Mazda's New Small CUV Is A Winner - 2020 Mazda CX-30

Small CUVs and SUVs are hot in America right now but Mazda's CX-3 has always been a bit too small for some folks. To address this issue Mazda took their popular Mazda3 hatchback, tweaked the roof-line, lifted the suspension and called it a crossover. The result is something shorter than a CX-5 but longer than the average subcompact CUV in the US. But here's the important part: Mazda priced the CX-30 squarely in the middle of the subcompact category rather than somewhere between and that makes it a strong value. If you're looking for something more premium than a Kona, HR-V, CH-R, or Crosstrek and you want a little more room inside without breaking the bank, the CX-30 is for you. It's also hands-down the best looking small CUV on sale today.
Join Today: bit.ly/2WdCEwW
Our Other Channel: The Mountain Garden: goo.gl/icFWcd
Follow AoA on Facebook: theautobu...

[@consistenc51]

IMO, Alex's channel is the most comprehensive when reviewing new vehicles. I particularly love that he compares the major features of similar cars in the same class so I don't have to search for them in other reviews.

[@GearBoy]

My buddy bought the top end CX-30....he and his wife love it. Great review as always

[@recl971]

You cant find more detailed reviews anywhere on the planet than here at Alex on autos Alex does his homework ,unreal plethora of info ,a cornucopia of automotive insight

[@donwhitehead4587]

Alex is simply the best. His prep work and memory of stats is amazing.

[@CumBrianFries]

@Sinister Veritas Yeah, you find him clueless because YOU are the clueless one. Go watch RedLine or better yet that buffoon Doug Demuro!

[@CumBrianFries]

@Sinister Veritas still better than sounding like an idiot! LOL

[@underscr0e]

Almost perfect...just needs to review a honda ridgeline for me!

[@theodavis9778]

@Fawk Yu: Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha. Exactly.

[@yahtzeejimbob]

Alex, just taking a moment to let you know your graphic changes and the lighting of your video look excellent!

[@NickMcC]

Agree!

[@juliomerced6638]

Alex, I have to say you are the BEST on what you do. The Best doing autos reviews... i really enjoy learn with your videos... I have a Tucson 2019 and I love it. But I'm thinking on Rav4 or new Venza for my wife... keep doing the best...

[@gurvaaz1703]

i cannot tel you about the new venza too much, but we have an older venza. and have racked over 230k. we love it and it has NEVER had any issues. plus the new one looks cool. would defo recommend

[@kohenbyron3895]

Instablaster...

[@sirberticus3815]

I got the CX-30 GT (Canada) and love it - it was the right choice for me.

[@rapidrrobert4333]

I leased an awd premium version. The best car I have ever had! By the way, this is my sixth Mazda starting in the mid 1980's.

[@hellkitty1014]

Love the thoroughness of your reviews, Alex! No crazy music selections through the review that constantly distract from the review. I also love that you infer the competition of each vehicle, which goes toward your knowledge of each class of vehicle! For Mazda's current small cars, it is confounding to me that they switched to a twist-beam rear axle, after having perhaps one of the best suspensions going since the 2004 Mazda 3's debut. They cheapened the polish of their vehicles by doing so because you can definitely tell it in the ride and handling dept. They now have secondary motions that were never there previously. Still, they also know that the avg buyer of a CX-30 have no clue what a twist-beam axle is! But they will get inside of the CX-30 and be blown away by the build quality and materials against others in the subcompact(and compact) CUVs. And I love that Mazda continues to find ways to give their vehicles premium features, such as those pulsating turn signals.

[@jasonkresock2196]

My absolute favorite modern car design (exterior) is the cx 30, and I Love the cladding at the base!

[@KevinPeffley]

Super review, Alex. I especially liked how you compared other options at the end, all well worth considering. The comparison at low end pricing versus high end was also very informative too. Thank you.

[@MrNemesiis]

Just bought a CX-30 Premium. Love it!

[@gene978]

I REALLY Like the looks of this car.

[@justinfontaine5539]

Mazda has just been killing it lately! All their vehicles are great and under appreciated. All the puppets out there just get a Honda or a Toyota and those are good vehicles as well but you get so much more with the Mazda products from the CX-9 on down. Made in Japan and very reliable.

