2020 Mazda CX-30 - Review & Road Test

The all-new Mazda CX-30 isn't a replacement for the Mazda CX-3, but it is technically another sub-compact SUV. So what exactly is the point of it? That's a great question, and Lyn Woodward from Kelley Blue Book takes a deeper dive into Mazda's latest offering in the crossover segment.
For the latest Mazda CX-30 pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/ma...

[@kbb]

What do you think? With a CX-3 and a CX-5 already in the lineup did Mazda need to make a CX-30?

[@theMLBfan]

IMO no. I think they would've been better off making a new CX-7 to slot between the CX5 and 9 sizes.

[@ForgotToMentionThat]

Replace the cx3 with this.

[@mark-qi6di]

@@ForgotToMentionThat Feel like that's what's going to happen. Maybe like a CX50 in the future, who knows?

[@mark-qi6di]

Really like the CX30 but now that you pointed out the odd proportions here and there, I can't stop noticing them!!!

[@George_Light]

It needed a far better, more professional review than it received.

[@Msigw]

Living in the Midwest USA, I like the "extra" plastic. It doesn't rust from all our road salt, its doesn't chip (noticeably) from our back road gravel roads, and its a little more ding friendly/scratch resistant than most any paint job... Sure plastic doesn't look as pretty as the paint, but I think its a fine middle road for looks and practicality.

[@ozamatazbuckshank.]

I finally got to see one of these in the wild a few days ago, and it looked like nothing else sharing the road with it. Even in white it had a kind of elegant presence that made me want to just stare at it. The cladding is a bit much, yeah, but everything else about the CX-30 was gorgeous. Unfortunately, my light turned green, so I couldn't keep admiring it like a sculpture of fine art lol

[@omars.8073]

Really appreciate Lyn's always on-point design analysis.

[@jeffwarren1547]

Forgot to mention that preferred and premium include the bose stereo. It's a bangin' system. As much as I agree with her overall on the last gen mazda 3, that old bose "premium" stereo is a joke compared to the new one. The new one is that much better.

[@sssssneaker]

Soul Red colour option in US: 600 $ Soul Red colour option in EU: 750 € How come we always get ripped off ffs

[@deet4895]

The upside is you guys have much better cars to choose from.

[@PhlilipeAlves]

I paid 600€ in Portugal for the Soul Red.

[@tommasobargiacchi4881]

In Italy 1250 € ...

[@stace3037]

EU include sales tax

[@jimwatchyyc]

Try buying cars in Canadian dollars!

[@yummy1234098]

They need a midsize SUV in between the CX-5 and the CX-9...maybe a...CX-7?? NOT ANOTHER weird sized too small to use compact cuv.

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

The Japan-Australasia exclusive CX8 should be brought to the states. Its bigger than a CX5 but smaller than CX9

[@coda_o7]

music on this video is really nice, love the electric piano

[@Min-lt9ct]

Should I consider CX30 or Mazda 3 Hatchback?

[@Cameron38]

The Mazda 3 hatchback she showed is not the last generation. That’s 2 generations back. The last generation was 2014 - 2018.

[@spike238]

Asian spec 2020 Mazda CX-4.... would be nice if it was available in North America...

[@deet4895]

Now that's a good look car, unlike this thing with all it black un-painted plastic. 🤮

[@rayschoch5882]

I share Ms. Woodward's grief over the previous generation Mazda 3 hatchback. I drove one for two years, and loved it, but old and increasingly painful knees required a higher seating position, and the CX-30 wasn't available in 2018. I bought a Kia Niro instead, and - much to my surprise - I'm quite happy with that particular hybrid. The Niro is within an inch or so of most of the CX-30's measurements, gets far better fuel mileage, but has significantly poorer power and acceleration. The Niro looks pretty ho-hum next to the CX-30, however, which looks spectacular. I may gravitate back to my Mazda dealer in a year or two. It's high enough off the ground that my knees won't protest getting in and out, but I'll have to think twice about the mediocre fuel mileage. Meanwhile, I'll quarrel with Ms. Woodward's judgment about Mazda colors. "Soul Red" is simply gorgeous, but Mazda's version of blue has been ugly as home-made sin for several years, and I never get excited about "silver" or black or white. If I get a CX-30, I'll just have to pay the extra $600 to get the one good color I can.

