Which Mazda crossover is right for you? | Mazda CX-5 or Mazda CX-30 

I wish you reviewers wouldn't constantly fetishize the top trims. I'd be a lot more interested in finding out what one of the more affordable trims is like.

I just bought a 2024 Mazda CX-30 S AWD for $24, 900, which is the base model. Yes, it doesn't come with a sunroof, heated seats, remote liftgate, leather seats, turbo engine, and with very limited interior space; but as an educated consumer some of those extra trimmings will require higher maintenance, and possibly future costly repairs. The Cx-5 is perfect for a small family, and I am being reserved! while the CX-30 is more catered towards a single person or a couple! additionally the CX-30 is much better on gas, and an ideal city car. I love how it handles city traffic in a very comfortable and stabled ride, and parking the car in tight spaces is a new thing for me; since I was a previous owner of a 2008 Honda CR V. I am sorry but I refuse to pay an extra $6000 for six inches more of space, that the CX-5 offers over the CX-30. I have no regrets buying the CX-30. I am a long term car owner, as I usually keep my cars for at least 15 years. My previous 2008 Honda was totaled, and that is why I had to buy a new car. If it wasn't for that unfortunate accident I would still held on to my 2008 Honda CR V; which incidentally I was shocked how much the insurance paid me for its market value, $8,800!!! I don't think I' will ever get that much from a Mazda CX-30, thou!

I fell in love with the CX-30 when I visited the Mazda Hiroshima plant back in 2019. A year later, I got mine, and it's the best daily driver I've ever owned.

Single= CX30 Kids=CX5

Great review. The only thing I’d disagree with is, the CX-30 turbo is very impressive and has more than adequate punch in my opinion - especially in its class. It’s also a very smooth, buttery drive, and the steering is amazing - I’d say it mimics many of the more expensive luxury German cars. The big harsh bumps are a little more noticeable in the CX-30 vs. the CX-5, but the overall ride glides a bit better in the CX-30.

The CX-30 does have tire pressure information but you have to search for it. It's under Information > Vehicle Status Monitor > Maintenance Details. I had my CX-30 in for service this weekend and they gave me a CX-5 as a loaner car for two hours. Two hours was not enough time to experience this car but it looks and drives well. I also love the little holographic MPH display on the windshield.

I purchased the 2022 CX30 Turbo, with the new Plantinum Quartz, it’s a beauty with beige leather seats. The turbo model it’s amazing, great pick up handles very well. It definitely turns head, got a lot of compliments. CX30 is the way to go 👍

I just traded in my Nissan Altima for my first SUV about three weeks ago. I purchased a 2017 CX5 and I am in love! So happy with my purchase.

I’ve owned my CX5 for exactly 1yr now and I absolutely love it. Best car purchase I’ve ever made.

After selling my previous Mazda 3, I tested driving CX 30 and yes it made me feel very luxurious. But I bought my new CX 5 which makes me so comfortable driving behind the wheel for everyday commuter. Love the colour Zircon sand metallic 🥰❤👍 however I'm still missing the fun driving of Mazda 3 !

You saved me with the explanation of the cx5 turbo vs standard. Thanks!!!!

I got the base CX-30 for a rental and I was so impressed that I went to test drive the Turbo. To me, it was night and day. The Turbo is definitely the way to go. It’s so much fun to drive, it handles freaking great and it feels good driving in the city on the horrendous roads. The only thing holding me back is the MPG and the god damn mark ups.

2021 CX-30 Turbo Preferred. I love this car. I get a shade under 21 mpg driving around town, and 31.5 on the highway over a moderate mountain pass (from sea level, nice freeway, not steep, 3600 feet alt). If the road is choppy, the car rides somewhat choppy. Otherwise it is serene and quiet.

So far the best comparison I have seen, thanks

I'm 6'2" I find my CX 30 plenty spacious enough for me. I own an 04 MX5 as well. That ones a little tight. Love them both.

One of the best reviews I've ever watched.

The infotainment controls are actually great and better than a touch screen once you get used to them. Tire pressure readouts can be found under information on the main menu, and the wireless pad can are optional.

I'd have to opt for the CX30, it just looks a bit more updated and sharply finished. Additionally, on NY roads, something a bit more softly sprung might be welcomed, especially if the both handle similarly.

I’ve owned both, I like the cx30 more for daily driving. But if you need space, go for the cx5 (not the biggest of the segment but it’s fine).

