Mazda is known for creating vehicles that are fun to drive. This extends to the company’s newest vehicle, the 2020 Mazda CX-30. In addition to being fun for drivers, this crossover SUV also provides plenty of luxury as well. MotorTrend says this “newcomer to the Mazda lineup feels like you spent more than you did.” Here’s a look at the premium experience it provides.

The 2020 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 is built on the Mazda3 platform and is larger than the CX-3. Gear Patrol points out that “the CX-30 is the closest thing yet to the perfect bridge between car and SUV.” It’s between the CX-3 and CX-5 in size. The name “CX-4” would have made sense for its name, but that is already in use for a model sold in China.

Powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, it generates 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. It has a six-speed automatic transmission, but paddle shifters are available in higher trim levels. All-wheel drive is also an option.

Stunning interior design

MotorTrend called the Mazda CX-30’s interior “strikingly simple but upscale.” There are quality materials and good craftsmanship. Rather than lots of plastics, it features plenty of leather on the dash and the doors with accents of stitching and chrome. The gearshift is also wrapped with leather.

The lower portion of the dash has been kept basic and uncluttered. The usual technology has been provided, but there aren’t too many vents and buttons. There are, however, actual buttons for the temperature controls. The steering wheel provides additional controls, including a good voice command option. MotorTrend does mention that the steering wheel is a bit “hard and boring in design.”

The seats are comfortable and come in cloth, leatherette, or leather upholstery, depending on the trim. Leather heated seats with lumbar support are available in the top two trims, the Preferred and the Premium. While larger than the CX-3, the CX-30 still does not have spacious rear seats.

Except for the base trim, the other three trims include dual-zone climate control and rear air vents. The highest trim, Premium, also adds a power liftgate, a head-up display, and a moonroof. The CX-30 offers slightly more headroom and rear-seat legroom than the similar Mazda3 hatchback along with 1.4 more inches of ground clearance

The Mazda CX-30’s technology

The infotainment system screen is different from many other vehicles. The Mazda CX-30 has an 8.8-inch display screen, but it isn’t a touchscreen. Rather than touching the screen, drivers use a large dial located in the center console to make selections.

Mazda believes this method is less distracting. Because it doesn’t need to be reached, the screen protrudes from the top of the dash and is somewhat to the side. It’s easy to see, but it’s a less prominent feature in the interior than in many new vehicles.

A 7-inch digital gauge display features gauges that look like older-style gauges, which MotorTrend calls “refreshing in a world where innovation can run a bit wild.” In-car Wi-Fi is standard in all four trims, but Apple CarPlay and Android Auto don’t come in the lowest trim level. A base audio system with eight speakers is standard, but it’s possible to upgrade to a Bose audio system that has 12 speakers.

How much value do you get in the 2020 Mazda CX-30?

MotorTrend points out that like other Mazda models, the CX-30 also offers “premium interiors in vehicles that are moderately priced.” While the Mazda CX-30 currently has an MSRP of $21,900, MotorTrend says “it feels like you spent more.” It’s also a good value and priced similarly to the related Mazda3 sedan and Mazda3 hatchback, which start at $21,500 and $23,700, respectively.