[@PazmanBC]

So right about previous generation Mazda 3.

[@moonlightmelodrama]

Rare event. An honest review.

[@oMFGwTFlMFAO]

I dont who this lady is but awesome and detailed video!

[@kevinbaker2401]

I don’t like where they put the tablet and not updated drivers display

[@DanielBishopAZ]

"... if you know what a phonebook is." Hahaha!

[@mattjones3257]

Realizing they have the CX-4, a different vehicle, in China, they should have called this the CX-π to more linearly differentiate the sizes. Kidding, but I’d bet that CX-3 and CX-5 get mid-cycle refreshes in the near future where they become the CX-20 and CX-50.

[@garyglenn1120]

Does it have a compass

[@NikStratus]

As good as the CX-30 looks, I just think I may have struck out as a member of the #6FootAndOver Club...6'3½ here but liking this, but can't do it💪🏾💪🏾

[@Music-ej3ed]

Kelley Blue Book

[@melmar07]

Mazda 3 is a CAR not an SUV.

[@pbarach1]

CRAMPED back seat (compare Impreza). And what decent driver wants to rest arms on the door??

[@chickenceiling]

this car would be beautiful without the plastic cladding, looks disgusting

[@jmar28a]

I ❤️ Lyn videos❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ so beautiful

[@YocoWheelin]

2024: Introducing the CX-32. It's 2 inches bigger than the CX-30, but smaller the CX-5, but bigger than the CX-3, but smaller than the CX-5. But bigger than the Mazda 3 hatch.

[@deet4895]

Sadly that's the world we live in. 😔

[@punishmint]

damn bro. thats deep

[@worrywart1311]

Sounds like a tall story.

[@joeliam]

Too funny, and real

[@eddygci8]

I think the Cx3 could go. It’s so stout looking

[@kadiaturnbull5820]

I recently bought a CX 30 and I’m in love with how it looks and ride. I guess different folks different strokes.

[@mikaylabrookins990]

Kadia Turnbull I’m about to purchase , have you noticed any negatives?

[@africanandproud6792]

@G. Coleman Ha ha ha

[@christophermay4998]

First off congrats on your new mazda.......i hope to get one soon.......a white one with black interior.......second.......you look great in your profile pic......nice dress......👍

[@kellymillar28]

When you put it into drive, you have to kick it to go, is that a Mazda thing? What's with the blue and black dash? Can I get past that? I tried it out...the base model has blind spot warning. I liked everything else.

[@kellymillar28]

Did the mix of blue and black materials shock you at first?

[@theMLBfan]

All that cladding is ridiculous. It doesn't even make it look more rugged since Mazda's styling is designed to look more sleek and elegant.

[@WimalSamarasinghe]

Agreed. The plastic cladding spoils an otherwise sleek design. Can't understand why Mazda has to keep adding cladding even on new models when they don't serve any purpose and cheapen the look of their SUVs

[@joshua9073]

Looks better in person

[@minivanmaster]

33 mpg for something with awd and with a real 6 speed transmission? other SUVs are jealous

[@OscarLeeMX]

It feels like the lower-half of the infotainment screen is cut-off from most viewing angles.

[@christophermay4998]

For shorter driver's it definitely could be......

[@Dklew9418]

@@christophermay4998 im 5'4 and its perfectly fine for me lol

[@Jannmell]

1:37 "Toyota CH-R want's to be a TRANSFORMER in her next life" hahahaha

[@dygardion9130]

“ if you know what a phone book is “ 😂😂😂

[@jerbsherb4391]

They stopped making phone books in 2012. It's not that long ago...unless you are an 8 year old

[@vapidcity]

@@jerbsherb4391 but most people havent owned one since the early 2000s

[@nuketownmayor]

I just bought a CX30 yesterday and I’m loving it.

[@CHANNELjuan12]

Still loving it sir?

[@53orion91]

The Plastic cladding looks really cheap and the silhouette looks weird.

