2024 Mazda CX-30 TURBO Review | A More COMFORTABLE 3

[@donovanbingham]

Just bought a CX-30 Turbo. Okay well my girlfriend bought it. I have a diesel Jeep Grand Cherokee. We took the Mazda on a trip to visit relatives. About two hours away. This one was fully equipped with leather interior including the dash. What a car. Comfortable. Secure. Tons of features. Lots of power. Still getting used to it. It's not a daily driver but it's a small monster.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and sharing. Glad you both are enjoying the 30. That diesel Grand Cherokee is pretty interesting. Thanks again and happy motoring!

[@jbm0866]

I have a 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch (never really considered a CX-30) and can say I'd have a hard time dropping down to a non-turbo. Having said that I did test drive two non-turbo 3's (sedan/hatch) and didnt really find them underpowered, especially compared to other small cars with naturally aspirated engines...the Corolla hatch in particular comes to mind. I agree the regular non-turbo would be fine for most CX-30 buyers, you wont be slower than the majority of cars surrounding you on the road. I will say that the only way I'd drop down to a non-turbo 3 is if it is a FWD with manual transmission. I never got to test one of those, but I can imagine it would make up for the lack of low end shove by being so fun to drive. Living where I do the forced AWD on the turbo rarely gets used..in fact I can only think of one instance, (it snowed while I was at work and I had to get home) but even so I have been fine in FWD cars in similar situations in the past. Unless you really need AWD, it simply adds weight and hurts day to day performance.

[@StokedandBearded]

You've answered every question I could possibly have.👍🏼

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Yes indeedy! I try. Thanks and hope all is well!

[@BrianCampbell-s2g]

I have a CX-30 Turbo Premium and agree that it's the sweet spot in the Turbo lineup. Like the effortless torque, makes it worth the small mileage hit (25MPG vs. 29MPG combined) I get around town. (Unlike the reviewer, I average 26mpg around town.) For me, the turbo is worth the extra money because of how effortless it makes the driving experience. I (briefly) had a turbo 3 hatch and prefer the CX-30 over that car, despite taking a small hit on handling.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. The turbo CX-30 is a very cool car. MPG wise the Mazda 2.5 turbo is very sensitive to driving style and conditions. We have that engine in our CX-9 and MPGs vary quite a bit from tank to tank depending on that week’s driving. Thanks again for watching! Enjoy your CX-30 and happy motoring!

[@sgrant9814]

I went in looking for a 3 hatch but left with a cx30....hated the hatch's lack of visibility in all rear/side directions and sitting on the ground feeling as if i was sitting in a tank looking out the turret slits.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Congrats on your CX-30. It definitely draws sales from the 3 for the reasons you state. All the best and happy motoring.

[@ianwright5078]

I have a cx-30 identical to that, except the premium not the premium plus. Thoroughly enjoy the vehicle except the take could be bigger given the fuel mileage and it cuts throttle while turning which can be incredibly frustrating. ….but maybe I’m expecting too much given the added ride height over the 3. Otherwise, I’ve enjoyed it over the last few months since I bought it. Not as fun as my GLI was, but much easier to live with day to day.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Excellent! Thanks for watching and sharing your experience. I had to edit out the range and fuel tank size. I can see where that could be a bother. But overall a great vehicle. Enjoy your CX-30 and happy motoring!

[@Unchainedmaple888]

I'm waiting for a hybrid CX-30 with around 200 HP and 50 MPG. Mazda can make it happen by using the Corolla Cross hybrid system that's built alongside the CX-50. The CX-50 is already getting a hybrid version with the RAV4 hybrid system. I think Mazda could easily build a CX-30 hybrid in Alabama considering the CX-50 uses the same platform.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Will be interesting to see what Mazda does. They just revealed no changes for the 2025 Mazda3. The Toyota system might be a squeeze but it is the same architecture as the 50. Thanks again and happy motoring.

[@Unchainedmaple888]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive Thanks for the reply. Whenever I drive my brother's Mazda 3 Turbo Hatch I get like 15 MPG cause it just begs to be driven fast. I would imagine in a CX-30 Turbo, I would get 13-14 MPG so I really need that hybrid about yesterday lol

[@michaelbergschneider2446]

I have a 2021 Turbo Premium Plus. Love it! No issues except a battery. The infotainment system is frustrating. But that’s really my only complaint worth mentioning.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Nice! Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. I have heard that about some Mazda batteries. We have had a mazda3 for over two years and no battery issues. Thanks again and happy motoring!