I really like leather seats and the preferred package of the cx5 was the cheapest way to get them. I think you have to go up to the carbon edition of the cx30 to get the cheapest leather which was slightly cheaper than the cx5 but not by much. So I ended up choosing the cx5 preferred. I am sure I would have been happy with either choice though.

Just bought a Cx30 2022 can't wait to have it :D

Yeah absolutely love ours we got it from Matt in Brantford Mesa dealership treated us like called and got a great deal thank you very much once again.

Am just in love with my CX_5 it's one of the most comfortable car have ever owned . it's sporty

I own my second CX5 GT (2020). It’s the best car I’ve ever owned. Low maintenance cost, sporty, economic. I’ve driven the Cx30 and it’s also an excellent car but smaller and lower than the CX5. My next car will probably be the CX50. My favorite features on the CX5 GT- heated and cooled seats. Heated steering wheel. Adaptive headlights. Automatic everything. Great cornering. Great in snow. Love it.

I chose the 2022 AWD CX-30 Carbon Edition over the 2022 CX-5 Carbon Edition & Premium versions, but the main factor for me was that I found the CX-5 too large for my personal taste. I prefer true compact or subcompact class vehicles. If you plan to use the backseats for hauling people then go with the CX-5 though.

I love my cx-30 because it's very practical and fun to drive. The awd and extra ground clerearance should be helpful in the snow. Yeah the rear legroom is a little tight but im a single guy with no kids so i didn't really need the bigger cx-5 and i have a tiny driveway and this is a perfect fit.

I have a 2021 CX-9 Signature and love it especially for the money. I got complimented a lot on the interior and overall look. Just put a deposit down on a 2022 cx 30 mica blue for my daughter's first car.

Great review 👍

I had a 2021 cx30 and while I liked the car in the beginning, I’m also 5’11 so it wasn’t too comfortable. It also was a gas guzzler by a short shot. I just switched to a 22 cx-5 and I’m in love with it! Space, everything!

The ride is just so much nicer in the CX-30. Super comfy car. But slightly cramped in the back. As a daily driver if you appreciate comfort and a smooth drive the 30 is probably your best bet. Its all a matter of personal preferences and needs so...

My dads just got a 23 plate , he doesn’t pick it up till march , I cannot wait Al be out in it every day

I have a 21’ CX-5. The gas mileage is a non-factor for me. I agree about the turbo after driving it and feeling it lacked so I leased the non-turbo FWD, Grand Touring w/premium package. My only complaints are no light in the glove box for night time visibility but the more bothersome issue is the seats are not that softly padded. It’s not a squishy material like Nissan used in their cars. Otherwise I’m happy. The pano roof will be fun in the future and the wireless charger will be nice if it’s fast. Good job here Christian!

i love my cx-5 only thing id change is id take the taillights from the cx-30 on the cx-5 which they did shape wise not lkighting wise for the all new 2022 cx-5. and they look fantastic. Mazda is on a hot streak with their cars since breaking up with GM. also the fuel economy rating for me is great. i drive city and highway equally and get 28.8 mpg on my cx-5 non turbo. imm a fairly light footed driver but i have fun occasionally aswell and blast it so im not driving just averagely all the time. for me 28.8mpg is great for the what i get out of the car and its handeling feeling. went out of state for work and had a 2019 nissan rogue svl which is almost top but a trim below and after spending a week with it i was so glad i didnt get a nissan rogue the drive qaulity was just so bland and gray feeling the turning was super light and artifical like a video game every aspect of its drive was horrible than the insane amount of hard plastic where the mazda has either leather or soft touch areas really sold it for me.

I am following you from Saudi Arabia. It is as if you read my mind for this review is what I needed. I am getting the CX5 with no turbo. Thanks.

The Mazda CX-30 turbo models have an excessive oil consumption issue that Mazda is well aware of as of May 2022 they still do not have a fix for this problem.