[@BlackNAVYAmericanVET]

Mazda Reliable is superior than Toyota at this point and era . Good job 👏🏽

[@CalvinHikes]

Here's a graphic that explains it all: CX4

[@minivanmaster]

Cx-4 is in china, we don't get it in the USA and they didn't wanna have two cars with the same name

[@southpawlibranine3511]

What a genius you are

[@The_Notorious_CRG]

I would like the CX-30 better if it kinda dialed back the Audi Allroad cladding. But, I always am a fan of Lyn's styling and substance.

[@alexiar1470]

Carlo Garcia This is KZbin not a dating site

[@The_Notorious_CRG]

@@alexiar1470 - oh sorry. I was really hoping that Lyn would see my comment and be interested in me.

[@ricardodiaz3962]

I love the graphic presentation😂 Mamma Bear , and Big Daddy

[@chuckers40]

I've been saying that Mazda needs a two row midsize between the CX5 and CX9, like a reboot of the CX7

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

They should have the CX8 in the USA but thats only available in Japan, Australia & New Zealand. Its basically a CX5 - CX9 middle-ground.

[@ontarioman6301]

Agree. They are missing opportunities with a bit larger cx 5

[@rayschoch5882]

I hear you, Lyn. I had a 2016 Mazda3 Hatchback in Soul Red, 6-speed manual. One of the best cars I've ever driven (I'm 76). Alas, my creaky back and aching knees made it increasingly difficult to get into and out of. No CX-30 in 2018 (I'd have bought one), so I bought a Kia Niro, which is not as fun as the Mazda3 Hatchback, but gets 50+ mpg in the summer, 35 + mpg in the winter, and has more room behind the 2nd row. It's 1 second slower to 60 than the Mazda3, 1 second faster to 60 than a Subaru Crosstrek.

[@stacylewis6867]

I recently purchased one...im very happy...haven't found an issue with arm comfort...smaller than the CX-5 definitely (I've had 2 of those) but it rides wonderfully and has many capabilities. I love it so far. Hope you like yours!

[@RoadCone411]

I’m interested in either a CX-30 or a Honda HR-V. I already have a CX-5 (and love it) but need a second car. Might be able to get a lower-spec CX-5 but the CX-30 intrigues me, and there would be some benefit to keeping my next car within the Mazda stable. I could probably get a better deal on the HR-V, and it’s definitely roomier than the smaller Mazda, but the weaker engine and CVT put me off. Also considered a Ford Escape but the interior was too plasticky and I don’t love the 3-cylinder engine, although Ford has done a nice job with connectivity and features while keeping the price low. I might consider it leasing an Escape just in case I don’t like it over the long haul. Not sure I love the almost too-small cabin and bad visibility of the Mazda CX-30, but it looks good and drives wonderfully by comparison to the Honda and Ford. I’m so torn...first world problems. It’ll probably come down to price and what I can get for the least money. I feel like the Mazda is the one I should be going after though.

[@TheMonicagal]

Do you think this car has poor Rear Visabilty as stated in this video?

[@hispanicginger8744]

They should’ve just made this the redesign cx-3 and then come out with a midsize two row suv and call it the cx-7

[@yummy1234098]

For real! They literally discontinued the CX-7 and never brought it back but keep bringing these ipod shuffle sized not-uvs to market...who is running this place?!

[@tousshong9438]

I could've agree more! Now they got to many models creating confusing. They all still have that long hood making the vehicle looks odd per my opinion.

[@kylehankins3434]

@@yummy1234098 Well they are making the CX-70 now shortly here so I guess they were working on it

[@csjrogerson2377]

Be V V careful. Check the maintenance sked. Mazda have serious errors and omissions. They state that the ATF in the autos is a lifetime item and only needs to be changed when a component or the whole g'box needs to be replaced. Derrr, wtf!!! Why would those parts fail - unless you failed to change the ATF at about 100K Km. The timing chain is omitted from the sked coz it never needs to be changed (says Mazda) - utter bollox. Timing chains break and when they do, you'll need to buy an new engine. If you buy a Mazda and keep it for a long time, do not forget to change the ATF and the timing chain at 100-130K Km. Mazda has refused to offer any advice of service intervals for the above.

