DecodedCars2021 Mazda CX-30
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
- Body styles
- Cx30 4dr SUV AWD, Cx30 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 172.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,146–3,342 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 173 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,342 lb (Cx30 4dr SUV AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 33 highway), 6% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 26.4 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 101 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.
What changed for 2021
- Engine added: 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 CX-30 →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cx30 4dr SUV AWD | 172.8 in | 70.9 in | 61.8 in | 104.3 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,342 lb | 60/40 |
| Cx30 4dr SUV FWD | 172.8 in | 70.9 in | 61.8 in | 104.3 in | 61.8 / 61 in | 3,146 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CX-30 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +6% | $2,400 | 313 |
| CX-30 2WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +6% | $2,400 | 319 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 334 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 24 / 31 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 341 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +5% | $2,700 | 353 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda CX-30 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2021 Mazda CX-30 SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 15.5% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mazda CX-30 (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Honda CR-V | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Ford Bronco | 21 MPG | Not rated | 20 |
| 2021 Hyundai Tucson | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (2)
Tires › Valve · Feb 22, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V101000 · 599 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2021 Mazda3 and CX-30 vehicles. Air may suddenly leak from the tire air valve.
- Risk
- A sudden air leak from the tire air valve may cause a loss of vehicle control while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will replace all four tire air valves with new parts, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4721B.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate · Feb 18, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V086000 · 13,857 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope.
- Risk
- If the power liftgate unexpectedly lowers while a person is accessing the rear storage area of the vehicle, it can increase their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will update the power liftgate control module software and inspect the serial number of the power liftgate drive unit, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 8, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 4621B.
Not every 2021 Mazda CX-30 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Mazda CX-30 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 49 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Visibility/Wiper — 9 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 5,078 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Mazda CX-30. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CX-30 years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 CX-30 | 27 | 172.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 CX-30 | 29 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 26 |
| 2024 CX-30 | 29 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 33 |
| 2023 CX-30 | 29 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 25 |
| 2022 CX-30 | 26 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 33 |
| 2020 CX-30 | 28 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 34 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mazda. How we calculate this →