I ordered a CX-30 as I'm more of a car guy, but have to deal with Colorado winters. This is basically a lifted Mazda 3. I didn't want an SUV, which all look cookie cutter to me. Plus, this gets better gas mileage than the CX-5 and 50. And I have no kids, so the small backseat is not an issue.
I think you missed the mark a bit on this. Buyers of the CX-30 were looking at the Mazda 3 and realized that the CX-30 is a lifted Mazda 3 hatchback. It’s got a fun factor that is hard to define and is gone when you hit the size of the CX-5. I’ve owned a CX-30 Turbo for 1.5 years, and I feel like they made this car for me. It’s literally exactly what I was looking for. I love the Mazda 3 hatchback but hate how low to the ground it is. This fixes that, and gives me nominally more trunk space. I had an Audi stick shift before this, and I am not kidding when I say my CX-30 turbo is much more fun to drive. Years ago I had an Acura TSX, and this rivals that in the fun to drive department. If you’re looking for a fun, sporty hot hatch type car, you have to check this car out
I bought my CX-30 for exactly the same reason. Liked the Mazda 3 hatchback but too cramped and low to the ground - this fixes that. The thing I don't understand is AMD mentions CX-5 or CX-50 when talking about the CX-30. The CX-30 is built on the Mazda 3 platform, and so is the CX-50. Exactly Mazda 3. CX-50 was not built on the CX-5 platform, the independent suspension is totally different than the 3, CX-30 and CX-50's torsion bar rear suspension. AMD reviewed the 5 and knows it has different suspension yet he keeps talking about the CX-30 in terms on the CX-50. I love his reviews but this one kind of makes the wrong comparison. His complaints about the window size and other cosmetic points he makes are also comparing them to the CX-5 and CX-50 and he should be comparing it only to the Mazda 3.
I just bought a 2023 Mazda CX-30 2 weeks ago. Love it so far. It’s big enough for me as I drive alone mostly. It has AWD which was very important to me.
Your review was forwarded to me by RU-vid and I watched all of your reviews on the CX-30, CX-5 and CX-50. I really enjoy your perspective on the mechanical end of the vehicles. Also, in full disclosure, I have a CX-30 Premium Turbo. Again, while I appreciate your perspective on the mechanical end of the vehicle, I think you’re well off base about quite a lot and you even contradict yourself. You said for $2000 more you get a lot more, but then you said it’s the same vehicle. What you should have said was for $2000 more you get more room. For me, at the trim level and model I have, it was a $3000 difference. I could have easily afforded a CX-5, but I preferred both the interior and exterior design of the CX-30 and I happily pocketed the $3000, plus tax, plus interest since I didn’t needs a CX-5. With regards to the exterior, I think it’s pretty close and there are design elements I like about both. However, I think you really missed the mark on the CX-30’s exterior design. With regards to the interior though I don’t think there’s a comparison as the CX-30 simply looks better. It’s more minimal and streamlined. The CX-5’s shifter is too far forward and upward tilting and the air vent stand out too much. Also, you make too much of the infotainment setup. It’s VERY easy to use, even with Apple Car Play, and if you have the vehicle for just a short time i’s easy to use without even looking. And my sleek screen is void of any fingerprints and looks as pristine as the day I took the plastic protector off of it. Still on the interior, I don’t have a family and I didn’t need the extra room. At most I’ll have two additional people in the vehicle and the third person is smaller such that they comfortably fit in the back. Fair game that it’s not a large backseat area, but it’s serviceable and not everybody needs that much room or has that many people they’re carting around. Speaking of room at the back, I completely disagree with your assessment of the back cargo area. PLENTY of room back there. Sure the CX-5 has more room, but do you need it? It always amazes me how reviews make such a big deal about such spaces providing all the measurements. I mean how much junk do people have that they need to haul around all the time? Overall, I think you make some fair points about the backseat space if you have a family or need a vehicle that regularly shuttles three to four passengers. And I think it’s also fair to say that Mazda’s own models can be it’s own competition. However, you’re really overstating that case and contradicting yourself in the process whilst also missing other finer points about the CX-30. Is it perfect? No, but I’ll happily continue to enjoy mine without wishing I had a CX-5 or even a CX-50 which would have cost at minimum $3000+ more.
