I like a beautiful tight-driving Italian crossover as much as the next guy. I’ve tested many of them, several recently. However, if I look at Consumer Reports or J.D. Power’s 2025 Vehicle Dependability Survey, Italian vehicles tend to find low roads. So, I have a better option from a brand that ranks third in Power’s survey behind Lexus and Buick: The 2025 Mazda CX-30 Platinum Plus Turbo.
Don’t get me wrong; the CX-30 is wholly Japanese in design, concept, and quality, but there’s a precision and sculptural feel to its design that could as easily come from Milano as Hiroshima. Mazda calls its orchestrated creases and forms “Kodo”, which translates to “Soul of Motion”. It’s an art piece, even as a jacked-up compact hatchback derived from the Mazda3.
And, there’s no disguising the fact that much of the CX-30 is based on the popular compact. It’s not large nor particularly off-road capable. Mazda offers the CX-5 and CX-50 if that’s your kitsch, but the CX-30 looks special in how sheetmetal is drawn tightly over the brand’s large grille and neatly folded eyebrows over angry curve-following headlamps. It seems impossible the crisp lines and compound curves of the body could have been stamped by machine. Splashes of dark plastic allude to off-road capability while dark 18” alloy wheels grab roadways.
Artwork continues to the minimalist interior swathed in plush materials, stitched dash coverings and precisely angled screen that looks like Italian glass – even if it is commanded by an unnecessarily cumbersome joywheel-based infotainment system. You can touch control the screen, but it’s a bit of a reach. Seats are all-day comfortable with heated cushions facing a thinly spoked heated steering wheel. Below are aluminum knobs and simple read-outs for climate controls. Notice dark brown upholstery accents with matching stitching – subtle, but elegant.
The 12-speaker Bose audio system was the perfect accompaniment for my drive whether listening to Lang Lang’s piano, Brian Wilson’s beach vibe, or my daughter’s favorite Olivio Rodrigo. We could hear every crisp pitch change in their voices and key change in their arrangements. Devices connect easily via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus wireless charging, which displaces Mazda’s cumbersome infotainment menus. Safety is enhanced with adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, and head-up display.
I’ve driven the base CX-30 with its non-turbo engine that produces 186 horsepower, but let’s step up to the turbo instead. All-wheel-drive is now standard. The optional 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder dishes out 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft. of torque for spirited acceleration off the line, when ramping up to fast freeways, or crossing cornfields at a stupid pace. Pass slow traffic at will. Fuel economy is rated 22/30-MPG city/highway.
A good friend has owned her CX-30 for over three years. Style, fuel economy, and interior quality top her likes. Having fold-down rear seats and a power liftgate add convenience, but rear legroom is tight. She’s no fan of the cantankerous joywheel and thinks the suspension is a bit firm. I kind of like the tight handling and most drivers would never guess the chassis employs a cost-effective torsion beam rear set-up instead of a fully independent suspension.
This is a car I’d recommend to my grandmother, my nephew, or my best friend. It offers sophisticated style, athletic handling, and quality that’s sure to keep you bored. It’s also incredibly affordable starting at just $25,195 and rising to $39,020 with virtually every option. Compare that to a Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3, or…Alfa Romeo Tonale to know that’s a ridiculous bargain! More direct competitors include the Buick Encore, Subaru Crosstrek, Honda HR-V, and Nissan Kicks.
Storm Forward!
Send comments to Casey at AutoCasey@aol.com; follow him on YouTube @AutoCasey.