[@thundergato84]

The lack of space in the rear seats is a deal breaker for me.

[@lrob5657]

Mazda is doing some really good stuff man, across their entire fleet. Mazda has really elevated themselves into a different category.

[@Maxfli82]

Thanks Alex. Beautiful vehicle. The inside looks almost exactly like the Mazda3’s amazing interior. I wish you had compared it to the Mazda3 as well at the end just to see how they felt different.

[@my02]

Finding you was like finding my dream car. Thank you for the comparisons. Answered all my questions.

[@seanbelfry1459]

Carplay and Android Auto are standard in Canada across the entire lineup.

[@RNWLL]

Same in Europe!

[@thundergato84]

The 2021 now has it standard on all models in the US.

[@cokiea57]

Mazda's explanation for the 6 speed is it's fairly reliable. Toyota's been having some issues with their relatively recent 8 speed.

[@hellkitty1014]

Toyota's 8spd shift logic is awful! Even on a Camry XSE V6.

[@naveenthemachine]

HellKitty 101 I’m probably the only one on here who doesn’t have any problem with the Toyota 8 speed and I have a 20 Camry XSE v6

[@six-pack1332]

My wife and I just bought a used 2020 cx30 (5000 miles) and, we love it! We also don't take issue with the cladding. Our cx30 is a white Preferred model, Zoom-Zoom!

[@karaygeoushearts]

Great review! I’d love to see a comparison between the Mazda CX-30, turbo charged Hyundai Kona and turbo charged Kia Seltos.

[@joec.1030]

I love that I’m not driving a video game display! Also the rotary controller system and no touch display is superb!

[@webcomment8895]

I wonder how much about the harsher ride and higher road noise was related to it being a top trim model with lowest profile tires available?

[@ztekz]

Had a CX-3 for a yr but I got rid of it as it was too small, cramped rear legroom, buzzy 2.0L engine, noisy cabin, jarring ride and stiff suspension not to mention the torsion beam rears made it a harsh ride. I considered this Cx-30 as a replacement but it wasn’t a huge upgrade and I wasn’t impressed as still had a cramped rear legroom, limited cargo and torsion rears. It was just an expensive jacked up 3! Maybe the infotainment, the design both int & ext were better but not much more. I ended up with a 6...larger space & cargo, more quiet cabin, luxurious interior, felt solid, well-built and refined ride esp the ind. rear suspension and better rear legroom. Design inside & out also great!

[@rkalla]

had no freaking clue that this thing was as long as it was. I totally thought it was on the small side of that scale smaller than anything else, but when you threw that graphic up there realizing it's actually bigger than everything else really surprised me.

[@022141able]

Don't like the thick black rim that goes around the wheels.

[@James-il3tq]

It's huge, ugly and looks cheap. Wish auto manufacturers would keep this thin instead of trying to make wheel wells look massive.

[@cokiea57]

@@James-il3tq They do it to protect the paint during it's occasional offroad ventures. That's what they're for and they work very well.

[@James-il3tq]

@@cokiea57 They accomplished same thing by being 1/2" thick. No need for 4" thick cladding on this Mazda.

[@guizarbg]

Great review as always! I think the Seltos is a clear winner with more passenger and cargo room, quicker while more fuel efficient. It has more features and a better infotainment. Then it offers a much longer warranty. To me it even looks better as an SUV.

[@davidmorin2731]

The black plastic isn't great but I agree this is more attractive than the regular Mazda4 hatch. it also looks like it doesn't have nearly the level of blind spots as the regular Hatch does now since it's redesign. Gotta say, I really dig this. Great review, as always, thanks!

[@stever41g]

No beating the looks of the Mazda but I like the Seltos brings more to the table. More power, rear legroom, cargo capacity and 'Thank You' a full touch screen infotainment system.

[@hellkitty1014]

I'm a big fan of the looks of the Seltos. Plus it will likely have better performance.

[@afcgeo882]

Not to mention a better price. I think the Seltos is top in that class.

