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2022
Mazda CX-30
#4 in Subcompact Crossovers
Related Vehicles
Hyundai Kona
Chevrolet
Trailblazer
Kia Seltos
Ford Escape
Overview
Mazda launched the CX-30 compact crossover hoping to reach customers that were looking for something smaller than the CX-5, yet larger than the CX-3. It proves to be a success, and there is a reason. Mazda gave the CX-30 their updated KODO design direction, with thinner headlights, sharper lines, and a lower stance. The interior plays a part too, with a Mazda Connect infotainment system and premium materials. Its 2.5 liter four-cylinder engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Pros and Cons
Exterior
As Mazda aims to become a luxury brand, they are bumping up their designs and creating some of the most elegant-looking vehicles we have. The CX-30 received the latest iteration of Mazda's KODO design direction, with sleeker light units, a bolder grille, low profile, and simple greenhouse. Mazda definitely succeeded with the CX-30 in the looks department.
Design
The Mazda CX-30 indirectly replaces the CX-3 crossover, and Mazda took advantage of the opportunity to attract buyers with a more appealing design. The refined KODO design seen in the CX-30 includes a sleeker profile, plenty of chrome detailing, and slim lights. The sloping rear hatch continues the overall modern styling, and Mazda finished it off with black plastic cladding on the bumpers and wheel wells to make the CX-30 look like a true crossover.
Colors
The carefully selected exterior color options match the CX-30's simplistic, mellow design, and Mazda offers seven different shades on this compact crossover. This includes Snowflake White (2.5S, Select, Preferred, Premium), Jet Black (2.5S, Select, Preferred, Premium), Deep Crystal Blue (Select, Preferred, Premium), Sonic Silver (Select, Preferred, Premium), Polymetal Gray (Premium), Machine Gray (Select, Preferred, Premium), and Soul Red Crystal (Select, Preferred, Premium).
Snowflake White Jet Black Deep Crystal Blue
Sonic Silver Polymetal Gray Machine Gray
Soul Red Crystal
Exterior Gallery
*Images from Mazda
Interior
The Mazda CX-30 isn't a full luxury vehicle, yet the interior feels very plush and premium. It doesn't look much like it came from a $30,000 car, but it does. The CX-30 echoes the Mazda3 compact model with its refined floating screen. Unlike other Mazda SUVs, the CX-30's screen sinks into the dashboard a little, following the flowing lines of the creases in the upholstery. But the infotainment shares one similarity with most luxury automakers. That is the non-touchscreen setup, which is not controlled by the touch of buttons on the screen. Instead, it is operated by a fancy knob placed in the center console.
Design
Like we said before, the CX-30 features a very modern interior that surpasses many competitors. The two-tone dashboard is mostly wrapped in leather or cloth, depending on the selected options, while the seats are usually the color of the lower dashboard. The air vents are placed in the usual spots, below the infotainment screen and at either side of the dash, but they appear connected with the chrome trim surrounding the entire strip that the vents occupy. Between the vent, you will find gloss black trim, or sometimes artificial wood, as well as a few physical controls. The doors are two-tone as well, featuring flowing lines with different materials cascading down to the floor. Chrome accents house the passenger controls. The CX-30's infotainment system sits on top of the dashboard, sinking in slightly to convey an interestingly simple look. The center console matches the air vent strip, with either black gloss or wood trim available, as well as a chrome line wrapping around it. The center console houses the gear shift, the controller knob for the infotainment system, and the remaining physical buttons. The arm rest behind it provides HVAC for the rear passengers, which is in sync with the front seating climate.
Storage and Space
There aren't any seat configurations when it comes to compact crossovers, so the CX-30 is only available with five seats. The driver's seat is 8-way power adjustable with lumber support, including height adjustment options. In front, occupants can enjoy 37.8 inches of headroom, 54.6 inches of hip room, and 55.6 inches of shoulder room in the comfortable bucket seats. However, it may be a bit tight for some rear passengers, with slightly smaller dimensions. The rear seats provide 38.3 inches of headroom, 53.2 inches of hip room, 53.6 inches of shoulder room, and 36.3 inches of legroom. As for trunk space, 20.2 cubic feet are available. But since the rear seats have split-folding ability, 45.3 cubic feet are provided if the rear seats are folded down. Mazda also offers extra storage in the doors, as well as the front armrest, where several compartments can be found inside.
Colors
Like most other vehicles, the Kia Telluride's interior colors aren't as cool as the exterior colors, but the color scheme goes well with the materials and other elements. In the lowest trim, LX, the only color available is Black. Moving up the spectrum, the S offers both Black and Gray. For the highest trim levels (EX and SX), you can choose from Black, Gray, Butterscotch, or Expresso Brown, and in the SX Prestige Package, the headliners can be Black, Gray, or Dune Brown. But for more color, Kia added ambient lighting to the interior in all trims. The brightness and color of the lighting can be adjusted through the Telluride's UVO infotainment system. Of course, the SX features 64 different colors to choose from, but this feature can still be enjoyed in the LX, S, and EX with eight different colors included.
