Big Boost, Tiny Package // 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Review and Buying Guide

[@KirkKreifels]

I realized I said Crossover like 15 times in the first 3 seconds Are you getting the Turbo or Standard?!?!

[@Unchainedmaple888]

I want an affordable Sport Turbo trim for around $32k with Red leather interior trim instead of the brown leather, red cloth seats, black headliner, gloss black delete in the interior, sporty tires, and bigger brakes. I don't really need heated seats or the sunroof but the HUD and BSM would be nice to have still. Probably not gonna happen since these trims and colors seem to be targeting old people so I'll stick with my GR86 for now :(

[@Unchainedmaple888]

I'd only consider a turbo CX-30 because the NA has cylinder deactivation

[@EazybakeEvan]

Got my 23' Turbo in Jet Black Mica/Garnet Red Leather back in May. I wish you reviewed the red interior so your fans can see this thing.

[@tyeohno]

@@Unchainedmaple888 For long-term reliability, what is your opinion on turbo vs NA w/cylinder deactivation?

[@jamiehalifax4954]

​@@Unchainedmaple888good idea !

[@Anamnesis]

If Mazda could package these CX models with a hybrid that gets into the 40mpg range, they'd be killing it.

[@RealKevGotEm]

Yes and realize they will use the same eCVT with Toyota so no thanks

[@RealKevGotEm]

@@Brian_Eugene_Lee yuck! What drugs are you on

[@RealKevGotEm]

@@Brian_Eugene_Lee no way

[@aptkeyboard3173]

I’ve been averaging 30 mpg in my CX-30 turbo over 3k miles (calculated by hand). I’m pretty pleased with that. My ‘22 WRX is getting about 23 mpg and is less comfy and not any faster than the Mazda.

[@lightsfansofthewest481]

​@@RealKevGotEm The eCVT is bulletproof.

[@tmwei396]

My brother bought a CX-30 Preferred earlier this year for $2K under MSRP. He was going to get the Corolla Cross but every dealer in our area is charging $5K addendum over MSRP that drove him to Mazda and he loves it.

[@KirkKreifels]

Good choice on him.

[@kalmmonke5037]

engine shakes when air conditioning and fan is on full power while engine is idling, not sure if the connection between engine and car will loosen in long term because of shaking, or if there is energy absorbing rubber to prevent such thin... tried honda 1.4 liter suv from around 2018 lexus from around 2015 , i did not see as much shaking.... 2015 camry had soem shaking but still less of it. besides that, its a less bad concept compared to other cars, ihhs and ncap crash test score are pretty good, biles per gallon is suprisigly bad compaeed to toyota rav 4 even though at least at surface level, it seems like similar/same to toyota rav 4 engine and transmission with smaller size (smaller weight, hopefully) . @@KirkKreifels

[@mitchdogstudios]

This was basically me 2 months ago. Love Toyota but hate paying the "Toyota Tax".

[@aptkeyboard3173]

I actually really like that it doesn’t have a touch screen. I’m not sure why anyone thought it was a good idea to put controls in cars that are nearly impossible to use without looking away from the road like touchscreens.

[@dquarks]

I agree with no touch screens while in motion. People are crossing the streets with cell phones in the hand. Why would you want to do that when bad drivers are all around. I drove in Europe and drivers there are not so preoccupied with playing with the phone when they are driving. Just bad habit and culture.

[@jbm0866]

Speaking from experience (2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch) the wheel and buttons take a while to get used to. As in you'll be just as distracted as a touch screen would be. Now that I've had the car a while I can use it without taking my eyes off the road for more than a half second or so, but I still wish it allowed touch when in park like the newer Mazda systems.

[@aye3678]

Oh my god, can you imagine this car with paint matching wheel arches and bumpers... It would look beautiful. I hope one day that becomes a reality.

[@mikestivers8302]

i'd rather have the plastic rock/gravel protection. too much road debris here in the desert (and off road, 1000x worse).

[@bigcahuna42366]

I have a 2023 CX-30 Turbo Premium as well. I'm addicted to driving it that I sometimes take the long way to where I'm going. It's got a huge amount of power compared with other models in its class, and the Bose sound system really sounds sensational. Back seat room is cramped, but I'm single with no children, so it works fine with me. This is my first crossover/sub compact SUV, and I thought it would be difficult to maneuver through tight roads, but surprisingly it's easy to drive and not hard to park either. It isn't a perfect set of wheels, but for a vehicle in this trim that is priced at $33,800 brand new, it really gives you an exceptional bang for your buck.

