SUV · Gas
Mazda CX-30 2020–2026 (1st gen)
- Your fit
- Take the quiz
- Price
- $21,900–$34,000
- MPG
- 29
- Strength: Excellent safety
- Strength: Strong driving fun
- Strength: Strong value retention
- Watch-out: Below-average cargo & utility
- Watch-out: Below-average passenger space
How it scores for you10 scores
A perfect-crashtest, sharp-handling subcompact SUV with an upscale cabin, but tight rear space and modest cargo are the price of its style.
Recalled about half as often as cars of the same model years; 1 of its 7 recalls was serious. About 10% of its owner complaints describe a crash, fire or injury. Based on recalls and serious defect reports — it doesn't capture everyday repairs or problems fixed by warranty extensions. Adjusted +6 points for its wider reputation.
5-star overall NHTSA crash rating (frontal 5, side 5, rollover 4).
About $2,300 a year in fuel (EPA estimate) — cheaper to run than about 62% of cars we track.
20.2 cu ft of cargo space — more than about 33% of other SUVs we track.
Subcompact SUV with tight rear seat and modest 20.2 cu ft cargo (45.2 folded), below segment average. Fine for front occupants, cramped for rear.
Mazda's tuning is class-leading; CX-30 has sharp steering, composed handling, and available 227-hp turbo. Base 186-hp is adequate. Among the most engaging subcompact SUVs.
Standard rotary-controlled infotainment (no touchscreen while driving) is polarizing; good standard driver aids. Roughly segment-typical feature set, decent but not cutting-edge.
Premium-feeling cabin, quiet ride, and upscale materials above segment norms. Firmer sport-tuned ride is a slight tradeoff for some.
SUVs and hybrids usually hold their value better than average.
No published tow rating; all- or four-wheel drive available.
Safety & recalls10 recalls
10 recalls · 8 common complaint areas across 2020–2025
- Engine — 37 complaints (2021)
- Recall — Airbags: air bag/restraint control module: software (2025)
- Visibility/wiper — 9 complaints (2021)
2026
No recorded issues.
2025
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software25V357000
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
- Complaint clusterElectrical9 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The vehicle has major electrical issues. The ABS and all over driver safety options would shut off for days at a time. I had purchased this cx30 as new on January 02, 2026. It totally died and wouldn't start on February 03, 2026. It had to ve towed by mazda roadside assistance to Towne Mazda dealer
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other5 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The wiper settings cannot be adjusted every speed is high- (meaning, the wipers always go super fast) unless, its on auto. I dont alwaus want to use auto. My dealership tech now has "refused" to work with me anymore- or has encouraged me to find another dealership bc of all the random little things
2024
- RecallExterior lighting: headlights; forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking; lane departure: sensing system: camera24V649000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2024 Mazda 3, CX-30, and 2025 CX-50 vehicles. A malfunction in the forward sensing camera (FSC) may prevent the automatic emergency braking system and the lane-keep assist system from functioning. In addition, the headlights will not aut
- RecallAirbags: air bag/restraint control module: software25V357000
Mazda North American Operations is recalling certain 2024-2025 Mazda3 and CX30 vehicles. The Sophisticated Air Bag Sensor (SAS) units may set an error code and deactivate the air bags, due to a low battery condition.
- Complaint clusterElectrical6 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Reporting Product Defect in Mazda Vehicles I am writing to bring to your attention a recurring design flaw affecting current Mazda vehicles, including models such as CX30, MX30, and potentially the Mazda3 series. Following heavy rain or high humidity conditions, there is a consistent issue with th
- Complaint clusterAirbags6 complaintscomplaints:AIR BAGS
While driving normally at highway speed on I-880 South, the braking system failed to decelerate the vehicle. When the brake pedal was pressed firmly, there was no normal slowing—only a sliding sensation, as if the wheels locked and the car moved forward on ice. This led to a collision with a stopped
2023
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module23V275000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
2022
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module23V275000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
- Complaint clusterSteering6 complaintscomplaints:STEERING
I don't know, is 4:20 in the morning. Oh, is it work? I was sitting in my car and all of a sudden pop and I had ringing in my ear. According to Mazda, connect, I got some weird network. Error the network failure error some kind of engine failure. Error I don't know what happened. But I've been havin
- Complaint clusterEngine6 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
At around 26,528 miles my 2022 CX-30 2.5s (not the turbo) developed a "Low Oil Pressure" warning while driving between 55-65mph on 07/06/2025. The car has had regular oil and filter changes about every 5K miles. The last oil and filter change was at 25,259 mileage on 05/25/2025. There aren't any v
2021
- RecallStructure: body: hatchback/liftgate21V086000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.
- RecallTires: valve21V101000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
- Complaint clusterEngine37 complaintscomplaints:ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption. Regularly have a low oil warning come up about 6000 kms after an oil change. Oil is always low when checked.
- Complaint clusterVisibility/wiper9 complaintscomplaints:VISIBILITY/WIPER
The vehicle experienced a premature internal A/C failure, resulting in a total loss of climate control refrigerant. Because the A/C system failed, the vehicle's windshield defroster completely stopped removing humidity and moisture from the cabin air. This caused the front windshield to instantly an
- Complaint clusterElectrical9 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Two issues A) my usb or display stop to work often I have reset to make it work again, look like loose electrical 2) many time it has also happened start key malfunction error I have jumped start, I have replaced battery same issue
- Complaint clusterBrakes8 complaintscomplaints:SERVICE BRAKES
On June 3rd, 2026, about 1:15 PM, I braked in the rain because there was a stopped car in front of me. The brakes did not work; the Automatic Emergency brakes did not work; the Forward Collision Warning did not work and I hit the car in front of me causing a 3 car accident. As I hit the car I saw th
- Complaint clusterPowertrain8 complaintscomplaints:POWER TRAIN
While driving, on approach to a stop signal, at an intersection the car stopped moving. The display said engine malfunction, have inspected. The electronics and engine continued to operate, but the car would not move when gas pedal was depressed. I shut off and restarted my vehicle numerous times, w
2020
- RecallService brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper20V346000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen.
- RecallFuel system, gasoline: delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings20V347000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The evaporative vent hose for the fuel tank may be disconnected, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the charcoal canister vent at the rear of the vehicle.
- RecallStructure: body: hatchback/liftgate21V086000
Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.
- Complaint clusterUnknown or other7 complaintscomplaints:UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am experiencing sharp edge on the Driver Side window up button. The Nicle plating is wearing off and causing safety concern. I have images of the concern. Will send upon request. Mazda is suggesting that I take the vehicle in for diagnostics and service. Their diagnostic cost is extremely high, a
- Complaint clusterElectrical5 complaintscomplaints:ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My 2020 Mazda CX-30 has an intermittent no-start condition caused by a complete electrical failure. This occurs randomly, often overnight and after long or short trips. When it happens: The car does not respond to the key fob or ignition Dashboard warning lights are off Vehicle cannot be started,
Cost to own$19,800 / 5 yr
MSRP, new
$21,900–$34,000
Estimated used price, by model year
$2,300/yr
EPA estimate, combined fuel cost per year.
Specs
City MPG
26
Highway MPG
33
Combined MPG
29
Horsepower
186 hp
Doors
4
Cargo volume
20.2 cu ft
Cargo (seats folded)
45.2 cu ft
Limited data — dimensions unavailable.
Check a listing
Sign in to check a specific listing against this car's data.