[@NIAtoolkit]

Today's word of the day is 'modicum'

[@CalvinHikes]

That was my thought as well.

[@kbb]

We finally bought a thesaurus for the office. 😉

[@timblaker7138]

@@kbb indubitably

[@joshua9073]

I liked that too haha

[@gregarioussolitudinist5695]

Review the CAR that you ARE reviewing. Not the ONE you wish you HAD.

[@MonkKFBR]

What a weird review. She doesn't like a bunch of cool things.

[@arnoldguisa9958]

Everything she says in the driving scenes is 💯 true. Test drove a cx30 last week and man drives so good. I’m thinking of trade my 2010 corolla for one of those. Lol

[@wallybeegone]

It’s just a lifted Mazda 3 hatchback.

[@ianferguson6616]

Thanks for the clarification I thought this was bigger than the Mazda 3

[@BTC909]

Mazda managed to out Coffin the CH-R. That plastic body cladding (2:20) makes it look like it has 35" tires.

[@thundergato84]

The CH-R is slow, and more cramped than the CX-30.

[@BTC909]

@@thundergato84 The reliability of the CH-R ended up being poor. Probably will be replaced with the Corolla Wagon (BZ).

[@JohnnyUkeOfficial]

I just wish Mazda would go to touchscreen infotainment systems.

[@Lightsout565x]

In terms of length it's several inches shorter than the Civic. I think it would really benefit them to make this car a tad bit longer to give rear passengers more room in the back. Not having Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on the base model just feels really cheap and nickel-and-diming you. Also as every review has said--cut back a bit on the plastic cladding for next year.

[@christophermay4998]

It's within 3-4 inches of my 2002 honda civic.......just a different body shape.......the trunk on a sedan takes a chunk out of the interior space.......one reason why suv/cuv is so popular these days

[@victorcampaz640]

Having this CX-30 I seriously don't get the CX-3. It's not a car, it's not an SUV, so... What's the point of it?

[@arnoldguisa2096]

I heard that this Mazda has good reputation with handling and turning radius

[@Yoomaro]

Arnold Guisa yes it does

[@moileung]

Oh yeah, cx5 drives like a car. CRV and RAV4 harder to maneuver.

[@TriniGamerGirl7]

Arnold Guisa fact! I drive a Mazda. I’ve owned 2 in my life and braking is awesome, too.

[@saadqureshi7127]

That cladding on the exterior makes it look cheap af. Would look way better without that cheap plastic and just paint instead.

[@AeroDude73]

I want to marry her. 🤔 😎😉🤷‍♂️

[@AndrewKaiserPhotography]

This is one of those things that will just have to be chalked up to "to each their own". I test drove a lot of cars in this segment and found the seating on the CX-30 to be incredibly comfortable. FAR better than the offerings from Toyota and Honda and Subaru. I also don't find the rear visibility to be a problem at all.

[@noseefood1943]

I rented this and disliked tiny windows, tiny buttons on remote, no locking fuel door, weird shaped side mirrors, and jolting ride. Also looks disproportionate too long hood and very short rear end.

[@kelvinnorton8776]

Gina Reynolds 2 years ago Cute but too small

[@Kingthin]

Mazda Rocks!!

[@vinceaikido]

great video globally thank you !! But I hate all that subjectiv aspect, it is based on your body proportion only and your tastes... say that you can adjust the seat height etc , say that you still have space between your head and roof, or that the contour ads protection to the main frame of the car ...

[@arthurgadz646]

Difinitely a beautiful car...its a little pricey though..ugh

[@edreyez484]

That side cladding makes me think twice buying this car.. why cant mazda cant make it more smaller.. its not a serious off road car, so why make it big?

[@joshua9073]

Design decisions

[@JDYOUNGEARTH777]

Single guy no need for the room I Love my CX-3. Made in Japan not Mexico like the CX-30.

[@johncleary1851]

Fabulous SUV. ,, reliable and quick,, stylish and fun to drive

[@101brains]

Mazda 6 and Mazda 3 Hatch best cars I've ever owned. 14 and 16. Still have them and still love them. Lots of miles!!

