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The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is often considered the best subcompact SUV for 2023. It holds this regard because it continues Mazda’s trend of automotive excellence. It’s sporty, has a decent acceleration time for its class, and has a great interior design. However, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 is not the best of its class regarding fuel economy. By no means is it bad, but others have better gas mileage. 

2023 Mazda CX-30 Fuel Economy

2023 Mazda CX-30 driving in the snow. Best subcompact SUV
2023 Mazda CX-30 | Mazda

U.S. News calls the 2023 Mazda CX-30 the best subcompact SUV of the year. However, though pretty good, it doesn’t have the best fuel economy on the list. According to U.S. News, the subcompact SUV from Mazda gets between 22 and 26 miles per gallon in the city. It gets between 30 and 33 mpg on the highway. Again, this is pretty acceptable for most people, but there are better options for the fuel economy conscious. 

People should note that this subcompact SUV has a pretty fair reason to be slightly lacking in this area. The 2023 Mazda CX-30 has a more powerful engine than many competitors. It’s not the fastest SUV in its class either, but it has a real powerhouse under its hood. This level of power is one of the ways in which the CX-30 continues Mazda’s trend of sporty SUVs. 

What other best subcompact SUVs have better fuel economy

A Blue 2023 Kia Soul parked
2023 Kia Soul | Kia

One of the other best subcompact SUVs from the list with better fuel economy is the 2023 Kia Soul. The Kia Soul gets a reported 28 to 29 miles per gallon in the city. The subcompact SUV gets 33 to 35 mpg on the highway. It’s not a drastic difference, but it’s still better fuel economy nonetheless. However, the Kia Soul has a 2.0-liter engine with considerably less power than the Mazda CX-30. 

The 2023 Kia Seltos also beats the Mazda SUV regarding fuel economy. The Kia Seltos gets an average of 25-29 mpg in the city and 30-35 mpg on the highway. Again, it’s not a groundbreaking difference from the 2023 Mazda CX-30, but it still matters. This Kia SUV can have either a turbocharged 1.6-liter or a 2.0-liter, both of which are less powerful than the Mazda subcompact SUV. 

What makes the Mazda CX-30 the best subcompact SUV

2023 Mazda CX-30 interior
Mazda CX-30 | Mazda

Though there are other contenders, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 deserves its ranking. It may not have the same reputation as some of the bigger Mazda CX vehicles, but it has much to offer this class of SUVs. It has a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood with a maximum output of 291 horsepower. There is also a turbocharged option. 

The Mazda CX-30 interior also helps make it the best subcompact SUV. Like almost all Mazda SUVs, it has a well-crafted cabin that provides ample space for this class of vehicles. It has a standard 8.8-inch touchscreen with the option of adding a premium car sound system. In addition, this is a reliable SUV that’s fun to drive. 

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