DecodedCars2023 Mazda CX-30
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- Cx30 4dr SUV AWD, Cx30 4dr SUV FWD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Horsepower
- 186–227 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 172.8 in
- Curb weight
- 3,146–3,342 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2023 small SUV (25 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- Lots of standard safety tech4 of 5 key driver aids standard on the versions we checked.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Mazda CX-30 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) 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 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway), 16% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 25 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 25 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.
What changed for 2023
- Best combined MPG up from 26 to 29
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 CX-30 →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Salamanca, Guanajuato
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2023 CX-30 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
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 / 61.8 in | 3,342 lb | 60/40 |
| Cx30 4dr SUV FWD | 172.8 in | 70.9 in | 61.8 in | 104.3 in | 61.8 / 61.8 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 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +16% | $2,300 | 309 |
| CX-30 4WD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | 0% | $2,700 | 353 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Mazda CX-30 SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Mazda CX-30 (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Ford Bronco | 20 MPG | Not rated | 18 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Mazda CX-5 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module · Apr 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V275000 · 2,410 vehicles
- Problem
- Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability.
- Risk
- Reduced braking ability can increase the distance required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS HCU, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 12, 2023. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500 Option 6. Mazda's number for this recall is 5823D.
Not every 2023 Mazda CX-30 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Mazda CX-30 buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Service Brakes — 7 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 5 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Suspension — 3 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 37,000 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 2023 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 |
| 2022 CX-30 | 26 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 33 |
| 2021 CX-30 | 28 | 172.8 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 101 |
| 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 →