IMO the smaller size is a plus vs the CX-5 rather than a downside. I prefer the maneuverability, turn radius, and easy parking of smaller cars. They also give a feeling of having more control. I'd sacrifice the extra space any day for that. Heck, I'd pay $2k more for the CX-30 rather than the reverse.
My partner is about 1.5m tall and our kid is not even 5 yo. Currently considering the CX-30 given its price and lifted body for the Canadian roads. It helps that I am 1.66m tall so the driver's seat never locates far into the knees of back passengers.
Size doesn't really matter for some people. It's subjective and depends on what it is used for. As in the saying, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder."
I am now on my second CX30. It's the perfect city car! Not too big, not too small. I have also had passengers of all heights in the rear seats (everyone was comfortable) and filled the rear compartment with loads of stuff (I do wish it was a touch bigger). The car drives so smoothly, is extremely responsive and handles very well. This person seems biased towards larger vehicles and against smaller CUVs. I also test drove a CX5 and hated it... Everyone has their opinions and he is providing an alternate view, but this was review was unbalanced imo.
Totally agree! incidentally the $2000 difference between the two cars is a lie; more like $6000 difference! for being a mechanic he seems to miss the most important point, in that the handling and comfort of the ride are shared by the same engine and dynamics of both cars! the only difference is the price and a few inches of interior space. My 85 yr old mother loves siting in the car! Sorry, but I refuse to pay several thousand dollars more for a few more inches of interior space!! I am 6 ft tall, and have no problem with the comfort and fitting into the tight space of the cx-30!
I also have chosen CX-30 over CX-5 back in 2020. It is 2 years and I an very happy with the car. No build-quality or technical issues so far. CX-30 is 200 kg lighter then CX-5, but has the same engine. CX-30 drives better. It is built on newer more efficient platform. CX-5 is noticeably solver, especially on inclines. In CX-5 you only get bigger trunk. Cabin space is very similar. Considering the size of a small family, smaller but more nimble CX-30 is better.
Yep. Totally agree. He missed a fun factor that is hard to quantify. The CX-5 feels like an SUV. The CX-30 feels like a hot hatch, and it flies with its large engine in its small body. This is a lifted Mazda 3, not a small CX-5
The CX30 is as much like a sports car as you can get from an SUV - or CUV - but I couldn't find a sports car with the safety features the CX30 has. It's much more fun to drive than its big brother, and it's easier to park in the city. It also costs less! I'm going to some concerts with the savings.
@@RockandRollWoman Not when things like the Porsche Macan GTS, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and others (even Ferrari has an "suv" now) exist. I will say the CX-30 is the sportiest psuedo SUV mere mortals can afford. Like others have said, it's basically a lifted Mazda 3 and retains most of that cars nimble, fun to drive nature.
When you consider the salesman's job is to conceal the reason you should not buy the product, this is great public service broadcasting and so informative AMD. The channels are developing nicely and not only entertain, they are educating us. I opened a truck fleet workshop in 1980, the guys were never happy with my OCD and continually washing the floor etc. Good on you for having standards and keeping the shop beautiful, I love it. Best wishes to you all for a successful future, please let me know when you introduce a customer collection service that reaches London, UK.
I chose a 2022 CX-30 CE (Carbon Edition) over the CX-5 CE or Premium earlier this year because I liked the fact that it was smaller. The CX-5 & CX-50 are too large for my taste/lifestyle. I'm happy with my CX-30 purchase thus far - no build-quality or technical issues to report. I had to black-out the trim, roof, roof rails & other parts on mine to make the thick black cladding & bumper look like a more natural part of the vehicle. Great little crossover if you don't want a larger vehicle & don't plan to put people in the back seat area.