I got a CX-5 Carbon Turbo AWD version February of this year, got it before all the car crisis stuff. It's like the middle of the pack, I get a Turbo charged engine, while keeping things at a minimal. Since my CX-5 is used as daily driver to go from point A to point B and a little bit of off roading because I am a semi pro USPSA competition shooter, it was the a no brainer for me. Mazda transmission and their interior is what drew me to the brand. I didn't go with subaru, nissan because they offer CVT and if you know anything about CVT's you will know that they are trash. I didn't go with a Toyota Rav 4, because on my test drive, their 7 speed transmissions was VERY VERY unpleasant. Every time I shifted gears at a low RPM, the car would jerk, but when the RAV 4 shifted gears in HIGH rpms like 4k and above it felt smooth, which was the down fall. I tested the CX-5 Carbon Turbo AWD version last at Eldorado Mazda here in Texas because I never once thought about buying a Mazda, I was always in the impression that Mazda's where catered towards the budget friendly crowd, but boy was I wrong. I fell in love with the test ride because that 250 HP, 320 lb torque made the CX-5 Carbon edition SO MUCH FUN to drive, and not only that even though their transmission is only a 6 speed, it felt so smooth no matter what RPM zone it was in, the throttle was also super responsive. Not only that I was shocked to see how nice their interior was. My CX-5 came with the red leatherette style seat standard which I loved, and it also came at a great price point. I was able to get my CX-5 Carbon Turbo AWD version for $30K brand new!!!! The Rav 4 at that price range barely came with anything.

4:00 If there are 3 of you in the back seat, you certainly don't need heating

Great video! I’m trying to decide. I have 2016 cx5 grand touring and looking at the carbon edition or possibly a cx-30! Can’t wait to test drive a cx-30 tomorrow!

Exellent review CarGurus ! i like small cars and SUVs so i would prefer the CX30 tubo! Adding the Panoramic moonroof will be great even the cars will gain extra weight. Just my opinion! 👋👋👋👋👋

CX-30 2023 Platinum Quartz 2.5 S Select !! Beautiful!! 1/16/2023

2021 cx5 for me!! Just reached 10k

I still own a 2014 CX-5 GT and haven't had any issues after 60k.

I just saw one today at the Mazda dealer here in Stuart Fl. 53k 12k was added to the msrp because of inventory shortage. So paying more for a vehicle than it’s actually worth.

Thank you for this awesome review. I bet on CX30 because CX-5 is time to model change (CX-50 will be next generation) I'm more attracted to CX30 for fresh one, wanna purchasing the relative new model. What do you think?

If you're looking for the torque as advertised, you really have to just manually shift it (at least on the CX-30 Turbo). Launching from 1st, upshift at 2500, 3200, and then 3750-4000 the rest of the way for peak acceleration in my own experience. Sport mode does alright, but especially from a 30-40mph roll it has some issues getting the starting gear/RPM right for immediate torque unless you're shifting it or watching the RPMs. Most of the time I have it in sport mode, and any time I'm on a road longer than a few minutes I generally switch to manual. There's nothing wrong with the gearbox as is in automatic mode - comfort mode is smooth, comfortable, and shifts are unnoticeable, while sport mode can be a bit jerky between/following shifts in the lower gears between 1800-2400 but otherwise performs very well. Ideal driving RPM for instant torque at any time is 2700-3100 for gears 3-6, while 2nd gear tends to really launch from 2300 if the engine is warm. All in all, I get that it's not the fastest, nor am I claiming it to be. But I do think that most reviewers don't warm up the vehicle long enough prior to filming/testing - after half an hour on the highway, the performance increase from a stop feels much more than just 10%. And I think once you can find your way around the gearbox, the engine clearly has the power as advertised, it's just about learning the gears. I've considered making my own video with my findings at 15k miles and some of these sorts of things, I'd love to get some corroboration from other owners as well.

I love them both! I would choose the CX-5. I love Mazda’s Machine Grey, the have some of the best paint in the industry. I love the10.25 inch screen. Mazda’s steering wheel feels amazing, I just wish the whole wheel was heated. I still can’t believe the CX-30 has a higher ground clearance. This is the 2nd review that mentions that. I am impressed with Mazda’s safety features!

The cx30 carbon test drive was much more fun than cx5 carbon, but breaks were not good enough for a quick stop! The cx5 breaks are very weak low!!!? The cx30 does not have the power gate, but cx5 carbon does! Cx5 carbon sale price $32225 plus pre deliver charge of 1k plus !! and plus! Etc. cx30 @ 29.8 k plus! Thank you for the nice video!

Tire pressure monitoring is there. Even in my 2020 cx 30. Also Mazdas infotainment is super easy to use with a little time to learn it. No big deal. I ge 31 to 33 mpg on the highway. Remember. These cars are affordable!