[@scottlowell493]

I can attest: there is *NOTHING* in it's price class that has this level of acceleration, handling, fit and finish and sound system.

[@corchem]

@@scottlowell493 I agree, I love mine! I also wanted the turbo to avoid cylinder deactivation. Driving the CX30 Turbo is pure joy! If you just want to get from point A to point B and have a lot of space, don't get it. If you love to drive, it's the best deal out there in the segment...

[@MajesticMalice]

I have a cx-50 meridian and I really enjoy it and came from an sq5. Low end torque and drivability are amazing and great interior for the price. Dogs love it too 😂

[@Painting_Inspiration]

Mazda is at the top of the safety standard world as declared by the IIHS. They are a Top Safety Pick + brand! They are at the bottom of self driving tech because its built for drivers and not people who fall asleep at the wheel. They are a drivers first brand and dont want tech interfering with someones driving enjoyment. Its been like that for a hundred years and they dont want to change that. Everyone else should just hop on a bus if they dont want to drive.

[@naveenthemachine]

This is definitely the best Asian luxury subcompact suv

[@lightsfansofthewest481]

No. Toyota Corolla Cross is better.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@lightsfansofthewest481 no it’s not. It’s less spacious than the cx30. And it’s interior is horrid. And it’s boring to drive and it’s really slow 😂

[@lightsfansofthewest481]

@naveenthemachine I don't care. I just want a more reliable car. Mazdas are shit from my experience.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@lightsfansofthewest481 your experience is probably a sample set of one.

[@digitaldoc100]

The nonturbo CX30 handles very neutral, with just a bit of understeer. Rotates well through a turn with a little accelerator. Nonturbo has decent power. Drove the turbo also, and liked the power, but a little front heavy.

[@CCANGEL333]

Painted wheel arch trim usually gets paint chipped. The non painted plastic is fine in real life experiences in parking lots.

[@KirkKreifels]

Yes it's far more rugged...but it's more fitting for the 25k models, not the 35k models

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Painted cladding looks bad on crossovers and SUVs imo, it makes the car look even larger and higher up. That being said, the cladding on the CX-30 really should've been reduced by at least 25% in terms of how thick it is. Amazed that it made it through the design approval process. There's too much cladding but IRL, it doesn't too bad.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Mazda doing wonders lately.

[@michaelbryan7498]

From your feedback it seems you feel the road noise is improved over the 3’s? I hate how they seem to ugly up the cx-30 with the plastic cladding.

[@KirkKreifels]

Yes the 3 has a louder, harsher ride...but is way more fun to drive too.

[@davidwayne9982]

Don't LOOK over your shoulder-- USE THE MIRROR. As a truck driver- the mirrors are best-- forget looking out the windows behind you..

[@Unchainedmaple888]

The CX-30 was the last time Mazda made an aggressive and unique front end that really deserves to be a Mazda designed front end. Really honors their Vision and Kodo design language. Compare it to the new CX-90/60 Cadillac/Volvo looking front end. Anyways, the CX-30 could really really use a hybrid power train...like the Corolla Cross hybrid power train. Let Mazda know when you go to Japan please ;) hybrid and a sport turbo CX-30

[@eleanormassaro5195]

Such a cool-looking vehicle!

[@corkyschilling4699]

Mazda makes beautiful looking vehicles. Im going to be in the market for a new car in the couple of months, was looking at the mazda 3 hatchback, but that infotainment system is holding me back.

[@johnattonito948]

I dont understand why everyone is so hung up on Infotainment systems in vehicles. What are you doing on the road? Im driving and listening to music. Could live without infotainment at all

[@michaelbryan7498]

I own 2019 3 hatchback preferred since I purchased new & love the infotainment. The Bose system with some special design choices by Mazda (like no speakers in the doors) match the car perfectly. Touchscreens are universal slow & awful to use while driving. Not to mention dirt magnets. IMO, while touch can have an occasional benefit, touchscreens are gimmicks & simplicity will win out in the end. 90% of my choice for Mazda Hatch vs VW Golf was the infotainment system including the inputs, screen & audio system. What’s crazy is VW has only gotten worse in those areas. Just an fyi, the areas I preferred the golf were driver visibility & rear passenger leg room. Passengers are always blown away by the quality interior & ride comfort as well as the audio.