[@rbbach1945]

Superb review.I have a 2015 Mazda3 HB 6sp manual and am waffling between the 2019 Mazda3 HB and the 2020 CX-30 Select Your review has convinced me the latter is the best purchase.Thanks for removing and doubts in my mind.Rick Seattle

[@Tinrs80]

Alex .. even tho the black cladding is a bit big i actually dont mind it. I gave zero complaints bout the design. Rather have this then Mazda 3 hatch.

[@tonydemore1280]

I saw the CX-30 at the Portland auto show. Two things made this care unacceptable to me: (1) I'm 5'9'" and found the back seat was too cramped when the front seat was adjusted for me and (2) The lack of an infotainment touch screen.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Thanks, it looked a bit cramped when Alex got back there and you have confirmed it.

[@afcgeo882]

How often would you be in the back seat?

[@racketrick]

@@afcgeo882 Yep...our FIAT L back seats are folded DOWN 95% of the time ;)

[@999wazabi]

Great review Alex. Outstanding work

[@graham-jefferson]

The cladding is a bit excessive and the difference in wheel gap between the front and rear is... noticeable. But all other proportions are really great. Visually. Kind of polarizing in a way. Needs Apple Carplay / Android Auto on the base trim.

[@brassrox]

I'm considering the CX-30 to replace my 2017 Mazda3 hatch when the lease is up. I prefer the styling on this over the new 3 hatch, and the low profile 18" tires on the 3 aren't the best for NYC potholes. I was disappointed to hear the ride is a C+, because ride quality is one of the issues I have with my current 3. It has a very firm ride over small bumps and over large, sharp bumps, but handles midsized bumps incredibly well (similar to how you describe the new CX-30). Of course, the firm ride is an ok trade-off for the very sharp handling and steering, but I guess I should test drive the CX-30 to see how it feels on NYC roads.

[@jerbsherb4391]

I think what I love and hate about every segment of cars is that there is no perfect car. It will have advantages and drawbacks. You just have to decide what you value the most and decide that way.

[@EricV485]

I love that color 😍

[@andrewkennedy9704]

Those pulsating turn signals should be standard in all mazdas. Looks good.

[@davidwolf226]

I also find the design of this vehicle to be quite attractive. The cladding over the wheel arch doesn't really bother me.

[@brew-doo5500]

2021 Crosstrek will have an option for the 2.5 4cycl with 185hp.

[@roxydog545]

Can't get it with a manual

[@brew-doo5500]

@@roxydog545 manuals in most cars are dog shit nowadays due to Rev hang.

[@stephenhendricks103]

Interesting take on the CX-30, Alex. As a hatchback fan (I drive a GTI) I find the entire sub-compact SUV category to be rather puzzling. They're mostly hatchbacks on stilts for people who don't like hatchbacks but neither need nor want a larger compact SUV. I don't get it but that's OK. A few observations about the CX-30. () I'm sure I'm not alone in seeing the CX-30 as the CX-3 killer, at least in the US. The latter seems to have been designed for the international market where the Mazda2 is sold and exported to the US simply as a placeholder in the sub-compact category until the CX-30 was available. If you're one of the few American consumers who find the CX-3 appealing, get one soon. I doubt it will be around for very long. () The CX-30 shares both the strengths and weaknesses of other Mazda SUV's, most notably the CX-9. The strengths include its good looks noted in the review that results from the relatively long hood and shortened cabin. It's an approach that sports car designers have used for about a hundred years to suggest potency and performance even when those attributes are lacking. (Freud can explain the design's appeal.) Add to that Mazda's efforts to offer a comparatively upscale cabin in their vehicles and you have an appealing package. Unfortunately in an SUV, however, it also results in vehicles where the "U" in SUV's is lacking. The KIA Seltos, for example, offers 26.6 cubic ft of cargo space behind the seats and 62.8 cubic ft of total cargo space. The CX-30, on the other hand provides 20.4 cf behind the rear seat and a total of only 45.2 cubic ft in overall cargo space. To add insult to injury the Seltos is about 3" shorter than the CX-30! () Furthermore, the CX-30 suffers from the same issues of an aging engine and drive train found in other Mazda models. The naturally aspirated 2.5L engine and the six speed AT are undoubtedly adequate for their mission but the combination fails to deliver the performance of the KONA's and Seltos' optional 1.6L turbo and 7 speed DCT. At the same time, the Mazda combo trails other rivals with CVT's in terms of fuel economy. Internet fan boys will loudly proclaim the need for a turbo on the naturally aspirated CX-30 engine but a MazdaSpeed version is very unlikely considering the risk of cannibalizing sales of their best (indeed their only strong) selling CX-5. () I like the Mazda brand. I've owned four of their vehicles over the years and I wish Mazda luck with the CX-30. But they're going to need it. Sales from all automotive manufacturers were down an astounding 800,000 units in the US in the first quarter of 2020 compared to estimates at the beginning of the year. And that disaster is going to look good compared to what's coming in the second quarter and with unemployment at Great Depression levels even a modest recovery won't help much. As far as Mazda is concerned the CX-9 was dead last out of 19 mainstream midsize SUV's with slightly over 7000 units sold. Sales of the Mazda6 dropped by 35% from January though March to 4500 units. Sales of the Mazda3 (sedans and hatchbacks) dropped a catastrophic 47% to slightly over 8000 units. And the CX-3 sales plummeted to about 2600 units. In this disastrous picture the only rather dim bright spots were the CX-5 with 35,000 sales (down 10%) and the CX-30 with 8300 sales since its introduction. Unless things turn around in a big way soon, I wouldn't be surprised to see Mazda cease being the smallest independent mainstream manufacturer on the planet and live on as a division of Toyota.

