Based on the Mazda3, the Mazda CX-30 fits conveniently between the Mazda CX-3 and the Mazda CX-5 in the automaker’s lineup. It’s driven by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that comes teamed with a six-speed automatic transmission, though a 2.5-liter turbo engine is available, as is all-wheel drive. Its interior offers plenty of people-pleasing amenities as well. All in all, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 makes for a good option among its segment. But as good as the 2021 Mazda CX-30 looks on paper, can you expect this Mazda to be reliable?

How reliability ratings are determined

According to Consumer Reports, its reliability data is the most comprehensive reliability information out there. But where does that data actually come from? Consumer Reports says it comes from its ‘Auto Reliability Surveys of Consumer Reports’ members, which received 329,000 responses during its latest round of reliability surveys. In these surveys, Consumer Reports members report on any serious problems they have had with their vehicle during the past 12 months. That data is then used to determine a vehicle’s overall reliability score.

But Consumer Reports isn’t the only one doling out reliability scores. J.D. Power also evaluates how reliable various vehicles are, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 included. To determine a vehicle’s overall quality and reliability rating, J.D. Power measures the “level of defects, malfunctions and design flaws experienced by vehicle owners.” 

What reliability ratings say about the 2021 Mazda CX-30 

So how does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 fare when it comes to reliability ratings? Well, according to Consumer Reports, this year’s new CX-30 scored a five out of five predicted reliability rating. Last year’s model also earned a five out of five reliability rating, with the SUV’s power equipment being listed as the lone trouble spot. Fortunately for this year’s model, its power equipment has benefited from some improvements.

J.D. Power, on other hand, gave the 2021 Mazda CX-30 a ‘Great’ quality and reliability rating. While that does mean the CX-30 was unable to earn a ‘Best’ quality and reliability rating, a ‘Great’ rating is nothing to scoff at either. Meaning that, overall, you can expect this year’s CX-30 to make for a pretty reliable SUV.

But are current owners happy with the 2021 Mazda CX-30?

Though, you want to be happy with your new car purchase too. While how reliable a vehicle is should play into your purchasing decision, it’s also important to know whether current owners are actually happy with the 2021 Mazda CX-30. Fortunately, according to Consumer Reports, they are. Last year’s model earned a four out of five overall customer satisfaction rating, while the 2021 model has earned itself a four out of five predicted customer satisfaction rating. Consumer Reports says that 75% of CX-30 owners would purchase the vehicle again too.

Plenty of CX-30 owners have taken to Edmunds to review the SUV as well. Among the most helpful reviews of the SUV is one that calls the 2021 Mazda CX-30 out for being a “good buy for the money.” Other reviews of it call the 2021 Mazda CX-30 “Best in it’s class by far.”

Is this Mazda SUV the right pick for you?

But is all this to say that you should reserve a spot in your driveway for the 2021 Mazda CX-30? Not necessarily. While the CX-30 is a reliable SUV, that doesn’t mean that it’s the right pick for you. To find that out, we recommend getting behind the wheel of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 for a test drive.