[@jbm0866]

2021 turbo hatch here, the system definitely has a learning curve. Having said that, once you get it down it's no issue, at least for the stock Mazda functions. The only awkward bit is the fact android auto and carplay were designed for touchscreen use and can be a little tricky to get just what you want with the wheel. It's not a big deal for me since I basically only listen to music from local radio stations around town, playlist from my phone on longer road trips.

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

I love Mazda!!! Do they augment the engine noise with the speakers?

[@KirkKreifels]

I think so .

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

@@KirkKreifels. It sounds nice.

[@jbm0866]

Yes, most definitely. It sounds pretty decent though, better than the soundaktor on my previous 2016 GTI😮. (I currently have a 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch)

[@FRauf-n4r]

Hi Kirk, did you get a chance to drive cx 90 phev? If so how do you compare this with turbo S?

[@Unchainedmaple888]

I only wish that this Turbo CX-30 were Made in Japan instead of Mexico. The lower NA trims being made in Mexico is fine but for this highest trim with a Turbo, I would like Japanese made quality. Anyways I wish there was sport turbo trim with black headliner and a red interior where those brown leather interior bits are red instead. Sport tires and bigger brakes would be nice too.

[@Justin-q4w6d]

So your saying made in Mexico is trash lol😂..

[@jbm0866]

The final quality control before it leaves the factory may not be quite as fanatical as the Hiroshima factory, but in Mexico they use the same robots and tools (when humans are needed) as in Japan. I wouldnt expect a huge quality difference, just like the VW GTI made in Mexico vs Golf R made in Germany. Not a noticeable difference to most people.

[@S4RCSTC]

How do you launch the cx30?

[@seanc6092]

Mazda Canada only offers 3 models for the CX-30 ( GX - Starting at $27,050 / GS - "Most popular" Starting at $30,350 / GT - Starting at $36,550 / GT with Turbo adds $2,400. )

[@scottlowell493]

Not sure I get this. CX-30 turbo: $38 grand made in Mexico Cx-5 turbo premium: $38 grand, made in Japan.

[@franzvanjulio5523]

I love the CX-30. We have a CX-9 and I’d love to have a 30 for myself.

[@SWPJR]

would you rather have a cx30 or prius

[@SRHTX]

I love driving my ‘22 CX-30 Carbon Edition in the express ways sharp curves at 70mph. I love shocking V8 muscle cars doing that with my non-turbo SUV.

[@ammogiant824]

Where is the turbo located?

[@DM72513]

1 issue I have is the CX-30 and CX-50 have light headliner across the range. The CX-5 and the CX-90 give you black headliner on top trims. Just shows you those models built in Mexico are definitely higher profit margin vehicles with the inferior suspension too.

[@seansean681]

CX-50 is built in Alabama.

[@mikestivers8302]

im torn between saving a ton of cash and doing 0-60 in 5.9s or, doing 0-60 in 4.4s with the golf R (but $49K)

[@jmoney5114]

I think the touch screen works with Apple car play!?

[@Gleeleeglee]

Dont forget the MANUAL POWERED passenger seat feature😊

[@nintendoatarikiller]

The hot hatch that everyone forgot

[@tatebarnum731]

if u want more pep on non turbo use 91 or higher gas, night and day dif

[@davidwayne9982]

If it "FEELS" fast-- I thnk I'd like that-- doesn't necessarily have to BE that way as long as it FEELS like i'm getting there when i want to. I would lift it a couple inches and put the offroad wheels and tires on it...and go with it.

[@zionm5335]

Any news on if the 2024s models will have the new infotainment setup with wireless Carplay and Android Android Auto and touchscreen?

[@KirkKreifels]

we can hope

[@naveenthemachine]

You can buy one of those $2-300 USB wireless CarPlay adapters and not have to rip the dashboard to use it

[@TheExtemaso]

i will stick to the skyactive-X here in Germany 😂 really enjoy driving my 3 Fastback 😊

[@alexprost7505]

5.8 its really quick for moms car Passport numbers 5.6?

[@rozlincoln3568]

If they made the back seat bigger they’d have the best car on the road

[@ccarazay]

100%

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Excellent

[@marcusjamesOG]

I don’t understand why people want land keeping assist. If we need that feature we probably shouldn’t be driving. I don’t get it. Plus I love to drive.

[@donovanbeck5432]

Make sure you check out the Honda Accord/Inspire in Japan. It's way better looking than the US Accord.