@@greggf6831 No problems to report after owning my CX-30 CE for about 9 months now. Coming from a sedan, it took a bit of getting used to with regards to the CX-30 shorter-height side windows & a bit more limited rear visibility, but I have adapted just fine (& rear/side blind spot monitoring is great to help with that). The ride quality is much nicer & quieter/insulated than my 2020 Corolla SE sedan was, & no annoying inside dash/door rattles & vibrations like my Corolla was rife with (among other problems I ended up having with it, sadly enough). The headlight visibility at night is also *much better* in my CX-30 than my previous Corolla was. I'm happy with my CX-30 purchase.
@@N2LADIES55I don’t have the rear traffic cross alert, but I have do have the blind spot monitoring. It’s not a fail safe as you have to still look over shoulder. That said visibility it’s a huge issue in my opinion. I’d say about 15 months and 28,000 miles since I bought mine I’ve only had two instances where someone was in my blind spot and I did know it. I consider myself a very alert driver though and so it wasn’t an issue. And I would add that the blind spot monitor notifies you on the heads up display as well. Overall the vehicle has some great safety features that are new to me, but they do really work as intended.
You obviously have not driven both CX30 and CX5 to understand the difference between them, because the CX5 maybe bigger, but the CX30 drives like a luxury sports car with the SUV capability comparing to CX50 which drives more like a standard SUV. Besides, not everybody want a big SUV. As for the exterior, the CX50 looks completely different to CX30 in terms of size and design, it's a different car altogether. Those of us who own CX30s actually appreciate the simplistic yet elegant design of the Mazda’s signature KODO Motion philosophy, unlike your careless comment, Mazda put a lot of thought and effort into this sophisticate design.
I bought a 30 premium and when looking , tried the 5 and went with the 30 as i prefer smaller vehicles, did not need the back seat and the 30 was WAY more fun to drive than the 5. I have the na engine and regularly get 34-36 m'g highway at legal to slightly above legal speeds.
i owned a 2021 cx 30 turbo and loved it. then when i saw the cx 50 i had to get it and actually did and currently have the turbo model in zircon colour. after only 5000 km i regret letting go the 30, the cx 30 wa way faster and more agile and way less harsh on bumpy roads. i actually am letting go of my lease to get back the exact cx 30 turbo i had...lol i know
I'm thinking of switching from my 2016 3 iGrandTouring Hatchback to an SUV and was leaning towards CX-50 vs. 5 (for the added space) but people here are convincing me I need to give the CX-30 another look.
I have a carbon edition cx30 and I’ll tell you why not a cx-5… why does no one mention the tech is so much more outdated in that car over this car? The knob and system is like 10 years old. It’s the same on the cx-3 and current gen mx-5 has…. The cx-5 also looks so much more plain Jane. The cx-30 is beautiful
Have to agree with you!! I have a 2023 carbon edition cx30 and I love everything about it. The red seats are the perfect touch. My father got a 2024 cx5 and it’s feels so outdated compared to my 2023 despite some “updates” they did to the cx5
I went with a CX30 as I wanted something that could still be fun to drive while allowing for a variety of outdoor activities (camping, kayaking, hiking, motorcycle trailer, etc). We get decent snow where I am so the AWD as default is nice. It's just me and my son so extra room isn't a huge issue. It'll fit the two of us and plenty of camping gear and toys for a decent road trip while retaining some fun driving characteristics.
The CX30 was released a couple of years before the Cx50, and so it’s better to say that the CX50 is a bigger version of the CX30 than the CX30 is a smaller CX50
He missed the boat with this review- both the CX-30 and CX-50 are built on the Mazda 3's platform, not the CX-5. Nothing has been built on the Cx-5's platform with independent suspension - they all have the 3's torsion-bar rear suspension. He reviewed the 5 so how did he forget the platform? He should compare it to the 3 and other small compact SUVs, not the bigger, different CX-5 platform.
How about a review from a Master Technician that owns a CX-30? Of course I'm going to come across in favor of it, nobody wants to think that they made a poor choice. VBG. I have 19,000 miles on my 2021 Skyactive G 2.5l Non-Turbo, CX-30, it is notable that there are very few changes between the two years. My fuel mileage is a combined 32mpg, and I get as high as the low 39's on a highway trip with the AC on. So, there is a decent difference in fuel economy between the CX-30 and the CX-50. The majority of my usage has me solo in the vehicle. When I do have a passenger it's either just the wife in the right front seat, or it could be my granddaughter in the right rear in her car seat. The rear seat dimensions have not proven to be an issue up to this point. Considering I got the select model that listed close to 27K and I was out the door at just over $24K I judged it to be the best value for money and I have not been disappointed. I'll let you know how this holds up during the next ten years and the expected 400K+ miles.
