The 2021 Mazda CX-30 lasts around 200,000 miles with some average speaker and oil consumption issues. At $17,850 to $27,590, it’s a great value for a small SUV with some of the latest safety technology.
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Mazda CX-30 since it offers a lot of luxury features and great safety technology. Owner reviews praise the excellent handling, beautiful interior, along with the practical cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are very nice for a small SUV, the seats are supportive on long drives, cargo space is also good for its size.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems reported on the 2021 CX-30. In general, models from 2020–2023 are all dependable choices as they age.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is better than many other subcompact SUVs from the standard four-cylinder engine, while the turbo is quick for its size.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 CX-30 is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include adaptive headlights along with a surround-view parking camera system.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, offering 355 miles of range from the 12.7 gallon tank. Gas costs are $35 cheaper than average, at $150 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is cheaper than many other small SUVs on the market, with average depreciation rates, making it a good value for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Mazda CX-30?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Mazda CX-30 offers a nicely finished cabin with a dash of style, and it earns good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Mazda CX-30 at 4.3/5, enjoying the refined ride quality on rough roads, but doesn’t like the below-average fuel economy for a small SUV.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the CX-30 a 4.5/5, praising the excellent steering and handling, but owners don’t like that the infotainment system is tricky to use.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Mazda CX-30 include crackling speakers, excessive oil consumption, along with some battery drain issues. Overall, these problems are similar to other small SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as it ages.
Crackling speakers are the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Mazda CX-30, showing up within the first 2,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a loose ground somewhere in the stereo system. Diagnosing the source of the problem and fixing it is usually done under warranty while the vehicle is new. Out of warranty, it’s about $250 worth of labor.
Excessive oil consumption is another problem mentioned by some 2021 CX-30 owners at around 10,000 miles. The oil consumption is generally normal for the engine. The best solution is to check the oil regularly, and top it off as needed.
Battery drain issues have also been reported on the Mazda CX-30 at roughly 5,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories in the CX-30 and some of them wind up drawing power while the engine is off. Diagnosing the problem costs around $100, while fixing it can cost $20 to $250.
There are two recalls on the 2021 Mazda CX-30, which is similar to other SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers the power liftgate, which may lower unexpectedly. Mazda will update the liftgate control module for free on affected models.
How Long Will the 2021 Mazda CX-30 Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Mazda CX-30 can last around 200,000 miles, which is a bit shorter than the Toyota C-HR. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other SUVs, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $365 per year.
As a used 2021 CX-30 reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the horn assembly for $240, knock sensor costing $300, along with the oxygen sensor, which costs around $450.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is very good, and features an 8.8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a premium 12-speaker Bose stereo system.
Standard safety features are excellent, and include:
- Forward collision warning
- Low-speed automatic emergency braking
- Lane-keep assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Rearview camera
Optional driver assistance features are available, such as:
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Head-up display
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive headlights
- Traffic-jam assist
- Surround-view parking camera system
Is the 2021 Mazda CX-30 a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is a good value if you’re looking for a small SUV with some of the latest features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $17,850 to $27,590, making it less than a Honda CR-V or Subaru Crosstrek. When new, the price range was $22,050 to $34,050. Depreciation is similar to other small SUVs, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Mazda CX-30?
There are five main models of the 2021 Mazda CX-30 offered, from the entry-level S through to the more powerful Turbo. The CX-30 comes standard with front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade.
Mazda CX-30 S is the entry-level model with:
- Standard cloth upholstery
- 7-inch digital instrument cluster
- LED headlights
- Infotainment system with 8.8-inch display
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- HD Radio and voice recognition
- Eight-speaker stereo system
- Bluetooth and two USB ports
- Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Low-speed automatic emergency braking
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Rearview camera
- Optional: Navigation system
- Available: Frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Optional: Universal garage door opener, sport pedals, wireless device charging, LED interior lighting
Mazda CX-30 Select is a step up, which has:
- Synthetic leather upholstery
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Proximity keyless entry
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
Mazda CX-30 Preferred is next, adding:
- Moonroof
- Heated front seats
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings
Mazda CX-30 Premium has more features such as:
- Genuine leather upholstery
- 12-speaker Bose premium stereo
- Satellite radio
- Head-up display
- Traffic-sign recognition
- Navigation
- Power liftgate
- Adaptive headlights
- Paddle shifters
Mazda CX-30 Turbo is the flagship model with:
- Stronger engine
- Enhanced driver-assistance features
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Traffic-jam assist
- Reverse automatic emergency braking
- Surround-view parking camera system
What Engines Come In the Mazda CX-30?