Materials
The Mazda CX-30's interior materials are just as well-selected as the color options. All lower trims come standard with cloth seats and upholstery, though genuine leather upholstery is optional, as well as artificial leather. As expected, the range-topping Premium trim level comes standard with real leather inside. The steering wheel and gear shift knob can also come wrapped in leather.
Interior Gallery
*Images from Mazda
Trim Levels
2.5S
Engine
Transmission
Seats
Fuel Type
Price
2.5 L 4-cylinder
Automatic
5
Gas
$22,050
Select
Engine
Transmission
Seats
Fuel Type
Price
2.5 L 4-cylinder
Automatic
5
Gas
$24,050
Preferred
Engine
Transmission
Seats
Fuel Type
Price
2.5 L 4-cylinder
Automatic
5
Gas
$26,450
Premium
Engine
Transmission
Seats
Fuel Type
Price
2.5 L 4-cylinder
Automatic
5
Gas
$28,700
Turbo
Engine
Transmission
Seats
Fuel Type
Price
2.5 L 4-cylinder
Automatic
5
Gas
$30,050
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Performance
Despite offering only one engine, a 3.8 liter V6, that doesn't mean the Kia Telluride doesn't perform well on the road. Drivers will like the V6 compared to the turbocharged engines that competitors are turning to. There is never a time when the Telluride feels a lack of power. Just don't expect it to be a Dodge Durango, since the Telluride reaches 0-60 miles per hour in about 7.5 seconds. When on the highway and at top speed, the Telluride feels comfortable and smooth. Each Telluride trim can be either front- or all-wheel drive. Towing capacity reaches a decent 5,000 pounds in all variants and specifications of Kia's largest SUV.
Engine and Transmission
We're slightly surprised that Kia brought the Telluride into its second year without adding any new engine options. That's fine, as long as the performance is smooth and powerful enough, but we would have liked to see an upgraded version of the SUV's V6 on the 2021 model year Nightfall Edition to bring things up a notch, or even a hybrid to compete with Toyota's Highlander and help families inch their way towards electrification. Well, maybe next year. The 2021 Telluride's 3.8 liter V6 is enough to comfortably haul a large family at 70 miles per hour on the highway, or even tow a small camper through the desert...if that's even possible. This Kia's engine produces 291 horsepower, as well as 262 pound-feet of torque, which is enough to tow up to 5,000 pounds. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes 7.5 miles per hour, so drivers might have to be patient when entering the highway, but despite that small issue, daily commutes aren't a major problem. Moving on to the transmission, it faces a similar problem. Just like the engine, the Telluride's eight-speed automatic transmission is your only choice. But there are no big problems with it so far, since it is no different than the Hyundai Palisade, since it offers the same transmission.
Drivetrains
The Mazda CX-30 offers both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, though front-wheel drive is standard on all trim levels. All-wheel drive can be added for an additional $1,400, and is an option on all configurations.
Ride & Handling
This aspect of the review is not available yet.
Mileage
We shouldn't have to tell you that the Telluride runs on gas, but we should tell you about the mileage. Obviously, Kia didn't waste their 2021 Telluride updates on improving mileage, so it remains the same as when it came on sale for the 2020 model year. The Telluride's mileage keeps up with the competition, at least in the standard front-wheel drive variant. For the FWD Kia Telluride, the EPA rates it at 20 city, 26 highway, and 23 combined. Unsurprisingly, the AWD Kia Telluride's MPG rating drops my a few numbers, at 19 city, 24 highway, and 21 combined. To compare, the Palisade comes in at 19 city, 26 highway, and 22 combined. The Kia Telluride's fuel tank can hold a decent 18.8 gallons, so on a family trip that includes both driving through the city and cruising down the highway, you shouldn't have to revisit the gas station for about 400 miles.
*Stats based on Kia Telluride LX FWD/AWD according to the EPA. Real-world mileage comes in at approximately 400 miles, but results may vary.
Reliability
Most Japanese automakers are known for their outstanding value and reliability, and Mazda is one of them. The CX-30 was ranked number one in reliability for 2020 crossovers by Consumer Reports, despite a few recalls. One was for a brake issue, and the other was concerning a possible fuel leak. For 2021, there were an additional two recalls related to air being released from the tire valve, and the liftgate slightly lowering when fully open. Otherwise, the CX-30 is one of the most reliable choices in the segment, giving it a big boost above competitors from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and Maserati.
