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The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is competing for the best subcompact SUV position. Mazda’s small SUV comes in seven different trim levels. Which trims should you want, buy, and pass on?

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus: Want

A blue 2023 Mazda CX-30 subcompact SUV is driving on a wet road.
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 | Mazda

Japanese automaker Mazda produces some of the classiest SUVs in the game. Regardless of the size, models from the CX-9 to the subcompact CX-30 are well-equipped and luxurious. The CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus is the most opulent 2023 Mazda CX-30 trim.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus starts at $35,400. It comes standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes a whopping 250 horses when drivers use 93 octane fuel.

The CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus includes heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals, leather-trimmed sport seats, and a heated steering wheel. It also comes with a 360-degree view monitor, traffic jam assist, and front and rear parking sensors.

Traffic jam assist is an advanced form of adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go that makes driving in heavy traffic less strenuous for drivers. The CX-30’s final trim level comes with several driver assistance features that make parking as simplistic for drivers as possible. The Turbo Premium Plus combines performance with innovative tech and a classy interior. If you can see past the final trim’s starting price, it’s easily one of the best trims for the money based on its features.

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium: Buy

A gray 2023 Mazda CX-30 subcompact SUV is driving on the road.
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 | Mazda

If you had to choose CX-30 trim, the Turbo Premium is the one to buy for the average driver. The 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium starts at $33,800.

It’s the ideal choice for the average driver because it’s the only trim that comes standard with the turbocharged engine other than the final trim. If you can forego the Premium Plus’ 360-view monitor and traffic jam assist, then the Turbo Premium is the way to go.

It comes standard with paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and traffic sign recognition. The subcompact SUV also features a windshield-projected full-color active driving display, blind-spot monitoring, and a Bose 12-speaker sound system. Kelley Blue Book praises its classy interior and driving dynamics.

Pass on the CX-30’s base trims because of engine options

A red 2023 Mazda CX-30 subcompact SUV is parked.
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 | Mazda

The 2023 Mazda CX-30 offers great value at every trim level, but the subcompact SUV’s final two trims provide a completely different driving experience thanks to the standard turbocharged engine. Every trim offers great standard safety and driver assistance features, so the inclusion of a turbocharged engine makes all the difference for the CX-30’s last trims.

The CX-30 will compete against the best in its segment like the Hyundai Kona and Kia Soul. Some consider the Mazda CX-30 to be the best subcompact SUV on the market. Will the 2023 CX-30 solidify its position at the top of rankings, or will the 2023 Hyundai Kona become the definitive best subcompact SUV of the year?

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