[@webcomment8895]

Stephen Hendricks The aging power train without turbos and CVT should be very durable and reliable though. Mazda’s are now getting Toyota-like reliability with more style. The 2.5 liter engine has performance you would expect from a smaller engine plus turbo that you would get in similar sized competitors, without the complexity and scares about future repairs. Competitors with smaller engines and no turbo are very slow. You just give up maximum fuel economy vs competition with this Mazda.

[@milannemec5574]

I share your pessimism regarding mazda as a brand. They are similarly down in Europe and I am afraid their "premium" approach is going to bring them under 1 millions cars sold globally for this year. Their new approach is not selling anywhere in the world and unless they make huge discounts I think they are going to be in big trouble is casual people are out of money for any "premium" games and the rich are not buying any mazdas...

[@afcgeo882]

webcomment If people want old and durable, they go to used cars, which are old, durable, and cheap. Great points and as sexy as Mazdas look, their poor reliability, sluggish performance, high prices and small interiors force me to look elsewhere. I find that the Seltos has a more roomy back seat (for a baby seat) than the CX-5 and that’s bad. Really bad.

[@hellkitty1014]

The only way Mazda can save the 3 now: MazdaSPEED 3!

[@Thealsomemro2]

To confirm your feeling that it is a CX-3 killer, it is. Heard it from the dealer this past week.

[@suryakathiravan]

Subscribed... Review well done

[@MD-cs4js]

Its a shame that huge black plastic cladding is ugly.

[@modmatt1]

No manual transmission is a non-starter for me (FWD would have been OK with me), but this model hits almost all the of my requirements otherwise with two exceptions - NO heated mirrors available in any trim level, which frustrates me very much with my "17.5 Mazda6 and would definitely miss the independent rear suspension. Love the reliability, fuel mileage and grunt of the 2.5L N/A engine in my 6 that is shared here and overall build quality of my Mazda6 however and the CX-30 should be strong seller even without the manual transmission, heated mirrors and independent rear design. Thanks for such a full and extensive review!

[@jaywho476]

So other than the lousy ride it's a real winner. Not like many are looking for a comfortable ride in their vehicle. Classic Alex.

[@crazydaysful]

I said replied on another car site on this car and I just have to do again here - that is a Pretty car - the inside is Clean, Great looking.

[@Ben-bs4od]

Nice job Alex.

[@koreymayo8884]

Add ventilated seats and a touchscreen infotainment system and I'm sold!

[@Unchainedmaple888]

Begging for a turbo...Mazdaspeed CX-30 anyone? lol cause I'm gonna predict that the CX-30 is gonna sell alot better than the Mazda 3 cause you know, people are obsessed with SUVs. Also the black cladding would be perfect if they reduced it by around 25%.

