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Pros
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The smallest crossover in the automaker’s lineup, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 now features a full suite of driver-assist systems — including adaptive cruise control, emergency front braking with pedestrian detection, and lane-keep assist — across all trims.
The lineup starts with the GX at $31,495, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,195. It goes from there to the GS at $34,395 and then to this tester, the GT, at $40,395. From there, the GT can then be optioned with a turbocharged engine for $42,795; and it tops out with the turbo-only Suna at $43,545.
Styling 8 / 10
The CX-30 is a well-proportioned, good-looking vehicle, although I’d likely get it in a darker colour to reduce the visual effect of the wide cladding against this tester’s lighter shade of grey. The entry-level GX trim has 16-inch wheels, while all others ride on 18-inch rims. The cabin is relatively plain, with the GT adding leather-trimmed upholstery to the faux-cowhide in lower trims, but my tester was upgraded with a handsome shade of red leather ($250).
Safety 9.5 / 10
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 gets the top five-star crash-test rating from the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Over at the non-profit Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), it received the highest Top Safety Pick+ award, along with getting the highest “Good” for its headlight performance and pedestrian crash avoidance, and “Good+” for how easy it is to use the child seat tethers.
All trims now have a full suite of driver-assist technologies, since the entry GX now receives emergency front braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, automatic high-beam control, and lane-keep assist as standard equipment. That’s on top of the features carried over from last year, which include blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and a wide-angle back-up camera. The GT and up further add emergency rear braking, adaptive headlights, front and rear parking sensors, traffic sign recognition, and surround-view cameras.
Features 8 / 10
In addition to the new driver-assist features, the GX trim includes push-button start, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen with wired phone connectivity, manual air conditioning, keyless entry, a seven-inch digital instrument display, heated cloth seats, and a cargo privacy cover. The next-step GX adds heated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, a heated steering wheel, 10.25-inch screen, and automatic climate control. It can be optioned with some features from the GT, including a power driver’s seat with memory settings, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android connectivity, a wireless charger, power sunroof, and an auto-dimming interior mirror.
Beyond those, the GT also adds a power tailgate, an auto-dimming mirror, premium stereo with 12 speakers, built-in navigation, leather-trimmed upholstery, Type-C USB charging ports, and an integrated garage door opener. The top Suna trim primarily adds extra styling features and unique upholstery.
User-Friendliness 7 / 10
The CX-30 uses simple dials for the climate control, along with a conventional gear selector and intuitive toggles and buttons on the steering wheel. But the infotainment screen, when you’re using the embedded system, is operated by a joystick on the centre console. This requires you to page through menus and tap the stick once you’re on an icon. It has Amazon Alexa in the GX and up, a new feature for 2025 that lets you control several functions including the HVAC system using your voice; but you must have a Mazda app and an Amazon account to use it.
Oddly, while the infotainment display isn’t touch-activated with the native system, hooking up your phone enables touch functions through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay only — and only with the larger of the two available screens.
Practicality 7 / 10
The CX-30 is very close-coupled, and it’s best to consider it a two-person vehicle with need-a-ride space in behind. At just 572 L of cargo volume with the rear seats up, it trails rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross at 609 L; the Kia Seltos at 752 L; and the Volkswagen Taos at 790 L. But if you need to toss items in the back, the opening is wide and the liftover height is low. There also isn’t a lot of small-item storage up front.
Comfort 8 / 10
The CX-30 is comfortable in the front seats, which are supportive during long-distance drives. Headroom trails many rivals, but front-seat legroom is about mid-pack with competitors. The rear seat is tight, cementing the fact that you need to consider how many people you’ll be regularly carrying before you make your decision.
Power 8 / 10
The GX, GS, and GT are powered by a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and with standard all-wheel drive (AWD). It doesn’t push you back in your seat, but acceleration is linear and it’s enough for merging and passing on the highway. Optional on the GT — and standard on the Suna — is a turbocharged 2.5L that makes 227 hp (250 hp if you opt for 93-octane gas) and 310 lb-ft of torque; and while it’s more exhilarating, the non-turbo gets the job done, especially in everyday commuter driving.
Driving Feel 9 / 10
Mazda is all about sharp handling, and the CX-30 is no exception. The steering has nice weight and it’s very responsive; but at a level that’s just right for an everyday vehicle, never feeling too muscular or twitchy. This may be a crossover but it drives like a car, moving smoothly around corners without feeling top-heavy. Mazda has a system that ever-so-slightly reduces engine power when you turn the wheel. You don’t feel it, but it momentarily shifts the weight to the front tires to improve their grip; and then when you straighten out, including when changing lanes, a tiny bit of brake pressure that’s also unnoticeable helps to keep the vehicle stable.
Fuel Economy 8 / 10
Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the non-turbo CX-30 at 9.0 L/100 km in the city, 7.1 on the highway, and 8.2 combined. During this test, the indicated average was 8.6 L/100 km. That’s within decimals of many rivals, where the Toyota Corolla Cross rates 7.8, and the newest Subaru Crosstrek is 8.1 (both in their non-hybrid versions); while the Kia Seltos matches it at 8.2 combined, and the Volkswagen Taos is marginally worse at 8.4.
Value 8 / 10
The CX-30 also runs about mid-pack with rivals for price, at $31,495 to $40,395 for its non-turbo versions. In their trims with AWD, and with non-turbo engines where there is a choice, competitors include the Toyota Corolla Cross at $31,250 to $38,140; the Kia Seltos is $29,695 to $35,995; and the updated 2026 Subaru Crosstrek runs $32,890 to $40,390. The Volkswagen Taos only comes with a turbocharged engine, and it’s $34,270 to $41,570 (all prices including delivery).
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a roomy subcompact crossover that can hold your entire family and everything they’re bringing along, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 isn’t for you. Instead, it’s almost more of a car than a crossover. It carves out a niche as a vehicle that’s best for those who travel light, but want something that makes it fun to reach the destination.