I’m senior tech at mazda and this cars are great. I’m not saying that because I work at mazda, but I want to get one a mazda my self. I drive a 430 myself.. quality is great is not to cheap and it’s not too expensive. Plus the skyactive engine is great and reliable. Yea some older models have head issues but Thaths due to the manufacture when building them. Amazing cars I recommend them
How are the Skyactiv-x engines though? Similarly reliable? I know they got a compressor but still. You get those with 186hp in EU instead of 2.5 atmospheric in USA. Probably made to reduce emissions to fit in EU which answers the question by itself i guess.
Hello. Did little research. Between Mazda cx-30 and cx-5. The platforms are different. cx-30 derives its platform from 4th gen mazda3 with kodos and kai design of 2019. this platform uses more high grade steel. cx-5 platform is 3rd gen mazda platform of 2013 based on kodos design. Also, ofcourse the dimensions are different. Each has its strong points
Great review, thank you for taking the time to do these car reviews. I really appreciate your mechanical knowledge and thorough review. As of April 2023, the difference in base price btw the CX 30 -vs- CX 5 is now $3700. My wife loves the look & size of this small SUV and recently purchased one.
I checked the stock of my local US dealer-- all the CX-30 VINs start with 3 = Made in Mexico. I have reservations about buying a Mazda built in Mexico. The CX-5 VINs all start with J = Made in Japan. I personally prefer the smaller CX-30 and found the CX-5 to be too big for my needs. I'm hesitant to purchase a CX-30 even though I really like the car.
A couple of years ago, my wife and I went hunting for a Mazda. She had her sights on the CX-5. At the dealership, we both saw the CX-30. We both agreed that it looked quirky. It wasn't until that we both sat inside of the car, that it felt cramped with no good all round vision. She settled for the CX-5.
Some good points, but I picked the 30 over the 5 for a few reasons. Primary one is that it is a second car with my other car a slightly bigger SUV, so when I need the bigger cargo or back seat I have it. It is cheaper, more fun to drive, handles better, actually has a (very) slightly more powerful engine output, better gas mileage. For the "go to the store or Costco or weekend get away with 2 people" is fits the bill better for me. If I had to only have one vehicle, it may have been a tougher choice. That all said, the top-of the line CX-30 is pretty pricey and not sure there are not better choices as you pass $35K+, but in the
CX-30 beats everything else in this segment: 2.5L baseline engine, 191HP, AWD, traditional automatic (no CVT), luxurious interior. This review is nuts.
@Thankyou_3 disagree completely. 6 hondas in my family. My sisters 2006 is the oldest, she has replaced nothing. Nothing. Then there is another 8th gen Civic, a 9th gen Civic, a 9th gen Accord, a 3rd gen Cr-v and a 5th gen Cr-v. No problems on any of them.
i can see alot of car reviewers/car enthusiasts not understanding the small cuv/suv segment. but as a 5'2 person myself, something like the cx-5 can be too big, and can be unsafe for my even short folks (below 5 ft). While there are downsides of this cuv segment, it can be a win to smaller people that also want a taller ride height. I own a mazda 3 myself, and i did test drive the cx-30 while shopping, but i felt the belt line was too high, and the windows are too small like you mentioned. it made me felt crushed and not safe. Fortunately at 5'2, the mazda 3 is just perfect for me, and I do like the better driving dynamics more.
You did the right thing: properly test driving all of them to find what was the best fit for you. Infact the cx30 is on the same platform as the M3 just higher.
Apples/oranges. I don't think most people are cross-shopping the two. Many folks, myself included, just prefer the more sporty driving dynamics of a smaller vehicle. $2000 isn't going to make or break me. The CX-30 is more maneuverable, easier to park and handles better. It also has a little better fuel economy and is a more modern design. It looks more upscale. It is more of a "driver's car". We don't have kids. Looking at this to replace my Civic EX-T. My wife has a 2019 CX-3 Touring and loves it.