[@drewr6831]

Saying the Kona has “attractive styling” compared to the CX-30 ... 😂 what a joke!

[@howlingwolf125y]

Looks like the same old problem that all Mazda SUVs have.. Cramped interior space (hurts comfort), very limited headroom, and poor visibility (due to low vehicle stance). But I do like the traditional dashboard and traditional shifter.

[@몬트-e8q]

I've ordered top trim, one thing that makes me feel unsatisfied: top trim but there are too many empty blank buttons (excluded 180° camera...so on)

[@afcgeo882]

The panel is exactly the same as for foreign markets where you get other features.

[@몬트-e8q]

@@afcgeo882 I know there are same in number of buttons, but to compare with European and Asian model, too many empty blank buttons: you can find in left section where disabling safety button as well as a right side of handle.

[@afcgeo882]

alex Kim No... You don’t get it. In foreign markets this car gets more electronic features that add buttons on those panels. Instead of making a separate panel for the US, they just sell it with the panel that comes on foreign lower trims.

[@AmanRajput01]

Im not sure about the reliability of a turbo though. The cx30 engine has been proven reliable for almost 6 years now and so is there 6 speed auto trans. I own 2015 Mazda 3 and 2017 Mazda cx5. Speaking from experience I had with those vehicles and ownership costs.

[@fredrikvonwerder]

Great review as always. Don't particurlary like the tiny font in the new graphics though, not very user friendly when watching a little bit further away, and low contrast makes it all hard to read.

[@riotfiftyk5508]

All the HYPE behind CX-30 means nothing because Mazda has forgotten what made their Cars sell themselves, looks, fun to drive, affordability. Wake me up when Madza drops the prices on this thing.

[@bird718]

select trim in red looks about right, power liftgate is nice but not for that price bump. the kia seltos looks interesting

[@smallstudiodesign]

It’s pretty perfect for us “older thans, still younger than” who are post kids/empty nesters who want fancy urbane bling bling yet weekend warrior off road in the logging roads past Whistler, British Columbia 🇨🇦 ... bought my 2021 CX30 GT at Morrey Mazda North Shore. Excellent service and customer service ✨🏆✨💖 ||>> FYI... 6’2” - it’s perfectly roomy ... love the sleek elegant interior & BOSE sound system.

[@joeashton3871]

Alex I rely on your car reviews the most. There are some things about the Mazda CX-30 that crosses it off our list: only 62" tall, no touchscreen, no panoramic moonroof and no IRS. I know you like the Buick Encore, so when do you plan to do a full review on the new 2020 Encore GX? There are few options in the 171-175" subcompact group that provide AWD, a tall ride height (Not 60" Merecedes GLA), an automatic transmission (vs. rubber-bandy unreliable CVT (read Nissan Rogue Sport, Kia Seltos), or herky-jerky DCT (Mercedes GLA, Kia Seltos, etc.), luxury features like a memory driver's seat & mirrors, power liftgate, panoramic moonroof, large touch screen (unlike Mazda), real leather seats, a quiet comfortable ride (a Buick hallmark), and safety features including forward automatic emergency braking for a price in the low $30s like the 2020 Encore GX Essence does. I have read other reviews on the Encore GX but respect yours the most. Hope to see your review soon.

[@pauldenali6367]

I like the features of the premium trim of this car. But I'd rather have the smaller 16inch wheels that come on the base model for riding on dirt roads. Do dealers ever let you swap out wheel sizes like that?

[@williamlong2682]

If it were me, I’d just get a Mazda3 hatch. I don’t care for crossover ground clearance, and the CX-30 isn’t that much more practical in my opinion. And I don’t mind the 3 hatch’s looks. In fact, I actually quite like it. That’s just me, though.

[@billharris7235]

I went to buy a 3 hatch a year ago. I knew it wasn't for me after 30 seconds. High door sills and limited visibility had me so claustrophobic, and I'm only 5'6". Ended up with the turbo 6, which I love.

[@williamlong2682]

Bill Harris Nice! ‘6 turbo is also a great car! Favorite midsize on the market, personally!

