The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is an undeniably excellent SUV, especially for those looking for a cost-effective, reliable, and safe vehicle. It may not be completely perfect in every way, but most people who at least give it a try can admit that it’s a great SUV. One of the biggest complaints about the 2021 Mazda CX-30 was its somewhat lackluster engine, but Mazda sought to change that by introducing a new turbo engine option, giving the CX-30 a desirable boost. Learn more about the 2021 Mazda CX-30 below, including the new, more powerful engine that is now available. 

An overview of the 2021 Mazda CX-30

U.S. News gave the 2021 Mazda CX-30 a commendable 8.5 on their overall scale out of 10, making it their No. 1 subcompact SUV choice for the 2021 model year. It’s not hard to see why this vehicle would rank so highly, especially in terms of safety and infotainment features. 

From the outside the CX-30 is a beautiful SUV, featuring a rounded statement grille and narrow headlights on the front. The rear also features narrow taillights and dual exhausted pipes that manage to look classic and modern at the same time. The 2021 Mazda CX-30 looks particularly stunning with two-tone contrast of a black bottom trim and red body, though it’s an attractive vehicle in any color. 

On the inside, the CX-30 features beautifully made seats out of high-quality materials. The seats are roomy and comfortable, and the inside looks like it belongs in a much more expensive vehicle. As far as infotainment goes, the CX-30 leaves little to be desired, as it comes standard with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, voice recognition, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and much more. You can also opt to add navigation, LED interior lighting, keyless entry, and more to suit your tastes. 

The 2021 Mazda CX-30’s safety features

Perhaps the area where the 2021 Mazda CX-30 shines most is its extensive list of standard safety features. The CX-30’s base model comes equipped with a rearview camera, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, and much more. 

If those aren’t enough for you, you can also add advanced safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive headlights, traffic jam assist, and plenty more. Not only does the CX-30 come with plenty of safety features to prevent accidents, but when an accident occurs, there is no better vehicle to be in. 

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 received five out of five stars on every crash test from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, aside from a four out of five on the rollover test. Not too shabby. 

A new and improved engine option

The biggest complaint most people have when it comes to the 2021 Mazda CX-30 is its somewhat lackluster engine. The engine that comes standard is a four-cylinder that can produce up to 186 hp. That’s pretty high for a subcompact SUV, but the acceleration just isn’t where one might expect it to be. 

Fortunately, Mazda’s new option, a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, can produce up to 227 hp on regular fuel and 250 hp with premium, according to Car and Driver. This is quite an improvement from the base engine, but it will cost you $8,000 more than the base price for this added power. 

To some, that $8,000 will be worth every penny to add a bit more oomph to an already excellent vehicle, but others will be content as is with the base engine. As usual, it all comes down to personal preferences. 

The base 2021 Mazda CX-30 starts at $22,050, and the Mazda CX-30 Turbo starts at $30,050.