learned Joes comment reply go to is “Totally agree with you!”

I am considering the CX-30 Preferred Package for my next vehicle. Probably in 2021. I wish Mazda would give you the option of turning off Deactivation like some of the others do. I want fog lights so I can see all the wild animals near the road at night since I live in the country. A Mazda dealer 30 minutes from my home would be nice.

There really is no comparison. I wanted to buy the CX-30 until I found that Australia weren't going to import the one I wanted so I did a ton of research. The CX-30 is in a totally different league to the CX-3.

Why don’t they rename the cx3 to cx2 and rename the cx30 to cx3. Does the back seats of the cx30 fold down “ completely” flat?

The answer to the title is YES. Roll credits :P

I never heard you talk about handling in curves. I have a cx3 and it handles almost as well as my audi tt. I have taken cx 5's out and they handle sloppy

Nice review as always ❤️👌

I’m still thinking wich car to buy...the Mazda3 Hatchback or the CX-30. Help me here please!

That Mazda red is nice my dude I like it in every single model

Joe, the Vanna White of car reviewers🤣

Last year my girlfriend was looking at replacing her Hyundai accident with a CX3, because it was the same size. She had her heart set on one until I had her sit in the CX5, than her heart was set on it. She got herself a 2016 CX5 AWD GX with the convenience package and 56,000 kms. She loves it. 9L/100 kms average gas mileage. I’m thinking of the CX30 for myself as my next car as I don’t like the redesigned Mazda3 hatchback, as my 2015 Mazda3 looks better. Of course I might cave and get the CX5 diesel as I do about 350 kms a week.

Which one is the winner for you brother?

I love that CX-30!

Alright guys! So funny how every next paragraph starts with...."alright guys". You're cool though! Always a great review.

Good job

The big plus's on Mazda's - NO CVT transmissions - very good quality control - very good reliability. Zonks on Mazda's - smallish display - should offer more exciting colors like the Soul Red - no Turbo option.

Joe review 2020 tacoma please.

You get a basic trim 2.4 hyundai Santa Fé for 28.000, much more car for the money... 26 / 34 mpg due to the 8 speed automatic transmission, is the king of the hill...

I think the name familiarity will be confusing for buyers. Maybe they should have rebranded the CX-3 the CX-2 and call the new CX-30 the CX-3...I’m not sure if that would have worked but I can see this being confusing! I also wish they could bring back regular names instead of Alpha-Numeric nomenclature!

Tbh i srsly prefer the cupholder like this cx30 . I drive a cx5 and always buy starbucks or mcd drive thru. And the straw are superrrr annoying when i wanna rest my hand on the centre armrest. Not to mention its actually harder to grab it and drink because i need to bend my arms awkwardly

At 29:58 our hero blows a stop sign in the CX-30. Probably shouldn’t do that on camera 😂