Spicy Dynamics Keep the 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo on Top
We have been reunited with the Mazda CX-30 Turbo for another week of testing. This little SUV hardly fails to impress, and it’s no surprise it continues to outrank rivals. See how the aging 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo manages to dominate.
How much power does the 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo have?
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo has a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with up to 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. You need 90-octane fuel to achieve these figures. Otherwise, the engine cranks out 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
This is an exciting amount of power, especially compared to the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. With the base engine, the CX-30 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in about 9,0 seconds, but rivals take over 10 seconds.
With the turbo, the CX-30 can reach 60 mph in roughly 6.4 seconds. Edmunds noted that it’s the fastest vehicle in its class. It has an instant, smooth power delivery that can make you stick to the driver’s seat.
The automatic six-speed transmission proves precise upshifts but can be slow to downshift. You can use the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for even more control. Plus, Sport Mode provides faster response times.
There is no body roll-around hairpin turns, and the tires provide plenty of grip. The CX-30 Turbo feels stable and confident on twisting mountain roads and corners well. The steering is a bit heavy at lower speeds, but it’s direct.
It has a tight 17.4-foot turning radius, making it super easy to maneuver and turn around in tight areas. The available 360-degree camera makes up for a few blind spots.
Driving the CX-30 is a blast, but we would like to see more driving modes for Eco and Snow since AWD is standard across the lineup. Also, the brakes are a bit softer than expected.
Does the CX-30 Turbo have a nice interior?
Yes, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo has a near-luxury interior with an upscale feeling. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is a little racing oriented, and the premium leather upholstery is plush and supportive.
Soft-touch-covered surfaces span the dash and door sides with pops of tan, white, and black to draw the eye. Aluminum trim provides bursts of color to break up large sections of fabric. Overall, the design is elegant and simple.
However, the interior may seem dated because it doesn’t have a touchscreen, some of the leather on the dash blocks the infotainment screen, the navigation screen looks old, and there’s no wireless phone charging pad. The climate controls are on a tiny LCD screen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto requires a wired connection. The Mazda CX-50 has wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, though.
Does the CX-30 Turbo provide enough value?
Yes, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo is loaded with value. You can really get the most out of this subcompact SUV for road trips and daily driving. Prices range between $22,950 – $35,400, with seven different trims to meet diverse needs.
AWD can cost between $1,500 to $2,000 to add on other SUVs, but it’s standard with the CX-30. An 8.8-inch infotainment screen, LED headlights, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assistance, adaptive cruise control, drowsy driver detection, and automatic headlights are standard as well.
The CX-30 gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway, which is spot on. We hovered around 28 mpg during two hours on the interstate and only dropped to 25 mpg while doing some light off-roading.
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo is a luxurious bargain. It’s comfortable, spacious, and fun to drive. Even though it could use a few tech updates, it’s well-rounded and tough to beat.