I drive a 2023 CX-5, normally aspirated, and I am very happy with it. However, I almost went with the CX-30. Yes, there are many similarities, and the quality of the drive and interior is likewise similar, but these two vehicles appeal to different circumstances. If I didn't need to occasionally take two passengers, I would have gone with the CX-30. It's a bit less expensive than the CX-5 (especially for what the car offers) and it's definitely a more spirited driving experience. For a single person, this is an ideal car. In fact, I only use the back seat once or twice a month. (When I need it, I NEED it!) However, if I didn't plan on using the backseat regularly, I would've happily chosen the CX-30. Car Care Nut, your reviews are generally well-thought-out, and your mechanic's perspective (and honest appraisal) is very much appreciated. However, you're a family man, and you're intuitively looking at this from that perspective. (I've owned a couple of minivans; I know where you're coming from.) The CX-30, however, is obviously NOT intended as a family mover. Once this is acknowledged, it's clearly a very strong contender for the average single person (and the occasional passenger).
Wrong information. It's not 2k difference. New 2023 CX5 base model is $26,700. Difference is $26700-$22500=$4200. 2022 CX5 base model was $26250 so if you can still find 2022 model it's $26250-$22500=$3750. Also please consider sales tax on them, in my state it is 6.5% so the actual difference is $4200+$273(sales tax difference)+$50 (destination charges difference)= $4523. Not sure if there will be difference in registration charges too. If you are financing it, add difference of the interest rate too. Also the insurance rate for CX30 is cheaper than CX5
Over 17 months into my 2022 CX-30 ownership experience & not a single issue or problem to report with the vehicle yet. Not even a single token inside cabin rattle. Best vehicle in its size/price segment. I feel that Mazda has managed to overtake both Toyota or Honda with regards to building quality ICE vehicle these days, but then both of those have also backslid on build quality & attention to detail. Mazda could have done a better job on the cladding for this vehicle though, & the fact that they didn't also black-out the front/side chrome trim & silver roof rails on this vehicle is borderline criminal. 😉
@@dang75790 Yep, but they don't design & build them for Mazda, they just own shares in the company & have a "partnership" for sharing certain tech/research & such. Toyota also owns part of Subaru in the same manner. The upcoming US Mazda hybrids in 2025/2026 will use a Toyota engine & hybrid-EV system, however, from what I hear.
Unusable back seat? I am 5’2 and the back seat is very usable. Handling is exceptional. More maneuverable than a CX 9. Interior is way better than a CX 5.
This is the first review of yours (that I've seen) where you didn't actually drive the car and comment on its ride quality, which is the main concern I have about the CX-30 (I don't care about its lack of backseat space since I'm single and live in the city, so the smaller size is actually the main attraction of this SUV for me). Different reviewers had different opinions about its ride quality with some calling it uncomfortably firm while others calling it smooth and compliant! I know the tire size the test vehicle each reviewer happened to get may have contributed to those differing opinions, but I would still have liked to hear about what you thought of the ride quality.
I bought a cx 30 last week and was really surprised at how well it drives. My wife drives a Lexus rx350 and this little mazda drives nearly as well. It's a great little vehicle for the money.
The ride quality is on the firmer side. If you’re driving at low speed (20mph) on a badly paved road it’s not the most comfortable. But once you start picking up speed the car seems to soak all the imperfections. That’s my opinion after driving it for 2 months
I’m not him but I purchased one of these. And while the rear suspension doesn’t feel as sophisticated over bumpy roads as my CX-5 or Mazda 3, I love the car and have no complaints about the ride. I have the turbo w AWD and it’s about the funnest car I’ve ever owned and the only Mazda that makes me smile every time I drive it. I enjoy it more than the other 2 and was so surprised by that on the the test drive that I just had to have a CX-30 turbo. I disagree with the Car Care Nut on his assessment this time. On styling that is since we didn’t get driving impressions. This car is toss-able and nimble. I highly recommend!
