Discover the differences between two of the smaller and more nimble crossover SUVs in our 2024 Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-5 review.
For several years now, people have closely compared Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-5 SUVs. These crossovers offer fun, athletic, and versatile rides while being less bulky than their larger siblings. Both SUVs have added a Carbon Turbo trim for their 2024 model year. The Mazda CX-30 has also rearranged a few features in its other trims and turned the former Select model into the Select Sport with 18-inch wheels. However, these vehicles generally resemble their old selves, and comparing the 2023 Mazda CX-5 vs. 2023 Mazda CX-30 versions would draw similar conclusions to those below.
The Mazda CX-30 has a lower starting price than the Mazda CX-5 – a pattern that holds if you go up both vehicles’ trim ladders one rung at a time. This should amount to eight rungs total for each.
The 2024 Mazda CX-30 comes in the following variants:
Meanwhile, the Mazda CX-5 has the following tiers:
In addition to having an impact on your features, your trim level can determine your vehicle’s performance, with upper-level trims utilizing the available turbocharged engine:
2024 Mazda CX-30 |
vs. |
2024 Mazda CX-5 |
| SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cyl | Standard Engine | SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L 4-cyl |
| 191 | Standard Horsepower | 187 |
| 186 hp @ 6,000 rpm | Horsepower | 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| 186 lb-ft | Standard Torque | 185 lb-ft |
| 26/331 | EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Hwy) | 26/311 |
| SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L turbo | Available Engine | SKYACTIV®-G 2.5L turbo |
| 227-250 (depending on fuel) | Available Horsepower | 227-256 (depending on fuel) |
| 310-320 lb-ft (depending on fuel) | Available Torque | 310-320 lb-ft (depending on fuel) |
| 22/30 | EPA-Estimated MPG (City/Hwy) | 22/27 |
| i-ACTIV AWD® with Off-Road Traction Assist | Drivetrain | i-ACTIV AWD® |
| SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-speed sport automatic |
Transmission | SKYACTIV®-Drive 6-speed automatic with Manual Mode |
| 12.7 gal | Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.3 |
| FIND MY MAZDA CX-30 | FIND MY MAZDA CX-5 |
As you can observe from these Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-5 specs, the Mazda CX-30 is more fuel-efficient on the highway but lacks the towing potential of the Mazda CX-5.
Of these two crossovers, the Mazda CX-30 is the smaller option, technically qualifying as a subcompact SUV. However, it still remains very comfortable for its driver and passengers. Here’s a closer look at Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-5 dimensions:
vs.
Length
Height
Width
Min Ground Clearance
Seating Capacity
Cargo Capacity
Max Cargo Capacity
Legroom (1st/2nd Row)
Headroom (1st/2nd Row)
The Mazda CX-30 actually has more first-row legroom than the Mazda CX-5. However, adults sitting in the second row might prefer one of our Mazda CX-5 lease specials.
The Mazda CX-5 also gives your family more elbow room and greater cargo capacity. To dive even deeper into a Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-5 size comparison, reach out to our team.
The Mazda CX-5 is the more luxurious of the two five-seater SUVs, offering standard heated front seats and leather upholstery. However, these options are also available in higher-level tiers of the Mazda CX-30. The Mazda CX-5 is unique in having ventilated front seats and Nappa leather available, though.
In total, your interior choices for the Mazda CX-30 include:
Your upholstery options for the Mazda CX-5 are:
As for the exterior, here are the colors these two vehicles share in common:
One difference you might notice in the 2024 Mazda CX-30 vs. 2024 Mazda CX-5 comparison lies in their white exterior paint colors. The Mazda CX-30 can wear Snowflake White Pearl Mica, while the Mazda CX-5 has Rhodium White Metallic, as well as Eternal Blue Mica.
Mazda automakers take safety seriously, which is why both vehicles are outfitted with the following standard driver assistance features:
Upper-level trims of both models have more advanced features, such as a 360-degree monitor and a windshield-projected Active Driving Display. However, the Mazda CX-5 also contains Traffic Jam Assist in its two upper-level trims.
Both models contain a six-speaker audio system standard. This becomes a 10-speaker Bose® premium sound system in the upper trims of the Mazda CX-5, while in the Mazda CX-30, it can become an eight-speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics or a 12-speaker Bose® premium sound system. Both crossovers develop the ability to connect to Apple CarPlay® and Android Autoâ„¢ wirelessly in their mid-level tiers, as well as wirelessly charge phones. We’re going to call this particular Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-5 battle a tie.
Of course, to take advantage of these features with a shorter-term commitment than financing, you can always lease a Mazda CX-30 or Mazda CX-5 instead of buying one.
These excellent vehicles each have strong advantages. The Mazda CX-30 is more competitively priced and arguably more nimble, while the Mazda CX-5 has more cargo room, towing capacity, and standard luxury features.
While it’s hard to go wrong with either SUV, our team at Gunther Mazda is ready to help you dive deep into the differences between Mazda CX-30 and Mazda CX-5 models. You can even schedule a test drive of both vehicles.
Whether the Mazda CX-30 or Mazda CX-5 is right for you depends on what you’re looking to get out of your ride. If your primary concern is fuel efficiency, the smaller Mazda CX-30 uses less gas on the highway. However, the Mazda CX-5 offers you more cargo room and a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.2 Either model is a fantastic choice for a crossover SUV.
The Mazda CX-30 is smaller than the Mazda CX-5. It technically qualifies as a subcompact crossover SUV, while the Mazda CX-5 is a compact crossover. Being smaller can have its advantages, like an easier time parking, and you will not feel cramped with 41.7 inches of front legroom. However, the Mazda CX-5 is better for those who want a larger second row.
The Mazda CX-5 is bigger than the Mazda CX-30, although the Mazda CX-30 has better ground clearance. The Mazda CX-5 is the more luxurious of the two crossover SUVs, but it comes at a higher starting price if you’re comparing similar trim levels. Choose the Mazda CX-30 for better highway fuel efficiency and the Mazda CX-5 for better cargo room.
1EPA-estimated mileage. Actual results will vary.
2Towing capacities shown are maximums and must be reduced by the weight of any passenger, cargo hitch or optional equipment in the towing vehicle. Please refer to vehicle Owner’s Manual for details regarding towing capacities and other valuable information. Towing a trailer will have an effect on the vehicle’s handling, braking, durability, performance and driving economy. For specific information on recommended or required equipment, see your Mazda Dealer. Hitches are available through manufacturers other than Mazda.