[@jbm0866]

The factory battery on my 2021 turbo hatch went bad at just over 2 years, but I've heard this complaint among other manufactuerers as well which suggests they dont exactly fit the highest quality batteries on the assembly line. As for the infotainment..I got used to the console controls after a couple weeks and it's nbd now, and I really like where the volume control is located. I have had issues with the screen going blank and also freezing up, both fixed with a restart.

[@BrianCampbell-s2g]

The 2024 Turbo offers a touchscreen for it's wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Definitely takes the edge off the knob interface.

[@johngalt5411]

Would you say the CX-30 is a better handler than the CX-50? Ideally I'd like a Macan but don't want to spend the coin & trying to find an affordable but fun to drive surrogate. The body roll comments raise some concern, don't recall you mentioning that in the CX-50 review. I had a long tern Santa Fe rental which was very comfortable & quick with the turbo charged engine but would wobble under certain road conditions which drove me nuts.

[@jbm0866]

The Macan is a hot hatch disguised as a crossover, you'll have a hard time matching such a thing. Having said that I have no experience with a CX-50, but by all accounts it's the sportiest crossover in the non-luxury category...while also being quite luxurious in some ways. Only way you'll know it's for you is to visit your local Mazda dealer and tell them you want to drive a CX-30 turbo and CX-50. Of course they'll try to sway you to the more expensive model, but be sure to drive both.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and for the question. Pretty much what @jbm0866 said. The Macan has a PDK and is regarded as one of the best driving cars of any type. But I see what you are trying to achieve. We sometimes like to think our CX-9 is a poor man’s Cayenne. The CX-50 and CX-30 are on the same platform so they have a very similar feel. The 50 is squatter and flatter in the turns and the steering is heavier. But it also drives bigger whereas the 30 is small and nimble. All Mazda’s have some intentional body roll so my comment is with respect to the lower to the ground Mazda3. Between the two it comes down to space and versatility. The CX-50 is just a more complete car with towing and plenty of room for stuff and people. Similarly equipped it will cost a lot more. It also has an appropriately sized fuel tank whereas the 30’s is frustratingly small. If the two were sitting side by side and it was just me and another person going for a ride, I am grabbing the 30. They are both similar enough that it probably should come down to if the small size would work for you. But again, the CX-50 turbo is probably one of the best driving mass market non-German CUVs you can buy. Hope that helps. Thanks again and have fun on the test drives.

[@pigman117]

Mazda's are sweet cars, I'm thinking of getting the turbo 3 sedan for my next vehicle. Any chance you can get an IS350 to review? I'd love your opinions on it. I think it's one of the best looking sedans right now

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching! Let me ping Lexus this week to see if I can get something on the schedule. I have driven the IS250 and really like how it drives. Interior room is on par with the 3 sedan. Both have about the same quality. The IS is getting a little dated interior wise though. The issue is that once you start adding Lexus packages to them to get equivalent kit to the Mazda3 premium plus turbo it’s get into the 50s really fast. But they do look great and with rear wheel drive it’s a good drive. For Lexus I would look into a used one as they are extremely reliable. The 350 with the 6 just adds unnecessary weight over the front wheel. It is butter smooth though. So it’s all about cost. I would lean towards a used IS at about the same price as the new 3 but only if it had good option packages.

[@pigman117]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive yeah I would for sure get something used, regardless of what I ultimately decide on. Mazda has a leg up on the interior for, I'd be curious as to which car is quieter on the road? I'm guessing lexus? anyway looking forward to your future videos!

[@leiffabian175]

Mazda needs badly to bring a hybrid option for the 3/cx30/cx5..to compete more and improve mpg..hope the 5% stake of Toyota helps for 2025.2026 and beyond..also the tech feels oudated compared to the competition..adaptive cruise control needs auto steer for lane keep assist..cockpit should be upgraded to digital...and the screen placed closer to driver reach(hate the screen buried in the middle of dashboard...also for older models before 23 software needs to be upgraded/updated for wireless apple carplay..like Honda did..still a lot of room for redesign and improvements.