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 comes with a choice of two engines, each offering distinct performance characteristics. The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, producing 186 horsepower. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and delivers a combined fuel economy of 28 miles per gallon. It accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in about 8 seconds, providing a balance of efficiency and responsiveness.
The more powerful option is the 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine
, which boosts performance significantly. This turbocharged variant churns out up to 250 horsepower when using premium fuel. It also uses the same six-speed automatic transmission and achieves a combined fuel economy near 25 MPG. The 0-60 MPH time is quicker, at around 6.4 seconds, offering a more spirited driving experience for those seeking additional power and acceleration.
What Colors Does the Mazda CX-30 Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Mazda CX-30?
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is recognized for its blend of comfort and sophistication, a characteristic that has been a hallmark of Mazda’s design philosophy. The interior of the CX-30 is thoughtfully designed with both driver and passenger comfort in mind. The seats are a high point, offering ample support and cushioning, which is especially beneficial on long drives. The use of high-quality materials throughout the cabin contributes to a sense of luxury and comfort, enhancing the overall driving experience.
In terms of space, the CX-30 strikes a balance between compactness and roominess. The cabin feels airy and spacious, which is a feat considering the vehicle’s relatively small footprint. This space efficiency makes sure that passengers in both the front and rear seats have adequate legroom and headroom. However, for those looking for vast cargo space, the CX-30 might be a bit limiting, as its cargo capacity is on the smaller side compared to some competitors in the crossover segment.
The ride quality of the CX-30 is another aspect that underlines its comfort. Mazda has engineered the suspension to be both responsive and smooth, effectively absorbing bumps and road irregularities. This results in a ride that feels composed and stable, whether on city streets or during highway cruising. The noise insulation is also commendable, as the cabin remains relatively quiet, shielding occupants from most external noise. In sum, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 offers a driving experience that is both comfortable and enjoyable, reflecting Mazda’s focus on creating vehicles that deliver both performance and luxury.
How Much Storage Space Does the Mazda CX-30 Have?
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 offers a commendable balance of compact exterior dimensions and a surprisingly spacious interior, making it an ideal choice for those who need both practicality and style in their daily drives. The vehicle boasts a cargo capacity of 20.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats. This space is more than enough for day-to-day needs and can comfortably accommodate a variety of items. For instance, you can easily fit in several large grocery bags, a couple of medium-sized suitcases, or outdoor gear like a compact tent and sleeping bags. This makes the CX-30 a versatile option for both urban commuting and occasional outdoor adventures.
Beyond the primary cargo area, the 2021 Mazda CX-30 also excels in offering numerous small storage spaces throughout the cabin, enhancing its practicality. The door pockets are generously sized, perfect for holding water bottles or small umbrellas. The center console and glove box offer additional room for items such as wallets, smartphones, and other small personal belongings. Additionally, there are convenient cup holders and a small storage area under the armrest, which is ideal for keeping items like keys or sunglasses within easy reach. The thoughtful design of these storage spaces underscores Mazda’s commitment to combining functionality with elegant design, making sure that every aspect of the vehicle is both useful and aesthetically pleasing. Overall, the 2021 CX-30 is a well-rounded vehicle that offers ample storage solutions for a wide range of needs.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The Mazda CX-30 was introduced for the 2020 model year as a new compact SUV from Mazda.
2020: All new subcompact SUV offered by Mazda with some great features.
2021: New turbocharged engine added to the lineup, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2022: Standard all-wheel drive on all models, new Carbon Edition package available.
2023: More efficient base engine, and the 2.5 Turbo has been discontinued.
How Does the Mazda CX-30 Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is a nice small SUV since it offers decent reliability ratings, a practical cabin, along with some of the latest safety features.
The Mazda CX-5 is another small SUV offered by Mazda, which costs $2,500 more. Passenger room is better in the Mazda CX-5, while the Mazda CX-30 has more standard safety technology. We recommend the Mazda CX-5 since it is more practical, making it a better value.
The Toyota RAV4 is a popular competitor, which can be found for around $4,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are higher on the Toyota RAV4, while the Mazda CX-30 has a better interior. We recommend the Toyota RAV4, but both are very good small SUVs worth checking to see which you prefer.
