Mazda is one of the largest major automakers in the world, and one of the top designers and producers of SUVs around the globe. Mazda’s vehicle lineup includes a wide selection of SUVs, including compact, subcompact, crossover, and full-size models. Which Mazda SUV is better for you and your family’s needs?

As an automaker, Mazda is renowned for their sharp attention to detail and for their innovations in drive performance, fuel economy, tech features, and amenities that have paved the way toward the future of modern vehicle models—including SUVs. 

Virtually every new Mazda SUV that hits the automarket becomes an instant bestseller, and many of Mazda’s SUV models have been the recipients of one or multiple awards. There are currently several SUVs in Mazda’s lineup. Any Mazda SUV could be a great option for you; the right choice just depends on your family, lifestyle, driving preferences, etc. 

Three of the current most popular SUVs in Mazda’s lineup are smaller SUVs—the CX-3, the CX-30, and the CX-5. If you’re in the market for a Mazda SUV, keep reading to learn more about the top three smaller SUVs in Mazda’s current lineup and how they compare to one another in some of the most important areas to help you make your car-buying decision. 

Powertrains and Performance 

Drive performance is one of the most important contributing factors to consider when you are trying to decide which vehicle is right for you. Keep reading to learn how Mazda’s CX-3, CX-30, and CX-5 models compare in terms of engine options and performance on the road. 

The Mazda CX-30 is only available with one engine—a 2.5-L engine that delivers 186 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft. of torque and is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission to offer excellent responsiveness and agility on the road. 

Mazda’s CX-3 is the smallest of Mazda’s smaller crossover SUV models, but it still delivers an impressive amount of power on the road with its only available engine option. This base engine is a 2.0-L naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine that delivers 148 horsepower and 146 lb.-ft. of torque on the road. The CX-3’s engine also pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission that offers a smooth ride for both drivers and passengers.

The Mazda CX-5 differs from the CX-3 and CX-30 models in that it is available with more than one engine option. Its base engine is the same as the CX-30’s only available engine. However, the CX-5 is also available with a more powerful 2.5-L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft and a 2.2-L turbodiesel engine that offers 168 horsepower and 290 lb.-ft. of torque but is only available in signature models of the CX-5. 

Size and Space 

Mazda’s CX-3, CX-30, and CX-5 models are all smaller compact or subcompact crossover SUVs. So how do these similar models compare in terms of size and cargo space? 

The CX-3 is the smallest of the three models with a length of 168.3 inches and the CX-5 is the biggest with a length of 179.1 inches, which puts the 173-inch CX-30 in between these two models when it comes to size. The CX-30 offers the perfect compromise for city drivers who are looking for an SUV that will fit their family but will also fit into tight parking spaces and maneuver easily on city streets. 

All three of these SUVs offer plenty of room for both cargo and passengers. The CX-3 gives passengers the least amount of space among these three SUVs, offering front-row passengers 41.7 inches of legroom and second-row passengers 35 inches of legroom. The CX-30 offers front-row passengers 41.7 inches of legroom as well, but gives rear-row passengers 36.3 inches of legroom. Among these three SUVs, the CX-5 takes first place in terms of space for rear passengers—it offers front-row passengers 41.0 inches of legroom and backseat passengers get 39.6 inches of legroom. 

Affordability 

Affordability is something that almost every driver keeps at the forefront of their minds when it comes to buying a new car. Keep reading to learn how Mazda’s three smaller SUVs compare in terms of price range. 

The starting price for a 2020 Mazda CX-3 is $21,740 and is only available in one trim level, but it is available with a wide range of optional accessories. The 2020 Mazda CX-30 comes in four different trim levels: a base model with a starting price of $23,000, two in-between trim levels—the Select and the Preferred trim levels—and a highest Premium trim level that starts at $29,300.

