Whenever you see a Mazda driving down the street, you can’t help but be fascinated by the alluring presence that radiates from end to end. With its Showstopping design and lavish features, you may think Mazda made a mistake with its pricing when you find out how affordable these models are. Surely, vehicles of this stature would warrant higher sticker prices, but that’s the beauty of the Mazda brand, which has been bringing top-level offerings to the industry at great prices since the 1930s. Today, we’re taking one of its most elegant models, the 2022 Mazda CX-30, and evaluating all of the ways Mazda has incorporated high-end luxury into this affordable subcompact SUV.
A Plush Interior Cabin
The interior of the CX-30 is anything but ordinary, with handcrafted materials and an air of excellence that permeates throughout the inside cabin. Perforated leather-trimmed seats with detailed stitched accents, a generous 8.8-inch infotainment center display and a contemporary feel from front to back provide a feeling you want to sink into, allowing you to forget about the worries of the day. Plenty of trim levels are ready to provide the upscale vibes drivers desire when traveling anywhere in this crossover, from the upscale Turbo Premium Plus to the simple yet captivating base models and literally everything in between. Perfectly exhibiting Mazda’s KODO design, a philosophy that strives to create cars that embody the beauty of life, the CX-30 is more than a vehicle: it is a driving experience.
Although this SUV is small in stature, its interior space is well-laid out and versatile. Plenty of room for passengers and travel belongings can be expected, with 45.2 cu.ft. of cargo space available when the rear seats are folded. The generous legroom of 36.3 inches in the rear is also quite impressive for its compact size, making it easy to accommodate fellow riders.
From its exceptional overall quality to the attention to detail in every facet of its cabin, the 2022 Mazda CX-30 showcases a look that’s quite unlike others in its price range. Many SUVs like it come with hefty sticker prices, but with Mazda, drivers can always get more for less. Is Mazda quickly becoming the go-to brand for luxury drivers on a budget? It’s possible, especially when you look at some of the fine models available in its current lineup, with the CX-30 leading the way.
Exterior Elegance
You may have never seen a Mazda SUV from the inside; however, we’re sure its unique exterior probably grabbed your attention on the roadway. It’s difficult not to be swept away by the extravagant aura that emanates around these fine models, both inside and out. The KODO design also extends to the CX-30’s exterior, with carefully-placed curves running along its doors and a contemporary construction that’s obvious from the moment you glance its way. Gorgeous from every angle, the CX-30 stops you in your tracks with its brilliance.
You’ll find that like the rest of the Mazda SUV arsenal, the CX-30 is sleek and sophisticated, providing the perfect backdrop for the journey ahead. Black 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels in higher-level trims, plus an available rear power liftgate, deliver the best form and function in this well-crafted crossover. It’s evident, from all of its sultry elements, that the CX-30 is designed to provide a heightened ride for a much more reasonable price than many luxury vehicles like it. Making its presence known, Mazda and its array of luxurious SUVs are redefining the way we view high-end traveling and the prices that go along with it.
A Multitude of Great Standard Features
In addition to absolute beauty, the CX-30 also impresses with the lineup of standard features, setting it apart from others in its price range. Inside, the aforementioned 8.8-inch touchscreen occupies a prominent position on its dash, making it one of the largest infotainment touchscreens in its class, and it comes standard across every trim level. You’ll also find other standard tech features, like Bluetooth, a WiFi hotspot, and multiple USB ports, to make the drive more convenient and enjoyable. Listen to your favorite podcasts and music playlists with the touch of a button. A complimentary three-year trial to Mazda Connected Services gives you access to features like remote start/stop, vehicle finder, and automatic dialing for 911 and roadside assistance.
An array of safety technology comes standard on all models, designed to give you maximum confidence on the road. Some of these features include smart brake control, lane-keep assist, and more must-have features that are typically only optional in rivals. As you move up the trim levels, even more coveted safety and assistance tech is at your fingertips with the i-Activsense safety suite, offering advanced features such as front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree view monitor, and rear cross traffic alert. This makes it easier to maneuver through traffic, park, back up, and so much more.
Another outstanding standard feature is the i-ACTIV AWD system, which can be found on all trim levels, making Mazda vehicles top picks for those frequently navigating through bad weather or uneven terrain. Most SUVs offer all-wheel drive, but few include this top-of-the-line feature standard. Sending more torque to the tires that need it most, the CX-30 makes any journey more stable and secure, whether traveling on icy roads or rocky mountain trails. For all that you get in the Mazda CX-30 for a non-luxury price tag, it’s unbelievable that you can enjoy this many features for a price that fits virtually any budget.
Superb Handling and Ride Quality
Not only is the CX-30 exceptionally beautiful and loaded with desirable features, but its ride quality is also unparalleled. Typically, subcompact SUVs aren’t the most exciting to drive, but the CX-30 seeks to revolutionize how you look at this segment. Opt for the available 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder for an extraordinary ride, with 250 hp propelling it forward; more power than you’ll find in a standard crossover. Shooting from 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds, the CX-30 is dynamic, engaging, and full of character on the road.
In addition to being fun to drive, it’s also easy to handle with its compact size and responsive steering. Hugging the curves of the road like a professional and exhibiting a level of agility you’d most likely find in a luxury model, the CX-30 elevates the feel of any ride. Even its base 2.5L engine is appealing, especially when efficiency is a priority. Getting up to an EPA-estimated rating of 24 MPG in the city and 31 MPG on the highway, the CX-30 helps drivers keep more money in their wallets. The CX-30’s remarkable qualities extend to its performance, offering drivers an experience that’s hard to find in the competition.
Luxury Features Don’t Have to Come at a Luxury Price
The 2022 Mazda CX-30 isn’t the only Mazda model that exhibits these alluring qualities, which make it one of the most impressive brands on the market. High-end style, careful attention to detail, and standard features that you can’t find in other vehicles make Mazda the one to watch, especially with its lineup of SUVs. Enjoying an engaging ride is one thing but doing so in pure luxury prompts many drivers to do a double take when they look at the price of these exceptional models. Mazda certainly brings luxury appeal to non-luxury vehicles, allowing more drivers to afford comfort, top performance, and a level of greatness not found elsewhere.
So, is Mazda the next luxury brand? Possibly, but don’t expect the brand to raise its prices anytime soon. The Mazda name thrives off affordable sophistication, which sets it apart from the rest. Reinventing the quality of non-luxury SUVs, the Mazda name continues to be a pioneer in the industry with a bright future ahead of it.
