Mazda’s smallest crossover is popular, powerful and a pleasure to drive
What’s new for the 2025 Mazda CX-30?
- Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of safety features is now standard
The majority of the CX-30 remains unchanged from 2024. What has changed is Mazda’s i-Activsense suite of safety features is now standard fare, there’s a sunglasses holder on the base GX trim, the removal of the white interior (blue jean lovers, rejoice!) and a new Aero Grey Metallic exterior colour. Stolen vehicle assistance and private e-call are new standard additions and the wireless trio (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and charging) are now available on the GS Luxury Package trim, where before it appeared on the GT and higher trims. Amazon Alexa is also on the GT and higher trims. These tweaks help keep the CX-30 relevant as it heads toward an all-new generation in the coming years.
What powers the 2025 Mazda CX-30?
- The 2.5L four-cylinder makes 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque
- The 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine lifts that to 227 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque
The 2025 model year sees no powertrain changes for the CX-30. The standard engine is a 2.5L four-cylinder, producing 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine lifts that to 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque on regular gasoline, and bumps that to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with premium gasoline. All-wheel drive is standard as is a six-speed automatic transmission. Kudos to Mazda for steering clear of a CVT.
How fuel efficient is the 2025 Mazda CX-30?
- The 2.5-litre engine is rated at 9.0 L/100 km in the city, 7.1 highway, 8.2 combined
- The turbo engine comes in at 10.5 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 highway, 9.3 combined
The naturally aspirated 2.5-litre engine is decent with Natural Resources Canada rating it a 9.0 L/100 km in the city, 7.1 on the highway and 8.2 combined. Opt for the high-powered turbo engine and rack up those gas rewards points with higher fuel consumption coming in at 10.5 L/100 km in the city, 7.9 on the highway and a staggering 9.3 combined.If you opt for premium fuel in the turbo engine for a marginal lift in horsepower and torque (don’t bother), your fuel bills will further increase with the higher cost per litre.
Here’s hoping the next generation will offer either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrain to tame those consumption figures.
What’s the 2025 Mazda CX-30 like to drive?
Absolutely joyous! Mazda prioritized delightful driving dynamics in the CX-30 and it shows. With my GT Turbo tester, acceleration was quick, twists and turns done with agility and ease, and the handling was easily best in class. Its small footprint made for increased maneuverability in urban settings. Meanwhile, in rural and highway environments, the CX-30 rewards with smooth acceleration and highly accurate steering responses. Oversteer and understeer is minimal. The steering felt lively and the six-speed transmission runs up and down its gears with ease.
The standard all-wheel drive was truly appreciated during my mid-February test week, the same week the Toronto-area got walloped with, as the kids say, “snowmageddon” conditions. While not as potent as its turbo counterpart, the naturally aspirated engine also delivered an impressive drive feel but with a few additional seconds between acceleration bursts. As the most powerful available engine in its class, the CX-30’s overall drive feel, whether it’s on dry, flat roads or a winter snowstorm, is its strongest asset.
What’s the cabin like in the 2025 Mazda CX-30?
Occupying a premium space between mainstream and luxury, Mazda maximizes minimalism with its cabin design. All but the base GX use a 10.25-inch infotainment system (8.8-inch touchscreen in the GX) operated by its HMI Commander (rotary controller) system and the larger screen enables touch-capable Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The small-yet-smart HVAC system is the most effective as it’s all buttons and dials; zero on-screen nonsense.
The instrument cluster sees a seven-inch screen bookended by large analog dials, the seats are comfortable and supportive and the old-school gear lever sure beats buttons or dials for driving enthusiasts. The belt line, as in all Mazda vehicles, is quite high, giving some body shapes a feeling of sitting lower than they actually are but still providing a clear line of sight from the windshield. Rear seat space for the class is adequate and I can fit behind myself comfortably. Premium materials and an upscale fit and finish put the CX-30 in a lane of its own.
How much cargo space is in the 2025 Mazda CX-30?
- There are 572 litres of cargo space with the rear seats up
Canadian pricing for the 2025 Mazda CX-30
- The GX starts at $28,950 and goes all the way up to $41,000 for the Suna Edition
The entry point GX trim rings in at an MSRP of $28,950 and the GS at $31,850. Add the Luxury Package to the GS and you’re at $34,050. Keep moving up to the GT trim for $37,850 and slapping on that turbo engine lifts you to $40,250. Going all-in with the top-shelf Suna Edition has the price sheet showing $41,000, and remember to add the $2,095 for freight.
Aside from the GT Turbo and Suna Edition, the balance of the CX-30 roster is aligned with the competition price-wise. The line of “with great power comes great responsibility” could apply here but with “price” replacing “responsibility.” However, the “you get what you pay for” mantra applies here, as well.
What competes with the 2025 Mazda CX-30?
Primary competitors in the subcompact crossover world include the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Kona and Honda HR-V, all being all-new in recent years. The Kia Seltos, Subaru Crosstrek and Volkswagen Taos are also in competition with the CX-30.
Pros
✔ Divine driving dynamics
✔ Premium cabin
✔ Powerful available turbo engine
Cons
✘ Small cargo area
✘ High fuel consumption
✘ One of the “oldest” among competitors
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