The base Sport model of the 2020 Mazda CX-5 starts at $25,190, its Touring model starts at $26,830, its Grand Touring model starts at $30,310, its Grand Touring Reserve model starts at $35,135, and its highest Signature trim level has a starting price of $37,155.

From the CX-5 to the CX-9 to the CX-3, Mazda debuts so many top-rated SUVs that it can be tough to determine which one is the best. Mazda’s attention to detail when it comes to style, determination to stay current in terms of tech and advanced safety features, and dedication to keep the cost of their vehicles relatively affordable have sent most of Mazda’s latest SUV debuts soaring to the top of ranked lists of vehicles within the SUV class as a whole as well as its respective subclasses. The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is one of Mazda’s top-performing SUVs. This all-new subcompact crossover SUV hits high marks in all the right places.

To put it simply, you can’t go wrong with any option when it comes to Mazda SUVs—which means that the Mazda SUV that’s right for you depends almost entirely on your own preferences and priorities for the car. 

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is one of Mazda’s top-performing SUVs. This all-new subcompact crossover SUV hits high marks in all the right places. It has a luxurious look and feel on the inside and outside, it performs well on the road, it’s packed with tech amenities and advanced safety features, and its price really can’t be beat. Keep reading to learn more about 5 features that make the 2021 Mazda CX-30 one of the top-ranked SUVs for the 2021 model year. 

1. New Engine Option 

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is available with an all-new engine option that will make its initial debut for the 2021 model year. The base powertrain of the CX-30 is a 2.5-L four-cylinder engine that offers 186 horsepower and pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission. 

The new available engine option for the CX-30 is a more powerful turbocharged 2.5-L inline-four engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. on the road. All-wheel drive is standard for this turbocharged model, which pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission that ensures a smooth and steady ride for both drivers and passengers alike. 

2. Modern Style Inside and Out 

Almost nothing that comes from Mazda ever looks outdated or low-quality, and the Mazda CX-30 is no exception to this rule.

Both the interior and exterior of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 have a very modern look and feel. The body of this subcompact SUV is bold and elegant, and the interior of the all-new CX-30 features a modern layout and only upscale, premium materials—even for the lowest Base trim level. 

3. Luxurious Amenities 

The 2021 CX-30 isn’t just luxurious because of its upscale interior and exterior style. It also comes with a host of luxurious amenities that round out this top-ranked SUV and offer more opportunities for both drivers and passengers to enjoy every ride in this subcompact crossover model. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard features for all trim levels of the 2021 CX-30. This subcompact crossover model is also available with a premium 12-speaker audio system, heated front seats, leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and more luxurious amenities that make the 2021 CX-30 look and feel much more luxurious than its price would suggest. 

4. Standard Driver-Assistance Features 

A refreshing number of advanced safety and driver-assistance features come as standard built-in features for the 2021 Mazda CX-30. Many of the features that are standard for all trim levels—including the Base trim level—of the 2021 CX-30 are only accessible as available add-ons for most other popular SUVs on the mainstream auto market. 

Advanced safety and driver assistance features that come standard for the 2021 CX-30 include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. 

5. Affordable Options 

SUVs are currently the most popular, trendiest vehicles on the mainstream auto market. This increases the competition among models within this vehicle class and drives up prices of these vehicles because of the seemingly ever-increasing consumer demand for newer, higher-performing modern SUVs.

As a whole, Mazda has always been committed to keeping their prices low. They have historically and continue to launch some of the highest-value vehicles on the market that appeal to buyers on a budget and give drivers the biggest bang for their buck. 

In terms of affordability, the Mazda CX-30 definitely does not disappoint. It is available in a whopping seven different trim levels: Base, Select, Preferred, Premium, Turbo, Turbo Premium, and Turbo Premium Plus. The Base model has an affordable starting price of $23,000, and the other trim levels start at $25,000 for Select, $27,500 for Preferred, $29,650 for Premium, $31,000 for Turbo, $33,400 for Turbo Premium, and $35,000 for Turbo Premium Plus.