The Good
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 boasts a sporty performance thanks to its responsive engine and agile handling, appealing to driving enthusiasts. Practical buyers will appreciate its comfortable ride, well-designed interior, and available all-wheel drive. It also offers good fuel efficiency and Mazda's reputation for reliability, providing a good overall value proposition.
The Bad
The 2021 Mazda CX-30's rear seat legroom can be tight for taller passengers, and the cargo area is smaller than some competitors. Some owners have reported infotainment system quirks. The rear visibility could be better. Listen for any unusual noises from the engine or transmission during a test drive. Check the infotainment screen for responsiveness.
2021 Mazda CX-30: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder: Standard on 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, and Premium trims.
- 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder: Available on Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus trims.
- Horsepower:
- 2.5-liter naturally aspirated: 186 hp
- 2.5-liter turbocharged: 227 hp (on regular gas) / 250 hp (on premium gas)
- Fuel Economy (EPA Estimated):
- 2.5-liter naturally aspirated (FWD): 25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway
- 2.5-liter naturally aspirated (AWD): 24 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
- 2.5-liter turbocharged (AWD): 22 mpg city / 30 mpg highway
- 0-60 Times (approximate):
- 2.5-liter naturally aspirated: 8.1-8.3 seconds
- 2.5-liter turbocharged: 5.8-6.0 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.
- Trim-Level Features (highlights):
- 2.5 S: 8.8-inch infotainment display, Mazda Connect, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, i-Activsense safety features.
- Select: Adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, leatherette seats, and dual-zone climate control.
- Preferred: Adds a sunroof, heated front seats, and a power driver's seat with memory.
- Premium: Adds leather seats, Bose premium audio system, adaptive front lighting, and a power liftgate.
- Turbo: Adds the turbocharged engine, heated steering wheel, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.
- Turbo Premium: Adds a head-up display, traffic sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go.
- Turbo Premium Plus: Adds a 360-degree view monitor, rear parking sensors, and automatic emergency braking in reverse.
2021 Mazda CX-30 Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2021 |
| Make | Mazda |
| Model | CX-30 |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | I-Activ Sport Utility Vehicle |
| Category | Minicompact Car Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Mexico |
| Manufacturing City | SALAMANCA |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 3338 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | 5000 pounds |
| Overall Height | 61.7 inches |
| Overall Length | 173 inches |
| Overall Width | 70.7 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 104.4 inches |
| Standard Seating | 5 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Intercooled Turbo Regular Unleaded I-4 2.5 L/152 |
| Engine Size | 2.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | 6 Automatic w/OD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 6-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel ABS |
| Steering Type | Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $30,050 |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Have?
How long will the 2021 Mazda CX-30 last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Driver-assistance features: standard i-Activsense suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and a driver attention alert. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available on higher trims. Optional features include a head-up display, a 360-degree view monitor, and rear parking sensors with automatic braking.
Safety: The 2021 Mazda CX-30 received excellent crash-test ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. It earned a 5-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS named it a Top Safety Pick+, its highest honor, indicating excellent performance in all crash tests and for its standard safety features. This makes the CX-30 a safe choice for families and individuals alike. The carβs suite of active safety technologies further enhances its safety credentials.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2021 Mazda CX-30 Prices and Market Value
2021 Mazda CX-30 Cost of Ownership
2021 Mazda CX-30 Fuel Efficiency
2021 Mazda CX-30 Safety Rating
NHTSA
2021 Mazda CX-30 Recalls & Defects
Tires:valve
Structure:body:hatchback/Liftgate
2021 Mazda CX-30 Warranty
Basic
Corrosion
Drivetrain
Roadside Assistance
2021 Mazda CX-30 Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Compare to Other I-Activ Sport Utility Vehicle?
Alternatives:
- Hyundai Kona: Offers similar performance and features at a lower price point.
- Kia Seltos: Provides more cargo space and a rugged design.
- Honda HR-V: A practical choice with good fuel economy and a spacious interior, but lacks the CX-30's driving excitement.
- Toyota C-HR: Stylish but less engaging to drive than the Mazda.
