Torn between the Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda CX-30? We feel you.
They’re both a compact SUV, and they’re both two new favorites that you just can’t stop seeing on the road — so Mazda must be doing something right. But at first glance, these two crossovers look pretty similar, with the exception that one is a little sleeker and the other is a little more rounded. And yes, the two do share a lot of similarities because they’re both built by the same manufacturer using very different platforms.
But don’t be deceived: There are some very significant differences tucked away that you may not immediately realize, and those are the things that can help make your decision for you. So we compared the Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda CX-30 in text and via easy-to-read graphics.
Related: A Torque Story Part Deux: The Mazda CX-30 Turbo SUV Is Designed to Make Your Soul Soar
Details are based on the 2021 model. Image: Elizabeth Blackstock
The Basics
Let’s start with the need-to-know information for these two cars: price, fuel economy, engine options, and the type of car we’re talking about. (All data based on 2021 models)
Mazda CX-5
- Base price: $25,270
- Top of the line price: $37,096
- FWD mpg: 25 city / 31 highway / 28 combined
- AWD mpg: 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined
- 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine: 187 horsepower, 186 lb-ft torque
- Turbo 2.5-liter engine: 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft torque
- Type of car: compact crossover SUV
Mazda CX-30
- Base price: $22,050
- Top of the line price: $34,050
- FWD mpg: 25 city / 33 highway / 28 combined
- AWD mpg: 24 city / 31 highway / 26 combined
- 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine: 186 horsepower, 186 lb-ft torque
- Turbo 2.5-liter engine: 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft torque
- Type of car: subcompact crossover SUV
Right off the bat, you can tell a few things about these two cars. Both cars share the same engine options, but the CX-5 is a little more expensive and is a little bit bigger.
Related: What the top of the line Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD is like
Image: Elizabeth Blackstock
The Trims
There are several different trims to choose from. I drove the top-of-the-line trims for both cars in my review.
Mazda CX-5
- Sport: Leather steering wheel and shift knob, push-button start, electronic parking brake, remote keyless entry, rearview camera, automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy rims, cloth seats, Bluetooth, rain-sensing windshield wipers | $25,270 FWD / $26,670 AWD
- Touring: Add heated front seats, leatherette, dual-zone climate control, rear air vents, rear charging ports, six-speaker audio system, advanced keyless entry | $27,010 FWD / $28,670 AWD
- Grand Touring: Add paddle shifters, LED tail and fog lights, 19-inch silver alloy wheels $30,460 FWD / $31,860 AWD
- Grand Touring Reserve: Add turbo engine, AWD, head-up display, vented front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, automatic folding mirrors, windshield de-icer $32,285 AWD only
- Carbon Edition: Add special gray paint to Sport trim, 19-inch alloy whels, red leather seats | $28,855 FWD / $30,255 AWD
- Carbon Edition Turbo: Add turbo | $30,660 FWD / $32,060 AWD
- Signature: Add turbo engine, AWD, Nappa leather seats, wood trim, ambient lighting, 19-inch dark silver wheels, traffic sign recognition, smart city brake support, and driver attention alert | $37,406 AWD only
Mazda CX-30
- 2.5 S: LED headlights, cloth seats, reverse camera, remote keyless entry, driver assistance, rain-sensing windshield | $22,050
- Select: Add leather seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts | $24,050
- Preferred: Add power-sliding moonroof, heated front seats, 8-way adjustable driver’s seat, memory seating | $26,450
- Premium: Add leather-trimmed seats, adaptive headlights, rear power liftgate | $28,700
- Turbo: Add turbo engine, Mazda Radar cruise control, black 18-inch alloy wheels | $30,050
- Turbo Premium: Add Bose sound system, power rear liftgate, leather-trimmed seats | $32,050
- Turbo Premium Plus: Add 360-degree-view monitor, smart brakes, and traffic jam assistance | $34,050
Related: 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo: A Torque Story
Image: Elizabeth Blackstock
The Technology
Now let’s talk tech. Both cars, again, share a very similar platform, but the CX-5 is a little more on the luxurious end of things.
Mazda CX-5
- 10.25-inch full-color infotainment screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bose 12-speaker surround stereo system
- Mazda Connected Services, which enables you to connect to your car via app
Mazda CX-30
- 8.8-inch full-color infotainment screen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Bose 12-speaker stereo system
- Mazda Connected Services, which enables you to connect to your car via app
Related: The 2025 VW Taos is Surprisingly Spacious, Tech-Forward & Fun to Drive
Image: Elizabeth Blackstock
The Dimensions
The dimensions are likely where you’re going to feel the biggest difference between both of these cars. The CX-5 is a little bigger than the CX-30, which means there’s more room for passengers and cargo in the trunk. If you have larger kids or frequently travel with adults, this is likely going to be the make-or-break point for you.
Mazda CX-5
- Wheelbase: 106.2 inches
- Cargo Volume: 31 cubic feet
- Passenger Volume: 102 cubic feet
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds
Mazda CX-30
- Wheelbase: 104.5 inches
- Cargo Volume: 20 cubic feet
- Passenger Volume: 94 cubic feet
- Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds
Related: 6 Things That Make the 2026 Mazda CX-5 the Best Ever
Image: Elizabeth Blackstock
Who’s the Audience?
The Mazda CX-5 is likely going to appeal to people who may have larger kids or who need more space, since there’s more cargo and passenger room in this compact SUV than the CX-30. It’s also going to appeal to people who love the fun of driving, who like a little bit of a luxury feel to their cars, and who really value the impression of the car that stays with them when they step away from the wheel.
The Mazda CX-30 shares a lot of the same great features as the CX-5, but doesn’t quite have that same pep or luxury that has made the CX-5 such a consumer favorite. Instead, the CX-30 is a great first car for teens, or a more budget-friendly option for folks looking to keep costs down. It’s also a little more restrained than the CX-5, so this is a great option for anyone that doesn’t need all the extra bells and whistles of a more expensive car.
Disclosure: Mazda provided me with both the CX-5 and the CX-30 for my review. All opinions are my own.
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