[@kdomster9141]

Agree with most of your remarks now just the same picky nit picks with Toyotas 😉 , hope you had it on Shell 93 gas as it really makes nice difference in throttle and power band. It is best for 2 adults with occasional second row short distance passengers. I was hoping 2024 will update it ... They better do it by 2025 than , 8 speed would be cool to get as well

[@KirkKreifels]

I'm almost positive my press fleet only puts 87 in mazda turbos

[@kdomster9141]

@@KirkKreifels Yeah it a world of difference in usable power and throttle response on Shell 93. If you test drove CX90 on regular it much slower on 87 ,one of my friends has Top spec CX90 and he tested it and it is the same there . I would not drop below 89 on any Mazda , even NA Mazda 3 makes a difference what fuel you run and Shell is the best of them . Most of people claim that they like Mazda but than they nit pick it apart so every complement if loaded with ifs and buts ...

[@markcoopers1930]

If an adult size second is important it's probably better to just go for the CX-5/CX-50 instead of wanting the CX-30 to get bigger. Same engines, similar AWD setup. Now with similar interior designs. Plus it keeps the price competitive while offering that power.

[@kdomster9141]

@@markcoopers1930 Absolutely, CX30 is perfect for 2 adults and once you fold back seat it is more than fine for Costco errands or mulch trip to Lowes

[@witsendcottage595]

Hate the infotainment screen placement...looks like an after thought.

[@Tonga2]

0-60 with AWD?? Why did it chirp the front tires ??

[@KirkKreifels]

It must struggle sending large torque to the rear.

[@Tonga2]

@@KirkKreifels on demand awd must be built light duty construction. Subaru even has started to send very little power to the rear wheels but don’t they offer to send 100% to the rear?? Think they do??

[@markcoopers1930]

The tires are not the best (assuming it's Bridgestone turanzas like on my 3 turbo) and for how expensive the tire is I hope they go with a different brand soon. I've noticed on very hot days the front almost feels like it's on a layer of dish soap until the air in the tires warm up. Only happened recently. I've checked pressures (over inflated from factory, maybe that solves it...) and I've set up to get my alignment checked too. The stock rotors are also super low quality, go with better when you change them out.

[@kalmmonke5037]

the rotors have these weird looking wire or piping on it that doesnt appear on other cars,i guess its not too much to replace them if they break easily@@markcoopers1930

[@dystopia-usa]

The 186hp 2.5L non-turbo on my 2022 CX-30 CE is plenty robust enough for my needs, & more powerful/peppy than any other naturally-aspirated engine in this vehicle price segment. I personally view turbo engines as wasted overkill horsepower at the expense of fuel-economy, and adding unnecessary complexity & problem/failure points to the engine design for the sake of simple "streetracer" giggles (going 0-60 1.5 sec faster in the case of the CX-30). If I want something with more street performance/fun (& still better MPG) than my non-turbo CX-30 to drive then I will go all-in on a 6-spd manual MX-5/Miata or BRZ/GR86 - albeit at the expense of crossover utility.

[@DM72513]

It's 191hp for 2023

[@dystopia-usa]

@@Mike-pb7jm Nope, the MX-5 is just as fast as the turbo CX-30 due to its light weight & such, is available in manual for loads more driving fun, can get better fuel economy, is far more nimble, just as comfortable for 2 people IMO & doesn't have turbo engine complications & eventual problems. The CX-30 does have hatch/hauling utility though. But, to each their own.

[@dystopia-usa]

@@DM72513 But, the 2023 CX-30 has cylinder-deactivation added (unlike the 2022). Good luck with that.

[@dystopia-usa]

Both are just under 6 sec for 0-60 & manual is indeed the base config for the MX-5, with automatic being a $2K or so add-on in the vehicle builder on the OEM website. The CX-30 turbo is a straight-line giggle rocket with pleasant/sporty driving dynamics, & not a real sports car & well-rounded roadster like the MX-5. Plus, MX-5 can get better fuel economy as a bonus. Not sure why this is hard for everyone to understand.

[@dystopia-usa]

@@Mike-pb7jm Plus the turbo engine in the CX-30 will be more problematic versus a non-turbo. Many CX-30 turbo's already have a service bulletin for defective seals & major oil consumption issues, which requires a major fix procedure by a master Mazda mechanic.

[@jamesdavis6036]

Loved your vid especially the 50 commercials. Maybe in upcoming vids try for a 100. Never again!