[@stedye]

Newly subscribed and enjoyed my first view on your channel 👌 I have tested both Carbon Turbo model and Premium ( NA ) model with 12 speaker Bose , in the debate over power or sound , the NA has ample power for my daily use , yet still in valley of indecision. Any input is appreciated.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Awesome! Thanks for subscribing and for the very nice comment. It’s really just budget and how much you drive that would drive your fuel expenses. Also check with the insurance company between the two. About a 3k price difference also if you want the Bose. The turbo will also need religiously on time oil changes that cut Mazda’s intervals in half for peace or mind long term. I just think the CX-30’s intended purpose, comfortable all wheel drive lifted hatch that is fairly entertaining to drive, is 90% satisfied with the NA. But don’t fret too much over which one you pick. They are both great and you will enjoy either one. Driving them back to back is a little tough because of course the turbo is just more fun. But on the other hand winding out the na is fun also and it sounds pretty decent. Thanks again and keep in touch on what you decide.

[@r3sp3ctall]

Thanks for another great video. Agree. I think the non-turbo would make more sense for many. I am comparing this with Toyota corolla cross and clearly Mazda’s interior, handling and build quality wins for sure.

[@stedye]

You have a great point and the better gas mileage.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and for the nice comment. We do have a couple corolla cross reviews on the channel. It will come down to space. The CC simply has more room and if you go hybrid it move just fine. But the 30 wins hands down for refinement and driving enjoyments. I really like the handling an ride quality balance in the 30. Good luck and keep in touch on what you decide.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

2024 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus in platinum quartz metallic and white leather interior. The CX-30 is a great all around vehicle and solves many of the interior packaging concerns with the lower riding Mazda3 hatch. It rides better than the 3, with just a smidge of reduced handling performance, and the backseat is not claustrophobic and is decent to sit in. Standard AWD and decent fuel economy, make this a hit for Mazda. So the turbo version should make it better, right? Of course it does. But the main problem is the 2.5 NA CX-30 is really good.

[@groovymoon]

We just sold out 20123 CX50 Turbo Premium Plus. Why.. The ride is HARSH and the seats are awful on longer than a test ride. Thinking about a CX-30

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Mazda has softened up the CX-50 for 2024. The Meridian trim level has the higher side wall tires and also rides better. I would say the CX-30 is softer and rides better but is significantly smaller. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Tampa0123456789]

You sold only after 1 year? 😮 you must be rich or bought on impulse. Anyway I bet a million dollars you didn't consider the wheels. Tires are part of the suspension. All these people using big rims forget that they come with barely any rubber. Instead of buying a new SUV you needed to buy smaller Wheels with more meat.

[@groovymoon]

@BeyondTheTestDrive the seats still SUCK. And I know all about tires 35 yes Automotivr chassis engineer. I wasn't going to spend $ 2500-3000 for 18in wheels and tires and still have the same unbearable seats. Seats that were not evident in a 15 minute test drive, the bolsters are too narrow,the bottom too flat and hard. And I do not have a big butt or thighs 36in waist.

[@Imperialist_Boi]

You’ve heard of stereo and surround… now get ready for sterere 5:50

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

😂. It’s just there to see if you are paying attention. I guess that’s what I get when rushing out a Sunday morning vid. I am pretty sure sterere means stereo in some language.

[@Imperialist_Boi]

@@BeyondTheTestDrive haha well rushed or not I find most of your videos pretty high quality. Very good reviews in a not too long but not too short format (meaning you talk about a little bit more than just the surface). Sunday release is cool cause I watch them on my lunch break 🙃

[@brocklanders6969]

Almost bought the CX-30 Carbon Edition, but couldn't deal with tech. Ended up with Crosstrek Sport. Love the huge touchscreen and large fuel tank.

[@BeyondTheTestDrive]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. As I mentioned in the video the Crosstrek is a great overall choice and offers a completely different take on the small crossover. I really like the Crosstrek’s ride quality and utility. Plus it should last a ton of years. Thanks again and happy motoring!

[@tedrik1346]

Cramped with many blind spots.