Mazda is either brave, bold, crazy, stubborn, wreckless or innovative. The way they use the same engine in their full size SUV, as they do in their smallest, is pretty wild.
Yes, Mazda Spent the time and money to develop one engine properly so it's bullet proof. They also have a 2 litre version/option in our countries like here in Australia
The Mazda CX30 is a brilliant stylish car with excellent build quality and a nice friendly solid driving experience we have had our CX30 Sport for over a year and it has given us a trouble free driving experience Our CX30 has all the extras you need and more with adaptive cruse control driving in town is done with your thumb on the selection control on a long trip you have all the safety features to keep you safe and it soaks up the miles with ease We don't have children and the rear of the car is a little tight but a young family with toddlers will be fine You can truly have fun in a CX30 and even relax while you drive my wife and I would recommend a CX30 to anyone in fact all the Mazda range are quality and packed with tec Bear Hull UK
I went one week ago to mazda showroom and i was impressed with interior quality and back seat space as i heard a lot of reviewers complaining about it , go check this car in person it looks really good outside and inside luxurious, and i think this car space more than enough for small family of 4
You're absolutely right! 2 grand isn't a big difference and that's why I bought a 2020 Mazda CX-5 Grand Touring and I love it. CX30 is to small for my children and it has to much cladding. Appreciate your reviews lately on the Mazdas . You're very thorough 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Here in Canada the difference between cx30 and cx5 base models is 4000, so option for CX30 might make sense for some people. Also, it's strange that you are having just 23 MPG. Some people claim to get 37 on a CX30.
You would have to pay me at least $2k more to own a CX5! This smaller, sportier car is more fun to drive, easier to park, costs less to register and insure, gets better mileage, and did I mention that it's more fun to drive? The feel is as close to a sports car as I could find in this price range with safety features like blindspot detection. I understand that you're a big car guy, which is fine, but there's no reason to question the rationality of all of us happy CX30 drivers. Viva la difference...
I like your videos and great information but I have to disagree on this one. I prefer the CX-30 because it is smaller than the CX-5 or CX-50. Not everyone just wants to have bigger vehicles...I l bought a 2022 CX-30 with the Select package and normally aspirated engine and it is great for me and I don't care about the small backseat because 99% of the time I do not have passengers in the rear seat. In addition AWD is standard on all SUV/CUV's from Mazda now so that it is a great plus.
I don't have a family. it is perfect for me. smaller size is a plus. I would probably always have the back seat folded down. I think of it as a raised hatchback with higher ground clearance that I can drive in all weather.
Hello. I want to thank you for your channel! You give wonderful reviews for the mechanically inclined and for those are looking for options and style. I pretty much agree with you on the CX-30 when I was car shopping. So I did by a 2024 CX-30 at the lowest trim level price point on the lot which was the Select S. The dealer really worked with me to get out of 2021 Honda Passport lease as lost all equity. I am not new to small cars as I've been a Honda owner for many years. I was considering the CX-5 however it was $4,000 + more due to the inflation. So I am in my 60s and single. I love this sporty CX 30!! I don't never think I'll go back to Honda. This car is so quiet comparatively and the ride smoother with few quirks upshifting. It's perfect for me and I'm 5'7". A friend of mine who is 5'9 sat up front and has two middle school children who fit perfectly in the backseat. Just have to adjust the front seats to accommodate others. I do agree getting out that back seat door can be a struggle for adults. In 3 weeks of owning it, my city mileage improved to 24mpg.. highway to 33mpg going 75-80mph. Not thrilled about the outer body design on any Mazda but i can live with it. I would like try a CX-50 maybe in the future of the CX-5 is no longer around. PS... But I saw on the Mazda website that the CX-5 has 187 HP engine but the cx30 has a 191 HP... I am no mechanic.
Bigger is not always better. The CX-30 is perfect for singles, couples, empty nesters, and urban dwellers. I’m buying one for my son cause he needs a car 1) with enough power to climb California’s grapevine when he travels back and fourth during holidays, 2) small enough to maneuver and park in L.A., and 3) with enough ground clearance to avoid curbs cause he can’t parallel park.😂 Reliability and safety are a given, but much appreciated with teenage auto insurance coverage.😅🤪
I will be buying a car for my daughter in a few years and this CX30 and the Lexus UX250H are two prime candidates. For sure I will look for a 2-3 year old low mileage used cars.