Hey Great review overall -- BUTTTTT wow big miss on those harsh criticisms at the end - the infotainment system is one of the best! (saying "as you can see they're bad on both cars" while pawing at the controls like a child... for someone who said "go drive both cars back to back on back roads" to feel out the nuances in ride quality). REALLY should do your now, keen and trusting audience more open to subjective feedback on the MOST touched thing, the Mazda Connect System is awesome and works like high end luxury cars, not shady glitchy glossy fingerprint covered mainstream cheap tablets that are all showing a need for constant cleaning and distraction while driving. TPMS is viewable - on ALL CX-30's and on 2021.5 and newer CX-5's in the VEHICLE INFORMATION section on the screen. (note - i agree having them viewable on instrument cluster would be nice but your only checking that if you think there is an issue to which is rare and a few moments to find it is no biggie IMO)

Interesting comments on the infotainment controls, most every other review said it was one of best systems, and touch screens are not that great while underway. But to each their own

Mazda 30 looks so much more sharper and better, like a bmw type

I just got a CX-30--you have huge wheelwells and can correct the problems you mention with handling and ride.You can put 255 series on it with a smaller profile and get it to handle like a track car or put taller more all weather tread to make it more of a cruiser.The CX-5 has diffrent tires--my CX-30 is equipped with sunner performance and handles very well and takes curves pretty flat--I plan on getting tires more for performance--I just came from a 2020 Stinger and the ride is very good to me in the CX-30.

I dissent, the turbo is worth it 😁. Not sure what this guy is comparing against but barely anything else offers an upgrade engine in these segments and it wouldnt be any faster. They tuned them to have usable power and torque delivery for daily driving not 0-60 sprints 🙄. Also, they did tune the transmission for the 2022 CX-5 to more responsive so y'all should see if that makes a difference. I do totally agree that Mazda seems to get off easy for using the same 6 speed in all their vehicles and needs to offer atleast an 8 speed, but doubt it would make much difference performance wise.

I have a 2021 CX-5 GT Turbo with just over 30,000 km on it.. Choose the CX-5 as its towing capacity is 2000 lbs & I tow a 13' Bolor, It tows wonderfully. My son owns a brand new 2021 Mazda CX-30 GS (towing capacity 1,500 lbs) with just over 500 Km on it. He chose it for its value, size and driving abilities. We both live in Northern B.C. along the Alaska Highway. Both have 4 wheel drive & winter tires - absolutely necessary as driving on these ice covered skating rinks they call roads demand it. Super Happy with both.

As a recent owner of the CX30 turbo w/Premium package. It’s kinda unfair & silly to compare these two car’s. One is a Sub Com and the other is a compact. You either need the room or you don’t. Plus There is a updated CX 5 and CX 50 around the corner. My wife loves the CX 30 turbo. This car has just enough power to drive and merge around the Atlanta area. If you have driven around the Atl area for a day you know what I’m talking about. The CX 30 is a great all around get it done auto machine. Driving around Duluth, Dunwoody, and Buford GA is a breeze. As far as the tire pressure monitor. It’s available, but sadly it’s deep in the infotainment menu. My wife owned a 2021 RDX A spec. We like this car better. We did drive the CX 5, but the extra space wasn’t worth the extra money. Plus you have to account for what the dealer is adding on the MRSP. Also the CX 5 has a update coming. The dealerships are playing some serious greed games. I myself have reserved a 2022 F150 lighting. The horsepower and A torque numbers on the Lighting will make up for the CX 30 lack of crazy get up and go. My go to ever time would be the 30.

Cx5 clewr winner tbh but both cara are amazing , i wish u would include the hyundai tuscon as a competitor too cz hyundai did a hell of a job woth that car

I think you missed the boat on the infotainment system. I hate touchscreens. I don't want to take me eyes off the road to find the tiny spot I have to touch to change the radio station. I like physical controls. They are safer. I also connect my phone, which gives me voice control over things other than volume and radio station. I prefer the smaller, sportier cx30 overall. It's the closest I can get to the sports car experience with all the safety bells and whistles - at a great price.

I hope they bring the CX-30 turbo here down under.

In Western Australia the sun roof is a nuisance as the sun is shining vertically straight through with 104F!

