Back when I worked in an office setting, I had a sneaky little secret. I used to wear bootcut yoga pants to work. They looked smart and sensible but they were all party. They had all the stretch and comfort of a pair of sweats and they were ready when I was done with work and heading to the gym.
Those bootcut yoga pants made me feel comfortable, stylish, and ready for anything – much like the Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo. Slipping behind the wheel is like slipping into those favorite pants.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Turbo Is In This Car’s Name—And For Good Reason
At $32,940, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo literally purrs with 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft. of torque. You really feel that turbo pep as you perch at a traffic light, then effortlessly take off with the press of your foot as the purr turns to a growl.
But if you want to take it up a notch, use premium grade fuel and the HP rating jumps to 250 and torque increases to 320. That’s a lot of power for this little cutie and it’s great to have the choice of good power or great—and to be able to save the money when you want to.
Read: Mazda 3 Turbo: A Torque Story
Inside, Design Sets This Compact SUV Apart From the Rest
There are a couple of fun little design features that make the Mazda CX-30 extra sweet. On your first drive, you’ll notice that the steering wheel is quite thin, contributing to the sporty and engaged feel.
You’ll also notice that the center console is adjustable, so you can scootch the padded top forwards or backwards. This is nice for getting the perfect spot for your arm to rest, but it’s especially cool that, when you have it pushed backwards, it’s easy to drop things into the center console without lifting the top
Read: Mazda CX-50 Hybrid Vs. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Same Engine, Same MPG. Which is Better?
How My Cup Fit in the Cupholders in the Mazda CX-30
Unfortunately, if you’re addicted to your giant Stanley-style water jug like me, then you might have to find a solution to the location of the cup holders. They made it almost impossible for me to bring my jug along for the ride.
My beloved, giant Brumate mug wouldn’t fit without jamming awkwardly against buttons and controls, so I crammed it inelegantly into the bottle pocket in the door panel instead. But it did fit, and other water bottles and mugs will fit; mug-makers seem to be a step ahead of car cupholder designers these days.
Read: 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Review: The Best Outdoor Companion
What We Loved In the Mazda CX-30
The CX-30 coaxes a smile out of me every time. It’s so fun being in something petite and nimble, but knowing that it’s spacious enough to carry your cargo and your crew. So, what do we love about the Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo?
- It’s petite but powerful
- It’s so fun to drive and sure to coax a smile. All-wheel drive with well-tuned suspension and turbocharged engine creates a really connected driving experience with responsive and engaged dynamics
- The powered sunroof adds to the premium feel and opens up the cabin
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto elevate the tech experience
- The multimedia screen is touch sensitive when using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but not when using the native Mazda system
- Premium materials and a sophisticated design make the interior feel more upscale than you’d expect for the price tag.
- The unique Carbon Edition styling elements give it a striking but still friendly appearance.
- It has the perfect combination of technology and analogue features like manual vents and buttons. For example, I love being able to reach over and adjust the air vents with a familiar wiggle without looking.
Read: The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Is Hip, Vivacious and Spacious
A Compact SUV Means Compact Spaces Inside, Too
The Mazda CX-30 is a beautiful combination of a small SUV with as much usable space as possible, but there are still compromises. My front passenger needed quite a bit of legroom, but that meant that the person seated behind them only had a very small amount of room for their knees. Be aware of this if you have a tall family or friends.
Rear passengers might need to bring their own power or an extra-long cord for long road trips; there are no outlets in the rear seat. The Mazda CX-30’s petite design also means that the door frame is quite small, which, as I heard from grumbling older family members, it could be a bit hard to get in and out of.
Read: The Honda HR-V Delivers on the Promise of a Go-Everywhere Vehicle
Who Does the Mazda CX-30 Turbo Fit Best? Me!
Ultimately, though, this little SUV with all that playful Mazda zoom zoom, premium features, and lots of comfort is what inspires the most love for the 2025 Mazda CX-30 Carbon Turbo. It’s not ideal for large families or super tall people who might feel cramped by the compact nature of the cabin.
But those shorties among us—like me at 5’5”—and those who don’t always have multiple passengers (also like me) will love the versatility, luxuries, and convenient features in this small, peppy package.
Like your favorite pair of smart-looking yoga pants, this flexible little ride is ready for action with a little bit of stretch, too.
Read More: 6 Things That Make the 2026 Mazda CX-5 the Best Ever
