Mazda SUV Showdown: Deciding Between the CX-30 and CX-50

Should you go subcompact or compact? If you already know you want to drive a new Mazda SUV, you’ll need to choose between the CX-30 and CX-50.

These two SUVs replaced previous models with similar names. Both are larger than their former counterparts, and as you would expect, the CX-30 is the subcompact version, while the CX-50 is the compact crossover. Both models rank at or near the top of their classes in terms of quality, reliability, safety, and overall performance. Let’s see if we can find differentiating factors that will sway you toward one of these Mazda SUVs.

Which SUV is more affordable?

Starting with the most obvious factor, price, we see that the Mazda CX-30 is more affordable than the Mazda CX-50. The starting price of the 2.5 S trim is $24,995 for the CX-30, while the CX-50 begins at $27,550. These starting prices give new drivers a great place to begin their journey, with both models, which are affordable and enjoyable on the road. Moving up to the top trims, 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, the price reaches $36,800 for the CX-30 and $42,300 for the CX-50.

Which Mazda is more comfortable?

The smaller size of the CX-30 means the cabin is tighter, and the second row isn’t nearly as spacious as it is for the larger CX-50. If you regularly have five people inside your SUV or you have adult-sized rear-seat passengers, the CX-50 is the better option. In both Mazda SUVs, the front seats are comfortable and accommodating for tall passengers. These two Mazda come with cloth seats at the lower trims but add better upholstery, including genuine leather, at higher trims.

Which SUV has more cargo space?

Another area where the clear winner is the Mazda CX-50 is the cargo room provided. The larger Mazda SUV has 56.4 cubic feet of space with the rear seats folded and 31.4 cubes when the rear seats are upright. The Mazda CX-30 has less cargo space, with a total of 45.2 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded and 20.2 cubes when the seats are upright. Both SUVs offer power liftgates on higher trim levels, giving drivers a bit more convenience when loading or unloading the rear area.

Does Mazda provide more interior quality in one of these SUVs?

Mazda doesn’t play favorites between the CX-30 and CX-50. Both SUVs have upscale cabins with premium materials and impressive build qualities. This has become a staple of the Mazda lineup, with every vehicle showing off impressive cabin style with plenty of soft-touch materials. This puts the CX-30 much higher on the list in the subcompact SUV segment and allows the CX-50 to rival some premium and luxury SUVs.

Which Mazda has better interior electronics?

When it comes to electronics, the CX-50 has a slight edge over its smaller sibling. The CX-50 has an 8.8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 10.25-inch screen for higher trim levels. These screens are the same for the CX-30, but there’s a slight difference in the electronics offered. The Mazda CX-50 includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the CX-30 features wired versions of these connectivity features. Both SUVs have two USB ports and an 8-speaker audio system. These two Mazda’s can be had with a navigation system, a 12-speaker audio system, and wireless device charging.

Which SUV is more powerful?

The Mazda CX-30 has an edge over the CX-50 in terms of base power. Both models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that makes 191 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque in the CX-30 and 187 horsepower in the CX-50. The turbocharged engine puts out 227 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque in the CX-30 while returning 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque in the CX-50. If you use premium fuel in the Mazda CX-30 with the turbocharged engine, the power increases to 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque.

Does one handle better than the other?

As is typically the case, the smaller vehicle handles better than the larger model. Both of these Mazda SUVs provide engaging and enjoyable rides on any road with a refined and relaxed feeling. They accelerate well, but the CX-30 has slightly better handling than the CX-50. The larger Mazda SUV tends to have a stiffer ride quality than the smaller model.

Which SUV should you choose?

When you put the Mazda CX-30 and CX-50 together and compare them head-to-head, it’s easy to see how similar they are. If you want more space and comfort, the CX-50 is the right SUV to drive. When you want a better price and slightly better handling, the CX-30 is the SUV for you.