Recently my 2016 Audi A4 was totaled in an accident. I tried the 2022 CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus and was dead set on it until I gave the 2022 CX-5 Turbo Signature a test-drive. The CX-5 handles and rides better due to its IRS and is more practical as a car, all while having a much more solid interior and well-built interior. Definitely worth the price jump; even the CX-5 Turbo (non-signature) is a better buy. The CX-30 and Mazda3 twins feel extremely unsettled and bouncy on a lot of roads in Los Angeles due to the archaic torsion beam rear end (had a 2021 3-Sedan for a rental for 2.5 weeks and was occasionally taken by surprise with the back end skipping if the pavement was broken during a turn).

Please compare the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent.

Cx30 is a mazda 3 which trades fuel economy and looks for more ground clearance, more ride hight and a bit more space. But the diffences are rather small in basically all regards.

I love Marzdas but sadly in Australia we can only get Mazda.

i really excited to see what the cx-50 brings. it will be interesting to compare the cx-50 with the cx-30

I like CX-30 but after visiting Mazda showroom, I decided to buy CX-5 because the rear space in CX-30 is just too small and I have two kids

How does no one really talk about the CX-30 vs CX-5 screen difference? The CX-30 screen is like hiding down and back in a hole that I imagine can experience a horrible glare from my test drive. The CX-5 screen placement, size, view, look is substantially better. If you disagree and have owned one for awhile please let me know. I think the CX-50 has this same screen as CX-30 and I just don't get it.

"No tyre pressure readouts" - yeah they do have those! At least in Europe...

Love my gtr cx5

Tough decision. I'm Torn. Not sure which to get. There is an OTD price difference of 4k between these(for base models) if you factor tax as well. I was qouted 27, 300 (cx-30) vs 31,300 (cx-5) for the OTD price. I don't need the rear space. In the past 10 years i think only a handful of times I've has someone in the back seat. Not sure if the 4k is worth it to future proof?

CX50 if you need off road, if you are a city driver you want the features of CX5, I’m waiting on my 2022 CX5 😀

What is the colour of cx 30 in this video? Is it machine grey? It looks stunning

I like the Mazda midnight blue more then the red one.

Save money and get the CX 5 GX base model Non- turbo, still tons of power and features Turbos do not have consistent power like a naturally aspirated motor, also less grief in the future if you keep your vehicle long term You also need the expensive high test fuel to get the 250 HP Turbo motors are stressed pushing 250 horsepower through a motor designed for 186 Turbo motors break easier not to mention all the grief when the turbo blows up, as coolant lines clog without warning, that is common on all turbocharged motors, not just Mazda, then the turbo overheats and fry's the Turbo =$$$$$$$ Also all turbo motors use way more gas in real world driving vs what they claim, not just Mazda Also spend a little bit more for the base CX 5 GX model vs the base CX 30 GX model to have rear leg/head/shoulder room and more cargo area that the CX 30 lacks And the CX 5 is lot bigger inside and a lot quieter and smoother ride, not to mention more impressive looking Also the base GX Mazda Harmonic Acoustics sound system is sweet and it is hard to tell between the Bose if played at normal levels You will get the extra money for the CX 5 back at resale, as it cost about $4,000.00 more for a used 2017 CX 5 now than what it cost new according to the 2017 MRSP No other car will give you that, I made a spreadsheet of a bunch of different vehicle's MSRP in 2017 (5 years old) with between 50,000 and 80,000 KM's, then compared to the 2017 MRSP You will lose $4000,00 with the CRV using one example compared to gaining $4,000.00 more wore with the CX 5 A $8,000.00 difference Also get the Dealer to swap out those crappy Yokohama Geolander 280 wear rating junk tires For Michelin Crossclimate 2, 640 wear rating ( 60,000 mile ), they are awesome and are quiet and smooth, even though some reviews say they are loud, that was the first generation they are thinking of They have stellar traction dry and wet, even if you just use them for summer, (as they do have the snowflake symbol, that really doesn't mean much if you look it up) and they are about $20.00 each less than the Yokohamas Off topic I run dedicated winter tires Continental Viking contact 7 for absolute traction in winter for snow and ice, it has taken first place in The Norwegian Automobile Federation (the gold standard of winter tire testing) tests since it's inception, even beating most of the studded tires Also winter tires do not cost twice as much, As collectively they will last as long as 2 sets of summer tires The extra cost would be for used alloy wheels from the wreckers off a older CX 5 or another Mazda direct fit rim This will save your new alloy wheels as well from salt rim rash all sorts of winter damage to a alloy wheel Do not get any Nokian tire, simply google NOKIAN CHEATED and all will be revealed Michelin Crossclimate 2 are not a pure winter tire, although you can drive them right into the shoulder seasons to save you winter tires from driving on warm pavement in the spring and fall As the Michelin Crossclimate 2 are as good on light snow as a dedicated winter tire deep snow and ice is there enemy

CX5 for sure, bigger works for more scenarios.