Great review as always but the point of this car is its an alternative to the Mazda 3 not the bigger Cx-5 but you are right why buy this and not the CX-5.I just bought a CX-5 Kuro in Canada its almost as good as a Lexus NX for about 15k less.
I don't know where you've been lately, but the mazda cx30 actually made his debut in ginevra 2019, the cx50 launched in Jan 22. It really annoyed me a lot when you compared to the cx50 every freaking 2 minutes. The mazda cx30 has got the exterior design from the actual mazda kodo design philosophy, so it's got nothing to do with mixing other mazda models, it's the other way around. I would strongly suggest you to check out at least wikipedia and mazda website before releasing any car review other than toyota and lexus.
Bought the 2024 refreshed model with full top spec G25 (Called Astina in Australia) and only downside is the orange peel paint that the robots apply nowadays plus these must run a minimum of 95 Octane (RON) or preferably 98 here in Australia. And naturally I bought the FWD version for a saving of AU$2,500.00 and 200lbs less kerb weight over the AWD model. Not a fan of the Skyactiv G technology however only Mazda make a small gasoline SUV that does NOT have a dang DCT or CVT! Great review. 5 stars.
People forget that in the 90s this car would be slightly above average in size. I love the small windows. It makes me feel cozy, kinda like in a cocoon. I never feel like i need more room. I fit a 68” tv in here, a 7 cubic foot freezer and a leather recliner, not all at once of course. I prefer this to the cx5 because its MORE comfortable. You sit more upright in the cx5. The cx50 is also much more expensive and looks a bit weird. This car is perfect.
@The Car Care Nut The excessive use of RTV to seal at the factory is a bit concerning these days. One disastrous example these days is the Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ having excess RTV clogging up the oil pickup and causing engine failure.
My kid is a senior in college and when she's home, she drives her own car. I never have anyone in my back seat. My wife or a friend would bebthe only passengers. This car makes sense for me. I don't want a bigger car, don't need all the extra room.
i subscribed cause you blessed us at the end. i had a feeling your heart and head were in the right place, and the ending just confirmed it. bless your soul. very nice and honest review, thank you.
Always enjoys his details reviews on other makes. I worry about carbon build up on Mazda engines But I like Mazda vehicles and they do a good job in quality, having owned a few.
Unless it doesn't fit your parking situation. Unless you don't have kids and have no need for a needlessly large SUV thing. Unless you like a smaller more maneuverable SUV with better performance that's easier to park.
"Unless you like a smaller more maneuverable SUV with better performance that's easier to park." That doesnt exist. What are you smoking? Smaller like the Kona? If you want better performance than the stock 2.5L engine on this thing, you'll need to shell for a turbo. Have fun in your 152HP 2.0L Subaru.
I have a 2023 cx-30 turbo premium. I had a 2023 cx-5 signature. Couldn't stand the hard seats in the cx-5. I also thought the cx-5 was too roomy and spread out. I couldn't keep my elbow on center console and hold the steering wheel. Traded for the cx-30 and although smaller, the fit is much more comfy. Since i am only 5' 5" tall and a empty nester it made more sense. My only issue is once again "THE SEATS" although not quite as bad as the cx-5, the driver seat can put pressure on my left thigh. This is a Mazda issue that is caused by the size of the seat pan. Would be a easy fix if they would just listen to their customers.
I have a 2006 Highlander with over 200,000 miles on it. It is well maintained and in good shape. My issues it that I have a water leak on the drivers side front floor board. I have checked the sun roof drains and they are clear and when I pour water in the drain it comes out the bottom. I saw on You Tube where a guy drilled out his Pillar Post to make a drain, and another guy poured drain O in to clean out a clog. I have asked the local Toyota service dealer and he says he doesn't know anything. I have a fellow employee that when through the same thing with his 2006 Highlander and he said they never found a solution for the fix. It's a great car and I can't stand to see it get destroyed by water.