[@theodorekell]

2 points. 1 - the rear seats in this mazda are not good. The back support is too vertical. 2 - Alex, you've mentioned Crosstrek had a manual... But this is not the manual you will like to drive. The engine is so weak, you guarantee in need to constant shifting.... Yea, and DCT in off road is good for nothing

[@modmatt1]

Exactly what I thought on my test drive of the Crosstrek (new/updated 2018 version) - too slow, manual was not a good one, rev-hang city plus no "clutch feel". Thought the newly announced 2.5L for Subaru Crosstrek would address he 2.0L's lack of acceleration issue, but it's only available with the CVT. The Mazda6 manual is how I like it, with more feel to better provide a smoother shifting experience and nice, satisfying shifts and no rev hang so shifting quicker is not an issue. To put that in the CX-30 would be very nice - select or premium trim please - Mazda?

[@theodorekell]

@@modmatt1 I have Mazda6 Manual. It's great. I suspect VWs, like GTI manual might have even better feel. Mazda has perfect clutch weight and uptake. But I think VW shifter feels better, clutch weight is also nice. I don't know about uptake though.

[@Ken-gv6sb]

Great review! My wife is going to love this car

[@SG-sz5vh]

You gave the 3 hatch awd ride score a B+ but the cx30 a C+. Why.? They have the same suspension. As well, you gave 3hatch awd 70.5 Db and an A but the cx30 at 71 db a B +. Why?

[@KuyaArbee]

There’s no reason to even to sales people at dealerships anymore! Just for the test drive! Amazing review! I’m intrigued of this vehicle but wish there was less plastic cladding :p

[@Se0what]

I really dig this car black cladding be damned. I actually go to the outdoors unlike most who want an awd/crossover just for the convenience and look. If anything it'll make it easier to clean after days on forest roads. Those who complain can just get a cx5, simple as that.

[@pauldenali6367]

How is the suspension and clearance on forest roads?

[@jasonledesma5747]

I'm wondering if the CX-30 is only so highly regarded because the segment is so weak? Because the Mazda3 twins aren't as lauded in the compact sedan/hatchback segment, but this is just the crossover version of those. Would anyone choose a CX-30 over, say, a Civic Sport?

[@joebrown9621]

The CX30 plastic cladding is too thick for that luxurious look they're going for. the Front is really good looking but the Kia Seltos just looks better overall.. not a fan of the Kona but it does look good from the side to rear quarter view

[@hellkitty1014]

They're kinda going for what Volvo does with the V90 and Audi does with the Allroad. It just doesn't show well on the shape and size of this vehicle.

[@flat4forlife588]

Glove box does not close flush, did you notice that?

[@Jluislive]

The reasoning for not calling it cx4 is stupid. Many automakers offer different models all over the world with the same names.

[@joelgulz3940]

Any comment on the MG ZS? It has many good features & looks better than the CX30 as no large black cladding around the wheels.

[@tomcarlin4110]

I'm curious how you compare the CX-30 Premium with the new Buick Encore GX Essence - that seems a closer vehicle.

[@theMLBfan]

Looks good from the front and rear but is horrendous from the side profile because of that overdone black cladding.

[@djarumastrofoo]

There is nothing wrong with the 6 speed in the Mazda 6 or the CX-5. Finished test driving several models with 8 and 9 speeds and they aren't crisp at all and they hunt. The only saving grace is their taller final gear for highway mpg.

[@webcomment8895]

No comments on usable headroom in this video.

[@InvestBetter.]

The Kia Seltos is the new Class President. This is a strong player, but the ride could be better Drove the Kona Limited and was very impressed, but it is small inside

[@elavaro09]

2.5 turbo perfect!!!!

[@AdAce21]

I have the premium CX-30 and I totally agree. If they put the CX-5's powerplant into this, it'd be an absolute beast (and a blast to drive)!!! I do think that Mazda was more concerned about keeping the cost of the top lv trim at/below 30K though. I probably would've stayed with the 3 hatch if it had the 2.5 turbo tbh.

[@peterjordan2738]

Design is attractive as most Mazdas are. However, because of the "over done" cladding I would not purchase this vehicle. Cost cutting here in addition to the rear torsion beam suspension.