[@MustPassTruck]

The plastic around the wheel wells and along the bottom makes it look really cheap.

[@KealeyOnCars]

Ah the midsized compact SUV Crossover... I think...

[@kencoleman8929]

I know what a phone book is ... 😁👍👍

[@ForgotToMentionThat]

Does anyone do red as well as Mazda does? Good review even though i sorta disagree, this car really is a looker

[@sshah2545]

David Nganga lol, and I disagree. This car is ugly AF

[@leojennings1288]

@@sshah2545 u trippin

[@twillias4714]

It's beautiful. I saw one this morning in white and I swear my breathing sped up. Time for a test drive. Also, no one does red paint better than mazda. They were a really gorgeous blue they used to make that needs to come back too

[@christophermay4998]

@@twillias4714 I am looking hard at the white one as well.......most reviewers are choosing the red one......its a nice choice to try to blend in the plastic......but the white one embraces the plastic......the black and dark blue are beautiful as well......in the premium trim there are a few other colors that are nice as well.......low models only have 4 colors......

[@inctru]

I'm not a fan of the cheap-looking thick black plastic cladding. Would have to get the vehicle in black or dark gray to blend that mess together.

[@alz4437]

Agreed, the Mazda3 hatchback doesn't have them and it looks so sexy.

[@jeffhorton8737]

I have this as a loaner car because my Mazda 3 in the shop I honestly love it might have the cx30 as my next car

[@benc4181]

This thing beats the Ford Raptor and Jeep Wrangler.....In the amount of plastic cladding

[@deet4895]

Sad 😔 but true.

[@alexbrown9351]

This video has really made me debate whether the rear pillar is a C pillar or a D pillar. The actual c pillar and rear quarter light are so small, does the actual c pillar count as a separate pillar, or is just a part of a larger c pillar?

[@cweeks19921]

This host is hilarious. No wonder you went with her. Great video, thanks.

[@epbrown01]

I could do without the cladding around the wheel wells and along the bottom of the doors, but I get the impression the proportions would look worse without them. If I were shopping this segment, the Rav 4 would still win out for me for a new car.

[@gcsugirl]

E Brown I was considering the Rav 4 but it’s not feminine enough for me. I’m just a chick that goes to work

[@sassouusasoo3607]

The rav4 is not part of this segment 😒. The CHR is .Can't compare apples with oranges .

[@sassouusasoo3607]

@@gcsugirl Heuh ok ...did you know that the rav4 is mostly sold to women ?

[@graemecouch5010]

Why would you rest your arm at the top of the door ? Your not making sense use the armrest !

[@soohalee616]

You did a very good job. It was very helpful video. Thank you so much.

[@kevinstarski1598]

Wonder how much all these LED's these days will cost when they do go out...

[@sgregorybird]

I'm mourning the loss of the previous hatch, too. The sedan now looks great, but I wish the new Mazda 3 had the rear hips of the CX-30.

[@antonioalvarado1541]

Very pretty and everything, but: 1)Rear view is horrendous/dangerous (it runs in the family...Google "Mazda 3's Poor Rear Visibility Makes It the Camaro of Compact Hatchbacks"). 2)Nobody here tells you about the AC problem (put in the KZbin search "Mazda CX30 ac problem when accelerating" and see that video). If you live in the Southeast US, you MUST have an AC that works ALL THE TIME!!! > Mazda is very focus on looking pretty, and at least they're succeeding at that!

[@tkitty4ever]

Ur knowledge of ergonomics is woefully lacking. Sad

[@UserAbcd-wd4zo]

Had anyone noticed that the break feels hard to press compared to other cars?

[@quietlike]

The ada wouldnt be so bad if you could skip the political ones

[@DaxXx988]

What's wrong with the new generation Mazda3? (Last gen Mazda3 owner here, and in love with her too

[@McShawshank]

When Mazda redid the 3 for 2019, they tried to move it more upmarket and made it more luxurious, but it came at the expense of the youthful zoom-zoom nature and some of the driving dynamics of previous generations (example: they altered the steering response and switched from an independent rear suspension to a torsion beam in the rear). The styling for the new hatchback has been met with a more polarizing response compared to the previous generation, so couple those two together and you get a 3 that's somewhat alienating to fans of the prior generations.