This was my top pick as a couple with no kids - something bigger than a hatchback but that retains the driving traits of a smaller car. The cx5 feels more like a family car… this is why I think the sub compact section exists. If not the cx30 - can someone recommend a better alternative (that has as good interior quality and styling + reliability?). The Mazda 3 feels too small…
Mazda tries to buy my car back every time I bring it in for routine maintenance saying this car is in high demand. 2020 preferred AWD. I have said no . 3 years and happy with my CX 30.
As a Peugeot owner I dont agree it does look wierd, you might have a point and it might be the actual truth about the car, but I did not see it. Perhaps you must really know Mazda to see it? I have a Peugeoit 2008 now and is very happy with it, but as it looks in the future the petrol cars will only remain in 130 HP, so Im looking for other cars to lease when the time comes and if nothing changes. And this Mazda have caught my eyes, it doesent look as good as peugeot 2008 and dont have the same good interior, buuuuuut. I like the looks of it and the interior is good and above all has more HP.
You spent a lot of time discussing why this is a bad buy. I think you should have thought about the use cases this car would be good for. We are retired, no kids or grand kids. This is a perfect second car for my wife who does not want the bigger CX-5. The small back seat is a non issue for us. A great city runner for groceries etc.
I am currently leasing a 2022 CX30, have had it for 18 months. There are two reasons I am eagerly anticipating upgrading to the 5. One, I feel claustrophobic when the door is closed, especially if I have to wear a coat or am trying to put stuff in the passenger seat as I’m getting in. I’m not a small person, but also not that big. Two, the infotainment system is unreliable, at least in this car. The sound randomly doesn’t work. Extremely annoying. Having said that, the car handles like a Miata, and it can accelerate even at freeway speed amazingly. The interior feels premium. It is just not a great fit for me.
The cx5 has more room but has worse mileage and if u want awd costs more, less ground clearance and slower since it weighs more. Cx30 are for people who don’t want a subaru with a boxer engine nor a cvt and also who don’t want to pay an extra 10k for the rav4 adventure for some outdoor dirt roads
A sub compact crossover is basically a tall hot hatch with AWD for all season driving. Just like a hot hatch, people who buy it only need space for two the majority of time, so they’d rather have the extra fuel efficiency or extra acceleration. The CX-5 is indeed larger, but it’s also slower and guzzles more gas.
So what is your view on cylinder deactivation? Is is OK, or a future issue, or otherwise an annoyance. If not, it might be a good car to consider. Fun and looks -- pretty cool!
Car Care Nut, I love how detailed you are in your videos. I noticed you mentioned the sealer was applied sloppy, is this a difference between a Mazda made in Mexico vs Japan? Do you recommend the JDM over the Mexico version?
There haven’t been any notable quality differences between USA-market vehicles made in Mexico or Japan. That goes for any brand. Vehicles that were made for third world countries, such as the Chevy Trax, THOSE are the times when you gotta know what market the car was made for.
@@2004cyrus cx-30 with skyactiv X engines are still being built in Japan and skyactiv g EU version was being built in Japan until 2021 from what i know
The questionable visibility with those tiny windows, and the awkward entry/exit were enough for me to keep looking. I don't need a whisper quiet luxury interior. I need a car that can get out of its own way and is very reliable. Getting a Corolla Cross XSE next month.
I have not yet sat in the seats of this model but other reviews say the seats are very comfortable and those same reviewers said the CX-5 seats have a hard seat bottom by comparison. I test drove a used 2020 CX-5 and found the seats too hard for long distance driving, just as the reviewer claimed. If I were to buy a CX-30 over a CX-5 it would be because of the seats (assuming they are indeed softer and more padded than the CX-5).
Don't like the A pillars on CX-5 and cylinder deactivation. The rest is fine. The CX-30 is pretty cool looking, but the backseat is zero, and the window so small.
The Toyota era of Mazda is turning them around from fhe Ford era. I believe the Dynamic Force engine is built from SKYACTIV R&D so I'm jot surprised it reminds you of them. I wouldn't be surprised to see Mazda's 3.3 Inline 6 finding it's way into Lexus products soon.