[@paulholterhaus7084]

Be warned........You cannot take this Vehical thru any drive thru, because the window sill is SO high, You CANNOT reach out to get Your order.......This applies to banks also.........Paul

[@chih6654]

Hey Alex, how do you see CX30 vs CX3? Thanks!

[@christophermay4998]

CX-30 hands down......CX-3 has 2.0 engine and much less space.......a single person's car........but it is really nice for what it is.......about 2 grand less in price

[@craig5042]

Agree with others. Great review Alex. CX30 is likely my next vehicle moving from 2015 Camry LE but I'll comparison drive/shop the new Seltos & Kona based on your recommendation. I'd only consider the 1.6T engine because their 10yr/100k mi. powertrain warr in the Kia/Hyundai family. Thanks much.

[@whatthe6532]

Hi. I am trying to make the same decision. Which one did you go for. Thanks.

[@craig5042]

@@whatthe6532 Hi. I decided to wait until next year to see what changes are coming are for the 2023 models due to the fear of missing out on a better product for similar money. 🙂 Sorry not more help. Wish you luck. Make sure you check out satisfaction ratings for your local dealers before choosing. To avoid any issues I'll just say some auto builder dealers have worse reputations than others.

[@whatthe6532]

@@craig5042 Hey thanks. Always tempting to wait and see what’s coming down the highway. Face lifted Seltos much improved with new transmission.

[@robertbaca2396]

I would strongly recommend not buying a Mazda. We purchased a brand new Mazda CX9 and within 2 years had problems with a rough idle. Was told after second year it just needed new spark plug wires. Dealer could never recreate rough idle. 4 years later we took it in for an oil change and was told the cylinder head was leaking coolant.....Cylinder heads on back order for two months due to known problem of leaking. the only solution was either a refurbished engine or New engine from dealer. Warranty just expired but dealer and Mazda just says sorry either return your loaner car or replace the engine at your cost! Horrible experience......$4600.00 lesson learned. Please do yourself a favor and do not purchase a $40,000 car from Mazda only to have to purchase a $4600.00 engine in less than 4 years and trade in value now only $14,000 after new engine. NEVER again!

[@VIDEOHEREBOB]

Boy, if they only offered this in a stick.

[@psoon04286]

I thought that I was the last and only person that loves driving stick😊

[@racketrick]

@@psoon04286 Nah....there are at least a half-dozen Kia Soul drivers rowing through the gears ;)

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

I love it. So excellent.

[@leeg3784]

Nope unless you like spider webbings. I went to see it when it first came out and saw many swirls. Sales manager brushed it off saying it's common. 🙄 Then I asked around on a mazda fb page and other owners confirmed similar paint issues. Just gets worse over time.

[@iSlandeRon]

I've seen the CX-30 up close while my CX-5 was in for service and it's too low and tight overall for prices not much less than the larger CX-5. Looks good but not worth it.

[@rkalla]

Does your CX-5 feel a lot roomier than the 30? Just curious because I thought the 30 was way smaller, but then when I saw the length graphic in this review it surprised me how long it was and I tend to think of the CX-5 as a relatively small car to begin with so I wasn't sure if the CX-30 was damn near the same size or if it was significantly smaller

[@christophermay4998]

@@rkalla it is smaller but also cheaper......if you have a family......better to spend the money for the CX-5.......

[@iSlandeRon]

Riyad Kalla the length fools you. It's not only tighter inside what it's also more squat. So you have to duck to get in where with the CX-5 you can just slide right in. I wouldn't go any smaller than the CX-5 or CX-9.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, There is nothing 'premium' or 'gorgeous' about the bargain basement torsion beam rear suspension they put in these. You are not the first reviewer to complain about the #jittery ride. It is probably worth noting that buyers with 30K to spend can get a bigger, faster, more comfortable and vastly more economical RAV4 Hybrid ;)

[@cashcarstar2283]

That torsion beam put me off of the new 3 when I had to buy a new car. And I loved the previous gen 3. If Mazda wants to be viewed as premium, they need to stop disregarding/abandoning the excellent ride and handling dynamics that made people like them in the first place.

