The CX-30 is a fairly new addition to the Mazda family, but it’s already winning over the hearts of owners. Making its debut with the 2020 model year, the CX-30 filled a gap in Mazda’s SUV lineup. The crossover market is already so saturated with different automakers trying to overtake this space, so just how is Mazda breaking the mold? 

Mazda owners seem to be quite loyal to the brand, many having purchased multiple models in the past as their needs have changed. For some drivers, the CX-30 hits that sweet spot and checks all the boxes buyers have on their list when looking to make a new purchase. 

What is it about the 2020-21 CX-30 that makes it so special, and why are owners seemingly head-over-heels for this crossover? Let’s take a closer look at exactly what sets the 2020 and 2021 Mazda CX-30 apart, and analyze if this vehicle is a cut above the rest? 

What owners are saying about the 2020-21 Mazda CX-30

The Mazda CX-30 isn’t as sporty as the CX-5, but that might not matter to many drivers. Owners seem to look past what’s under the hood, and instead, they focus on its luxurious interior and sleek design.

At of the time of this writing, the Mazda CX-30 has a perfect score on Kelley Blue Book’s consumer ratings. This is quite an impressive feat, considering the vehicle launched so recently. 

Some pundits saw the addition of the CX-30 as overkill, considering Mazda already had a subcompact SUV in the CX-3 and a compact SUV in the CX-5. However, the CX-30 bridged the gap for drivers looking for a small, affordable crossover with a reasonable amount of space. 

One 2020 Mazda CX-30 owner left a KBB review stating, “Having come to the end of the lease on my Mazda CX-9, I knew that it would be another Mazda for me. I just didn’t need a vehicle as large as the CX-9 again. The CX-5 was a possibility and the CX-3 less so, being really small. Just in time, the new CX-30 was introduced, and I was immediately taken by the top-shelf appointments this vehicle has.”

Meanwhile, other owners likened the 2020 CX-30 to luxury makes. This is no surprise, as the Japanese manufacturer has sought to become more of a premium brand in recent years.

Another review from a different CX-30 owner said, “We own a Porsche Macan, and the sensory feeling on the leather surfaces is just about the same.”

Critics weigh in on Mazda’s newest SUV

Many industry insiders are just as enthusiastic about this subcompact SUV. KBB experts rated the CX-30 a 4.7 out of 5, and the publication named it the second-best subcompact SUV of 2020 behind the Kia Seltos.

The Mazda CX-30 is far from the most athletic vehicle in the manufacturer’s lineup. Still, gearheads love the CX-30 powertrain, as its 186-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine.

Many critics favor the 2021 Mazda CX-30 over the 2020 iteration, as it gained some much-needed upgrades. First, Apple CarPlay and Android were made standard features. However, some still take issue that the CX-30’s display isn’t a touchscreen. Second, the crossover gained an optional turbocharged engine that delivers up to 250 hp.

Should the 2020-21 Mazda CX-30 be on your list?

Mazda’s newest crossover is a winner every way you look at it. With standout style, engaging driving dynamics, and impressive ownership satisfaction, it’s tough to go wrong when you get behind the wheel of a Mazda CX-30.