[@christophermay4998]

I definitely don't like the new 3 hatch.......the sedan is very nice.......for me it used to be the other way around.......nice hatch and ugly sedans.......just my opinion

[@stephenhendricks103]

Is the CX-30 a replacement for the CX-3? The answer isn't "No." It's "not yet" at least in the North American market. Though the CX-3 sells well in international markets where the Mazda2 also exists, I'd bet dollars to doughnuts it won't be seen in the US after 2021.

[@deet4895]

The new Mazda 2 exists here as well.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@deet4895 Not sure where "here" is but if it's in the US you should inform Mazda. They don't seem to think so. www.mazdausa.com/shopping-tools/build-and-price

[@DronieUp]

Ergonomics is different to everyone

[@ernestoguzman3032]

You didn’t mention the Bose audio

[@joshpinchuk7061]

I'm actually sitting in a gen 3 Mazda 3 hatchback as I watch this video, what do you mean the loss of it?

[@crazyone1067]

The 3rd Gen handles better since they have a multi-link rear suspension instead of the torsion beam used now.

[@lawrencerosenshein3633]

Rear visibility and storage stink.

[@rustlesee]

She's talking about the last version, like in the pic. Not the new version, which has been hit with mixed bag reviews.

[@crazyone1067]

@@rustlesee yes, I'm talking about the last gen that was shown in the picture

[@jacky9584]

I got lucky to have a gen 4 mazda 3 HB as a loaner car while my gen 3 hatchback was in the shop. Gotta say the interior and NVH have improved a lot, including the suspension. But the handling and steering feel are slightly dialed back which was a no no for me...

[@hiptrip99]

Why do people always forget Mitsubishi in comparing? Don't ignore the minorities. They have a lot of great stuff. Why pick Korean car before Mitsu?? They started to imitate the Mitsu's car when they decide to make cars.

[@MustPassTruck]

Why can't cloth seats get ventilation?

[@kevinnorwood7355]

While I LOVE this vehicle I don’t like the placement of the screen but the looks of the CX-30 is just an piece of art on wheels. And of course like all Mazda’s they drive beautifully and as you stated NO CVT!!

[@ericb.4358]

I think MAZDA made the CX 30 for the world market where the CX 5 may be a bit too large and too expensive for some urbanites. I WANT THOSE PADDLE SHIFTERS ON MY 2019 CX 5 GT RESERVE (TURBO)! BWAAAAA! BOO-HOO...

[@Mrtellitlikeitis]

The special color charges are abundant now. Just another way of milking more money from customers. Yes, it’s a looker, but try and get a color match if you need one. Add the absurd cost of destination charges on these (1100), and costs just keep rising. Ive been in these, and wait until you deal with the enormous blind spots in the rear. I’ll take the CX5

[@mertcakir233]

I drove whole mazda lineup. Excluding miata, Mazda cx-30 and mazda 3 hatchback have best handling. Mazda cx-30’s driving comfort eats his interior space.

[@EvendimataE]

TRANSFORMER IS THE BEST WORD TO DESCRIBE A CHR LOL

[@vwbora26]

The oversized unpainted plastic wheel arch cladings look awfull and cheap. It ruins the whole desing

[@pdlynch4330]

The Mazda 3 GT that my son drives looks way better than the new model, but, the new GT has all wheel drive...toughie...I

[@tousshong9438]

Mazda should have replace the CX-3 with this new CX-30 instead. Now, they got to many models going for them causing hell a lot of confusion. Basic profile, they all looks the same anyway with the long hood. LOL All in all, it dose have more rooms and the better motor in this CUV then the CX-3 and offer AWD as well.

[@redhongkong]

mazda2 ~= cx3. mazda3 ~= cx30. mazda6 ~= cx5. cx9 is just extended cx5 with unusable 3rd row seating they shouldnt use 9 if they ever wanna make a real 3rd row suv.