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The Mazda CX-30 on display at the Brussels Motor Show

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Has 1 Prehistoric Feature

We thought the 2021 Mazda CX-30 would be 100% new. Heck, the Mazda CX-30 is one of the newest SUV options available. It came out in January 2020. However, it actually has one ancient drawback to consider.  The 2021 Mazda CX-30 may struggle with tech  According to Cars.com, there are a lot of great things …

We thought the 2021 Mazda CX-30 would be 100% new. Heck, the Mazda CX-30 is one of the newest SUV options available. It came out in January 2020. However, it actually has one ancient drawback to consider. 

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 may struggle with tech 

According to Cars.com, there are a lot of great things about the 2021 Mazda CX-30, but there are also a few potential drawbacks. One of them feels ancient! For example, the 8.8-inch infotainment system isn’t a touch screen.

2021 Mazda CX-30 Interior, dash view
2021 Mazda CX-30 Interior | Mazda

Even my 2016 Jeep Renegade has a touchscreen. This is a crazy feature to leave out. The team at Cars.com mentioned that the system is controlled by a dial between the front seats. While it’s easy to use, it can be a little frustrating, especially when trying to connect to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. 

We wanted to know if others felt the same way. According to Edmunds, they do. They mentioned that other Mazda models allow you to use the infotainment center as a touchscreen when they’re stopped, but this one doesn’t. Also, a touchscreen would be a welcome addition. 

What tech comes with the CX-30? 

The 8.8-inch infotainment screen is the only option in the 2021 Mazda CX-30. Rivals allow you to upgrade to a larger size. But on a cool note, a 7-inch LCD meter display shows your trip odometers, fuel economy, distance-to-empty, and more. 

You only get two USB ports actress each Mazda CX-30 model. However, a 12-volt power outlet is included too. An 8-speak audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics comes standard, but you can upgrade to the Bose 12-speaker system. 

The optional Wi-Fi hotspot includes a monthly subscription after the free trial ends. With the highest trim option, you get a 3-year Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link Subscription that includes traffic, weather, sports, fuel, and parking information. 

Mazda CX-30 safety features 

The 2021 Mada CX-30 is praised for coming with a long list of standard safety features that work well. Standard features include lane departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, driver attention alert, radar cruise control with stop and go, and high beam control. You have to move up in trim levels to access blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 

Other issues with the Mazda CX-30 include its price. With an MSRP of $22,050, it starts out a little high for the class. However, tons of standard features are included, and the interior provides a luxurious feel. 

A metallic bluish-gray 2021 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo subcompact crossover SUV travels on a bridge away from a city
2021 Mazda CX-30 3.0 Turbo | Mazda North American Operations

The lack of cabin space was also mentioned. Taller adults could find the rear seat to be confining. Plus, there are only 13.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, which is just OK for the class. 

Critics also noted that the CX-30 has a firm ride. You may notice the bumps in the road and feel a little body roll. But it has a quiet cabin and excellent handling. It’s fun to whip around curves with the turbo engine. 

The standard Mazda CX-30 engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder option with 186 hp and 186 lb-ft to torque. Edmunds accelerated from 0 to 6- mph in about nine seconds with this engine. That’s a little lackluster. However, the new turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four engine provides 250 hp and 31- lb-ft of torque and can reach 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds.

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