Mazda CX-30 Warranty
Basic 3 Years 36,000 miles
Powertrain 10 Years 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance 3 Years 36,000 miles
Safety
The Mazda CX-30 is an award winner with safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, which is the highest award possible. The CX-30 also received an overall five star rating from the NHTSA, mostly from the five-star frontal and side crash tests. The rollover test received a score of four stars, but that is still great for a small vehicle.
Safety Features
Mazda packed the CX-30 crossover with essential safety features from their i-Activsense suite of features, including Blind Spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Adaptive Front-Lighting System, which moves the headlight beams around when reaching a tight corner, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go abilities, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Attention Alert, which senses the driver's steering and driving status, and warns the driver if it senses any signs of fatigue. All models have standard dual-front airbags, knee airbags, side-impact airbags on the front seats, side-impact air curtains to keep occupants safe in the event of an accident.
Ratings
Overall
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
*Based on NHTSA ratings
Features & Infotainment
The Kia offers many beneficial features in the Telluride, making it more of a no-brainer. Even the base LX boasts things that buyers would pay extra for in competitors such as the Honda Pilot. On the outside, opening the trunk is easier than what the minivans feature, with the automatic tailgate's key recognition. Inside, you'll find an abundance of USB ports, easy access to the third row, six speakers and push-button start. What's not to like?
Features
The Kia Telluride's notable features start inside, where all occupants will enjoy the SUV's five USB charging ports and 12-volt outlets for plugging in their smartphone or tablet. Six USB ports are available, with two in each of the three rows. Speaking of third row seating, Telluride models with second-row bench seating feature one-touch third row access, where passengers entering the third row simply push a button by the door, and one of the second-row seats folds and moves forward. With most competitors, owners have to manually push the seats forward. Also, if you need more space to place a large item in the trunk, several buttons at the side wall of the Telluride's trunk allow the second and/or third row seats completely fold and stow away. On higher trim levels, like the SX, a power sunroof and front perches are available, as well as heated and ventilated seats in the first and second rows, three-zone climate control (separate temperature knobs in the first, second, and third rows), automatically dimmed rearview mirror, and six power outlets. Another feature that proves helpful at times is Kia's Speaker Mode, available on the EX and SX, which amplifies the front passenger and driver's voices through the rear speakers. Quiet Mode mutes the rear speakers, so the front occupants can listen to music while rear passengers are sleeping, or just relaxing in silence. The only notable feature that is not located in the Telluride's cabin is the automatic lift gate, which senses the owners key fob in his/her pocket, and opens the trunk. This is helpful if your hands are full, since you don't have to make any gesture...not even waving your foot under the rear bumper.
Infotainment
The Kia Telluride is packed with technology and an easy to navigate infotainment system, allowing families to suit their needs on a long family trip, or just on a short ride to the store. The Kia Telluride's 8-inch touchscreen above all of the manual buttons features Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth, all standard. It is also connected to the six-speaker sound system, for adjusting the sound in different zones (on higher trim levels). But, on the EX and SX, the screen gets larger and increases to 10.25 inches, replacing the controls that sit beside the smaller screen on the LX and S. The more expensive versions also add a surround-view camera and wireless charging capabilities. The SX gets even more luxurious with a ten-speaker Harmon Kardon premium sound system replacing the cheaper six-speaker system. All Telluride trims can include the new-for-2021 rear entertainment system as an option, to entertain the kids in the back and compete with rivals like the Honda Pilot and Nissan Pathfinder, which also offer this feature. On the Telluride LX through EX, ambient lighting is offered in eight different colors. The lavish SX variant upgrades this to a whopping 64 colors to choose from. Controls for this feature, like adjusting the color or brightness, are embedded in the UVO infotainment system. Finally, Kia added a lot of connectivity to the Telluride as well. With Kia's UVO Link app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play, acts like a control center for you Telluride. Through UVO Link, you can remotely start the car and activate keyless entry, turn on the air conditioning or heat, or adjust the temperature.
Key Specs
Base Price $22,050
Trim Levels 2.5S, Select, Preferred, Premium, Turbo
Engines 2.5 Liter 4-cylinder
Transmission 6-speed automatic
Drivetrains FWD / AWD
Dimensions 173" (L) 71" (W) 62"(H)
Fuel Economy 25 city / 33 highway
Basic Warranty 3 years / 36,000 miles
5-Year Cost to Own $29,000 (est)
Seating 5
Performance 227 hp / 310 lb-ft torque
Customer Ratings
Own A CX-30? Rate It:
What's New For 2022?
Nothing, really. The Mazda CX-30 will continue into 2022 unchanged, since Mazda has already made extensive tweaks last year, including the new Turbo trim level with a turbocharged engine and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Another reason is that the CX-30 is Mazda's latest model, so there isn't much to improve so early in its model cycle.
More Coming Soon