[@rogerb7147]

Mazda needs to rethink their architecture: long hood, shorter cabin is a no-go. They said the long hood is needed to clear their engine design. Then, they need to redesign the engine (it doesn't give any better fuel economy than the others). This will lead to a more efficient looking and in fact more practical vehicle. The infotainment screen needs to be a touchscreen. How many times have we heard this! Personally I don't think the "jet intake" front is all that attractive, maybe it could be more subtle (I know this is subjective). It's sad to see a company with many strengths place their weakest elements up front.

[@robertwilliam9558]

The Black Plastic makes the SUV look cheap. The CX-5 only has a small amount.

[@ccroy2001]

interesting as I am saving for something to replace my 2010 Ford Escape, a very reliable car so in no hurry, and I looked up the length as my small 1-car garage is configured around the Escape. Both it and the CX 30 are the same length 175". You can see the size creep. In sedans and CUV's I can shop a class smaller to get something as compact as what I. have now.

[@afcgeo882]

While the length is the same, the height and width are different, so these will be much smaller on the inside. The Escape was very spacious.

[@reyperez3424]

Get a Cx5 instead, both have similar prices

[@AMG-BENZ-1]

It's just side clading delete away from the ideal package in my opinion.

[@BTC909]

When the "black cladding" turns that milky white color then it will "bother you".

[@racketrick]

WipeNew is your friend ;)

[@BTC909]

@God_Laughs _At_Atheists Or the rust hiding under the cladding?

[@sharedknowledge6640]

You basically said Kia has nailed the handling over the zoom zoom boys. Who would have thought that? But Mazda does seem a bit off their game. Overall ,with the exception of acceleration, I think the Crosstrek is the clear winner. It has more room, more ground clearance, superior infotainment, Apple CarPlay and android auto standard, similar or better safety tech, better mpg, it’s less expensive similarly equipped, likely quieter, and likely more capable in low traction situations. And even Subaru was more restrained with their black cladding than the ugly treatment on the Mazda.

[@JT-fq2bl]

It get worse than that. The Hyundai Kona out zoom-zoom the CX-30 as well. Plus, the Kona N-Line and N with a manual transmission will be available at the end of the year. I like mazda, but they seem to lost direction.

[@silentrefusal9911]

Watching this video and wondering, why on earth are you mentioning Hyundai Venue again and again when this CX-30 is a Kona competitor not Venue? 😡

[@epbski]

Alex, what do you imagine would be the most ideal transmission for Mazda to use? An Aisin 8-speed? A ZF 8-speed?

[@jsponson]

ZF’s 8-speed is for longitudinal applications only so Aisin is the way to go.

[@hellkitty1014]

Please, no Aisin. They're terrible in Toyota cars and would be out of character for Mazda.

[@kendelion]

When LEDs try to become Incandescent

[@philippernice8769]

Great review please tell car manufacturers no one wants incandescent bulbs or hood props your not saving that much money by doing that and most companies give you carplay and Android auto free

[@EvendimataE]

yes that body styling is beautiful.....clean lines makes it very relaxing to look at.....looking at other vehicles with very busy exterior design give me headache

[@trent7080]

All the black plastic ruins the look of the car.

[@panzer_TZ]

They really over did it with the cladding on this car. It won't age well at all.

[@runforit420]

Mazda: companies can't make a car with a rear torsion beam suspension ride like a car with an independent rear suspension over a gravel road.

[@jobenn4117]

That cheap plastic cladding ruins the otherwise nice design for me. Sad!

[@greentjmtl]

Ha, I was wondering how long till we have LED turn signal that pretends to be incandescent, and here we go.

[@theMLBfan]

Not sure why anyone would want that 🤔

[@jsponson]

We car guys think about the technical specs while general consumers care about the visual experience. A fading effect is more soothing. Just look at interior lighting, even before LED lamps, cheap cars just switch them on and off, while premium cars have them fade in and fade out.

[@ALMX5DP]

jsponson should something like a turn signal be “soothing” though? Defeats the purpose just a bit no?

[@afcgeo882]

Alan Bowers No. Turn signals should be informative, not jarring or distracting.

[@ALMX5DP]

George L exactly, and short of an aftermarket strobe light I think all achieve that outcome.