[@Ww8.3]

I find the transmission holds this car back. You have to wait for this car to downshift quite a while before power comes on

[@jbm0866]

It does (2021 3 turbo hatch here) limit how much the 320 ft lbs of torque help 0-60, and gas mileage as well. Hopefully the next Mazda 3/CX-30 get Mazda's new 8 speed.

[@ograpeo9011]

IM 6'4 I DRIVE THIS CAR ITS NOT SMALL LOL

[@Tonga2]

I thought of this car when buying my current one but looking at it from the side profil it just not good looking with the plastic cladding, the wheel arches are so plain looking, just to thick and just round. The lower cladding is to high as well!! If they offered this car in all one colour like the Signature series CX5 I would have bought one, yes the Turbo!!

[@moeanthony9308]

Buy black

[@zelcpavle5494]

Dont understand why Mazda dont sell the Turbo engines in Europe!! 🤷

[@downhillskier7]

The brown interior is deal breaker should of gone with black or grey

[@kalmmonke5037]

dark brown is pretty similar to black, why does it feel bad? i think its just as good if not better because of being unique without being bright and bold loud stuff, peopel think of it as coffe or dark chocolate color

[@malcolmt960]

I own a Tubo Premium. Great car until you drive on any kind of bumps or rough road. The suspension is absolutely awful. Feels like the the whole car is going to shake apart.

[@ograpeo9011]

HAS A 5/5 STAR SAFTEY RATING BRUH CMON

[@AmmaLove24]

I have a non turbo 2023 cx 30 preferred and it's VERY shaky in general. The ride is not smooth at all. Would never describe it as smooth as glass.

[@islanddon865]

Mid 20's MPGs in a world of Hybrids and Electrics? Mazda is a bit behind that MPG curve. Nobody in my extended family will even consider anything less than a Hybrid in their future purchases.

[@KirkKreifels]

This thing would sing with 200hp hybrid... think Corolla Cross

[@johnattonito948]

2023 turbo premium. Im getting 29 mpg consistently

[@jamesdavis6036]

I want performance. I don't give a rats ass about MPG!

[@stonedbori840]

I have a 2018 6 and this looks disappointing. No USB in back and smaller screen. Can't imagine this cramped model doing well in the USA

[@jonm3255]

Why do automakers and consumers like giant black plastic wheel arches? Is it cheaper to manufacture? Nobody is taking this Mazda off road, so low risk of paint chips.

[@stromghouls]

tire spin comes from the mediocrity of these Turanza tires. put some Michelin pilot sport on this thing and watch it fly. that is all you need.

[@AdamJRowen]

Drive manual mode

[@jeffdurling2167]

good review disagree personally like the central control vs. the touchsceen.having to reach around the shifter for phone seems minor also analog gauges are fine seems these complaints are nit picky .lane keeping is up to driver awareness,for a subcompact suv 2024 compared to other market offerings is great

[@guylr7390]

Looks chubby. Do you think they’ll ever build a Mazda that has good sized windows? Whenever I’ve sat in one in the last few years they feel claustrophobic.

[@KirkKreifels]

cx90 has huge windows

[@guylr7390]

@@KirkKreifels But I’m not in a market for a family trickster. 😀

[@guylr7390]

truckster

[@davidwayne9982]

I was looking at the CX-50 simply because of SYLE-- I love the LOOK-- but I really don't need that big of a vehicle- and i'm considering this now thanks to YOUR video.. looks like maybe what I want.. I hate being SLOW- and draggy--- I want up to speed quickly- and get where I'm going and be done. The CX-50 which I was looking at is built on THIS platform too- so they are siblings... (not the CX-5 like some think). it looks good to me- and MAZDA is at the bottom of the pile as you say-- because most other folks are IDIOTS. THe entire country is becoming DUMBER by the day- as all the political and psychological BUll...t can attest to.

[@skippydinglechallk367]

If you think touch screen is something just just cant live without within a car go buy a new subaru. 😂

[@antoinepageau8336]

IMO the only vehicle worth considering at Mazda is the CX-5. Same or less money as this CX-30 and much more room and comfort. I think 5 years from now Mazda will go out o business. They have no BEV plans worth mentioning and they're tied to Toyota who also dropped that ball.

[@kpkp2655]

Glossy piano black = looks like garbage in a month because of the scratches. My friend bought the 3 turbo hatch 2 months ago and even cleaning with the microfiber, scratch magnet. Other than that, I love Mazda to what they are now doing.

[@nunayobiznass]

Firrrrrst