Ranks #355 SUV
| 1 | 2023 Toyota 4Runner | (5.0β ) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid | (5.0β ) |
| 3 | 2023 Lexus GX | (0.0β ) |
| 4 | 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV | (0.0β ) |
| 5 | 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | (5.0β ) |
| 6 | 2024 BMW iX | (0.0β ) |
| 7 | 2023 Ford Bronco Sport | (3.0β ) |
| 8 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQB | (0.0β ) |
| 9 | 2024 Chevrolet Trax | (5.0β ) |
| 10 | 2023 Audi A4 allroad | (0.0β ) |
| 11 | 2023 Hyundai Kona N | (0.0β ) |
| 12 | 2023 Nissan ARIYA | (5.0β ) |
| 355 | 2021 Mazda CX-30 | (5.0β ) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 a Good I-Activ Sport Utility Vehicle?
Carlos on January 25, 2024
wouldn't recommend buying a MazdaI bought a Mazda CX-30 in December 2021. It is rotting. The manufacturer and dealer do not want to replace the unit. I wouldn't recommend buying a Mazda, you'd be wasting your money.
Tony Medina on October 14, 2023
Mazda North American HQ> Please ReviewThis vehicle is sweet Have the Premium Turbo What is the issue with the windshield cracking near the heater/defrost vent on a 50 degree morning?
JdN on June 16, 2023
Beautiful, finely crafted vehicle.Beautiful, finely crafted vehicle. Nothing else comes close to the quality and value for the money - or for even significantly more. Great fuel economy. Iβm not a CUV guy ( This is my wifeβs car ), but the ride and the handling are especially impressive for a Γ’β¬ΕtallΓ’β¬Β vehicle. In a sea of clunky, uninspiring designs this vehicle is truly elegant. Very happy.
Michael D on April 9, 2023
Solid Vehicle & Good ValueWe've owned the 2021 CX-30 for 2 years. It feels solid, well built and provides good value. Gas mileage is good at 30mpg combined. On the negative side, the ride is a bit jittery. And the battery tends to act up if you don't drive the car for at least 15 minutes at a time. The dealer explained this is necessary, because all the technology and chips that are packed into it need more time to warm up - which is a dubious assertion. But it is what it is. Will be trading for another Toyota hybrid, which in our view is the gold standard based on 11 years experience with a 2010 Prius.
Larry on May 8, 2022
Just what I was looking forLooking for a good looking car that also performed well. Did not want a cvt transmission, so that narrowed my choices. Liked the Mazda CX 30, and having owned Mazda's in the past decided a test drive in order. Was blown away with quality and driving dynamics. Performance with turbo was great. Deal done. Has been very dependable and well built so far.
Bob g on March 30, 2022
Air conditioning blows warm air some recalls butGood car good gas mileage fun to drive Like some controls on consol,map display is nice size, lots adjustment for different items, lots nice safety items
Wani on March 30, 2022
Acceleration of adaptive cruise controlAfter long journey test drive, found problem with setting of acceleration on the adaptive cruise control. Any body know how to setting the speed acceleration on the adaptive cruise control ? The factory setting for the acceleration was to much, the engine can jump to 4000-5000 rpm to accelerate to achieve the speed target, it was too much acceleration. How to do setting , any body know?
Special woman. on June 15, 2021
Cool midsize SUV.It has more room than the CX-3 and that is what I like. I only drove it 60 miles and so far so good. Has a nice feel to it and I will enjoy this for years to come.
Bump6868 on June 10, 2021
Love the CX-30 it is way better than our Kicks wasWe looked into the CX-30 mostly based off of reviews from Car and Driver and consumer reports. it is miles better than our 19 kicks was so much more connected to the road and has a more premium feel than my 08 RX-350
YI-ZHE on June 4, 2021
Most beautiful car !!!The driving experience is wonderful! Sound proof, speed and comfort is good! driving in CX30 is enjoying! one tiny drawback of this car is that the space for rear passengers is not big enough!
Simon A
Simon is a contributor to VinCheck, where he provides articles and reviews on various automotive topics. His work focuses on delivering accurate and up-to-date information about used cars, helping readers make informed decisions.