Turbocharged CX-30 Review

SUVs—especially subcompact crossover SUVs like the CX-30—have reigned over the auto industry for several years. The popularity of SUVs, in general, has skyrocketed throughout the past few model years, prompting most major automakers to design and produce their own new or upgraded SUV models in order to keep the demand for their vehicles high.

Turbocharged Mazda CX-30

Mazda is renowned primarily for the SUVs they produce. TheMazda CX-30 is a subcompact SUV that is one of the newest SUVs in Mazda’s lineup. It debuted on the mainstream auto market in 2020 as a high-performing SUV that offers great value for its comparatively low starting price—it had only been a part of Mazda’s vehicle lineup for one model year prior to 2021. However, the Mazda CX-30 has quickly become a bestseller among Mazda’s collection of SUVs.

Many of Mazda’s most popular SUVs—including the CX-30—have been the recipients of multiple awards and glowing reviews from auto critics, experts in the auto industry, and drivers alike. In fact, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 was named the “Crossover of the Year” by the automotive journal Popular Mechanics. Earning that title is impressive, especially considering that the CX-30 was in its first model year at the time. The CX-30 also became Mazda’s second-best-selling model—surpassed in sales only by the beloved Mazda CX-5—in 2020.

The CX-30 is especially beloved for the excellent value it offers. Many crossover SUVs are very expensive—even for a base model—and the extremely high demand for vehicles within this segment has caused the average price of crossover SUVs to rise even higher over the past few years. While the starting price of the turbocharged Mazda CX-30 is certainly not the lowest on the market when it comes to crossover SUVs, the CX-30 still offers excellent value for its price.

Many consumers who want to purchase a premium crossover SUV with a luxurious look and feel but don’t have the funds to buy a more expensive model appreciate the simultaneous high performance and affordability that the Mazda CX-30 offers drivers. Keep reading to learn more about the powerful, agile, and fun-to-drive Mazda CX-30 that will definitely give you a bang for your buck.

New Turbocharged Engine Option for 2021

One of the main—and one of the only—common complaints about the 2020 Mazda CX-30 was that this subcompact crossover SUV did not provide enough power with its standard naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that delivered only 186 horsepower on the road.

For the 2021 model year, the Mazda CX-30 is newly available with a 2.5-L turbocharged four-cylinder Skyactiv engine that delivers an impressive 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque. Beyond its turbocharged engine, the Mazda CX-30 is also designed with a variety of features that improve its drive performance on the road.

The Mazda CX-30 Turbo’s 2.5-L Skyactiv engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and iActiv all-wheel-drive that ensure a smooth ride for both drivers and passengers and improve this subcompact SUV’s performance on a wider variety of terrains—including off-road terrains.

Pricing for the Turbocharged Mazda CX-30

Because the Mazda CX-30 is renowned for the excellent value it offers, it is understandable that many drivers who are interested in making the turbocharged CX-30 their next vehicle are interested in how the CX-30’s new turbocharged engine option affects the price of this subcompact crossover SUV.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is available in seven different trim levels or packages. Four of these models are equipped with the naturally aspirated 186-horsepower engine, while the top three trim levels of the 2021 CX-30 feature the brand-new 2.5-L turbocharged engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque on the road.

The base model of the 2021 Mazda CX-30—which still comes equipped with the 2020 CX-30’s 186-horsepower engine—has a starting price of $22,050. The Mazda CX-30 Premium—which is the top trim level for the non-turbocharged CX-30 models—has a starting price of $28,700.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Turbo, on the other hand, has a significantly higher starting price of $30,050—which is $8,000 more than the starting price of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 non-Turbo S base model. The CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus—which is the highest trim level available for the 2021 Mazda CX-30 and includes a variety of premium amenities and driver-assist features such as a 360-degree surround-view monitor, Smart Brake Support, and Traffic Jam Assist—starts at $34,050.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is definitely more affordable if you opt for a non-turbocharged model. For many drivers, however, the extra power, agility, and amenities that the new 2021 Mazda Turbo models provide are well-worth the extra money they have to pay to purchase a Turbo model. Whether turbocharged or not, the Mazda CX-30 remains one of the best, top-selling SUVs in Mazda’s vehicle lineup and on the mainstream auto market as a whole.Test drive a new CX-30 today!