We own one of each, a 2020 CX-5 GT with PP and a 2021 CX-30 Premium. Show My 5 is more lux then her 30 overall but mine is a GT PP so it has more fancy stuff in it. But I like them both. The wife prefers smaller cars for city driving but it is quite a bit smaller so that things like the granddaughter's car seat is a tight squeeze and the cargo area with the rear seats up is really small and won't hold golf clubs without putting them down. As far as driving goes I kinda like her 30 in city traffic for the same reason she does since it's smaller and a tad quicker. But if there can be only one I'd take a CX-5 every time for the added size, comfort and utility of a larger car. Image: Elizabeth Blackstock 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. Today, we’ll compare the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the 2021 Mazda CX-30, both 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 SoarImage: Elizabeth Blackstock The BasicsLet’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. Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-30
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: The 2021 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD: A Compact SUV For all of Life’s In-Between MomentsImage: Elizabeth Blackstock The TrimsThere are several different trims to choose from. I drove the top-of-the-line trims for both cars in my review. Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-30
Related: 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo: A Torque StoryImage: Elizabeth Blackstock The TechnologyNow 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
Mazda CX-30
Image: Elizabeth Blackstock The DimensionsThe 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
Mazda CX-30
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. Full disclosure: Mazda provided me with both the CX-5 and the CX-30 for my review. All opinions are my own.
I'm Elizabeth Blackstock, managing editor of AGGTC, blogger, journalist, novelist, editor, MA/MFA graduate student, wife, motorsport fanatic, and bearer of many other titles! I stumbled into motorsport blogging in 2017 and have since written for Red Bull Racing, Jalopnik, Frontstretch, The Drive, and AGGTC. You can find me wearing heart-shaped sunglasses at race circuits around the world. What are the differences between Mazda CXThe 2020 CX-5 has standard 19-inch Aluminum-Alloy Wheels while the CX-30 has 18-inch Aluminum Alloy Wheels. Interior design appointments include Push Button Start and Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control. The CX-30 has 60/40 Rear Seats design while the Mazda CX-5 has 40/20/40 Rear Seats with Reclining Seats.
Is the Mazda CXThe Cabin. The passenger and cargo areas of the Mazda CX-30 and Mazda CX-5 also have several differences. The CX-5 is larger and has 103.6 cubic feet of passenger volume and 59.6 cubic feet of cargo space. The CX-30 has 94.1 cubic feet of passenger space and 45.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
Does the Mazda CXMazda CX30 and Mazda CX-5: Similarities
Below, you can find a quick overview of their distinguishing attributes. First, we'll touch on a few similarities. Both models are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder SKYACTIV-G® engine making 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque.
What is the Mazda CXThe affordable Subaru Crosstrek, the luxurious Volvo XC40, and the upscale Hyundai Tucson are three of the Mazda CX-30's fiercest crossover competitors.
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