Perfect Reviewer 👏👍👏👍👏

The cx5 it’s great

Alright all…I’m really into these Mazdas. The cx50 looks great too. I have a forester on the way but feel like I need to test drive one of these before signing the dotted line. Thoughts on forester? I don’t care for the cx5 styling. Sorry.

Is the paint quality really that good in Mazda cars, specially the CX-5? I've heard otherwise, and I agree to that.

This guy is very insightful. Appreciate his straightforward honesty

Would the CX 30 be as sporty as the hatchback?

btw CX30 has a tire pressure reading

Cx30 is a lifted hatchback, that's why i like it.

I’ve driven both and hands down the CX-5 is for me. Bigger car and like you, I prefer a sportier ride. With that said the 5 is still plenty comfortable, I don’t want to take that away from the 5

The review is thorough in reviewing what can be seen. However, for me one of the main considerations is the reliability over time. That is where the real value lies. Reliability is not mentioned here at all, and I think the reliability question is the main reason why Mazda loses out to Honda and Toyota. More info about reliability would sell more Mazdas. I'm open to buying one.

I have a cx30 and it does have tire pressure read outs...as well,, wth were you doing when complaining about then infotainment? Looked as if your were. smashing it....not necessary. I was initially skeptical when i was buying it but once used to it, a small learning curve, i actually prefer it to all touch screens i had previously.

I’m 23 with no kids and just bought the cx30. I am fine with it. I never use the back seats anyways and I don’t haul anything. Super sleek and no touch screen was the best decision. I hated the touch screen. Never even used it on my previous Mazda and it had the ghost touch which was soooo annoying.

Why do people expect turbo charged engines to be fuel efficient?? Modern technology has certainly made turbo engines more efficient but if you are making more power you are going use more fuel. The only way to get good mileage from a turbo is to drive it gently and then you are missing out on the power you paid extra for. I love how ford markets their F150 3.5L ecoboost as having V8 power with V6 economy. I've had an eco boost F150 and a 5.0L F150 same truck same transmission, same rear axle ratio and unless you absolutely baby the eco boost it actually uses more fuel than the V8. Both really nice engines but if you are buying the turbo to save fuel it ain't going to happen. To me the extra power of the CX-30 turbo seems worth the extra cost and the extra fuel.

Please compare the Acura RDX vs a comparable Mazda

At 12:15 you criticise the automatic transmission. What you don't mention is that the competing vehicles in this price segment have CVTs, which are terrible. The very reason I'm planning on buying one of these Mazdas is that I refuse to drive a CVT.

CX30 FOR ME!

I have a new CX30.........But want to find out it would compare with the CX50.................Paul

15.05 My CX-30 does have tire pressure read out and wireless charger.

If no stick shift, neither is the right choice. Sorry, I want some zoom-zoom driver engagement with my Mazda.

Does the CX-30 have a power passenger seat for the front passenger? Or is it just manual?

Are you sure about that "No tire pressure readouts"? I have a mid-trim 2021 Mazda3 Select 2.5, and it has that. I can't imagine that these higher trims don't!

Which of the two is softer in suspension?

The CX-30 has a much more stylish exterior design while the CX-5 has aged over the years.

I have test driven both the CX5 turbo premium and the equivalent CX-30. The CX-5 was used with 50K miles the CX-30 was new they felt the same to me. We are leaning toward the CX-30 because the mileage is better. However everyone in my family is very good at controlling their right foot and regularly beat the epa rating on everything we drive so I am not that concerned about the mileage difference. (both get better mileage than our Accord, which this will replace.) What I am concerned about is will my huge son who is 6'2" fit in either one?

Answer: wait for the CX-50

Unfortunately the turbo version of the CX30 is not available in Australia, otherwise I would have already purchased one (don't need anything bigger). Waiting on a few other cars to be released plus not a good time to buy with limited supply and long wait times and few discounts available.