2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo review: Aging like a Cheval Blanc

Mostly unchanged, the CX-30 Turbo hits all the right sweet spots

2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo review by The Road Beat

Words and pictures: Mitchell Weitzman

Changes were not necessarily required, so the Mazda CX-30 Turbo continues for another year in the same specification as launched half a decade ago. Despite the lack of updates, the truth is the CX-30 hardly needed any fundamental modifications, both above and beneath the skin. The same relative weak points remain, but the plus points are as strong as ever when it comes to this luxurious, everyday, and unassuming pocket rocket of a crossover.

Picks

Unlike other sub-$40K crossovers from Japanese and American brands that focus more on economy, the CX-30 Turbo has German-inspired performance aspirations. Packing a now-familiar 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine, output is a stout 227 horsepower on regular pump gas, with a peak 310 lb-ft of torque available from just 2,000 RPM. What this means is that—even if the horsepower figure isn’t headline-grabbing—you get a flat wall of thrust from practically anywhere in the rev range that makes acceleration an absolute breeze.

There may only be six forward gears, but you won’t miss an extra pair when it comes to performance, thanks to how punchy this powertrain is. For those needing to shave tenths off their commute, 0–60 mph comes in just six seconds—blitzing any comparable Honda HR-V and most anything shy of a BMW X1.

Mazda has yet to make a bad chassis in recent memory, and in an age of digital isolation, the warm feedback and weight of the CX-30’s steering are as welcome and soothing as curling up by a fire on a rainy day for yet another Harry Potter marathon. And it's not just the steering that impresses—with a weighted, meaty feel—but a chassis that can play any position on the field at a moment's notice.

You want a relaxing highway cruiser? The CX-30 delivers. Want to dive up a winding mountain road and steal second and third base? It’ll comply—willingly and entertainingly. The grip at the front end exceeds what most consumers will ever explore on public roads, but the real gem is how harmonious and in-sync the balance is between front and rear. TL;DR: This is the best handling and most fun small consumer crossover available still today.

Mazda’s prices have crept up over the years (like every other brand), but the Premium Plus trim’s cabin reveals a hidden luxury that many shoppers overlook. Soft, supple leather and gorgeous detailing have become the Mazda standard, alongside tactile, high-quality buttons and controls. Think the new Toyota Corolla Cross is decent inside? It’s practically a dungeon compared to what Mazda offers.

Nicks

Performance is an asset—but it comes at the cost of efficiency. Averaging just 25 mpg, the CX-30 Turbo understandably lags behind its less powerful rivals. The six-speed automatic doesn’t help, either, spinning at higher RPMs during freeway cruising and thus drinking more gas than ideal.

Despite the upscale cabin, some controls are awkwardly placed and take time to get used to—like the volume knob and the rotary dial for the center display. Speaking of which, while the screen is appropriately sized, response times can be sluggish, with noticeable lag when changing satellite radio stations. It’s now a full-time touchscreen (a big plus when using Apple CarPlay), but it sits so far forward that accessing requires a considerable—and awkward—lean.

This may sound petty, but the exterior door handles feel weak, and the doors themselves shut with a hollow, cheap sound that undercuts the interior's premium feel. Extraneous startup beeps and bongs can also be annoying. Rear legroom and cargo space? Neither is particularly impressive as the sleek sloping shape do compromise on interior volume.

Not a hot hatch, but damn near close

I’m a fan of the CX-30, especially in the tested guise of the Turbo Premium Plus. Mazda delivers unexpected performance and generous luxury at a still-attainable price. After all, you get what you pay for—and in this case, that extra cash buys you speed, driving verve, and a surprisingly refined cabin.

If speed doesn’t matter to you, a non-turbo variant with better fuel economy might make more sense. But as this one sits, it’s one of my favorite compact crossovers on sale today.

2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus

As-tested price: est. $39,155

Pros: Excellent performance and lovely interior

Cons: Pricey compared to more basic rivals

2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo basic specifications

Powertrain & Performance

• Engine: 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-4 (SKYACTIV-G)

• Horsepower: 227 hp @ 5,000 RPM (up to 250 hp with premium fuel)

• Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM (up to 320 lb-ft with premium fuel)

• Transmission: 6-speed automatic

• Drivetrain: Standard all-wheel drive (i-ACTIV AWD)

• 0–60 mph: Approximately 6 seconds

Dimensions & Capacities

• Overall Length: 173 inches

• Width (without mirrors): 71 inches

• Height: 62 inches

• Wheelbase: 104 inches

• Ground Clearance: 8 inches

• Curb Weight: about 3,500 lbs

• Turning Diameter: 35 feet

Interior Dimensions

• Passenger Volume: 93.8 cu ft

• Front Headroom: 37.8 inches

• Front Legroom: 41.7 inches

• Front Shoulder Room: 55.6 inches

• Front Hip Room: 54.6 inches

• Rear Headroom: 38.3 inches

• Rear Legroom: 36.3 inches

• Rear Shoulder Room: 53.6 inches

• Rear Hip Room: 53.2 inches

Cargo Space

• Behind Rear Seats: 20.2 cu ft

• With Rear Seats Folded: 45.2 cu ft

Fuel Economy

• City: 22 mpg

• Highway: 30 mpg

• Road Beat real world: 25 MPG

Features & Technology

• Infotainment: 10.25-inch display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Audio: 12-speaker Bose premium sound system

• Driver Assistance:

  • Adaptive Cruise Control

  • Lane Keep Assist

  • 360° View Monitor with front and rear parking sensors

  • Smart Brake Support-Rear and Rear Cross-Traffic Braking

  • Cruising and Traffic Support

• Comfort & Convenience:

  • Heated front seats and steering wheel

  • Leather upholstery

  • Power liftgate

  • Dual-zone automatic climate control

Pricing

• Starting MSRP: $36,950

• As-Tested Price: Approximately $39,155

Thank you for reading The Road Beat's 2025 Mazda CX-30 Turbo review. Please subscribe for more candid reviews. All images by The Road Beat and mitchellweitzmanphoto.com.