Mazda delivers performance on a budget
Finding exhilarating performance without breaking the bank can be a tough task these days, especially if you’re looking beyond sedans. Fortunately, Mazda is looking to fill that gap with the CX-30 crossover, delivering two trim levels that offer plenty of power and sporty driving dynamics. There aren’t many notable changes to the CX-30 as it rolls into 2026, with the exception of a standard limited-slip differential.
Kristen Brown
The CX-30 offers plenty of power at all trim levels
Priced from $25,975, the 2026 Mazda CX-30 offers plenty of power in its base form. Its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine pumps out 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque. If you want peak performance, however, you’ll need to opt for the CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition, which starts at $34,410. Under the hood lies a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that pumps out 250 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque with 93 octane fuel.
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Regardless of engine option, all Mazda CX-30 models feature a six-speed automatic transmission paired with all-wheel drive. Despite offering higher performance, the turbocharged CX-30 earns competitive fuel economy, up to 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. When equipped with the more efficient four-cylinder engine, the CX-30 is rated for 24 and 31 mpg in city and highway driving, respectively.
The CX-30 2.5 Turbo boasts a staggering list of amenities
Priced under $35,000, the Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Turbo Aire packs quite the punch when it comes to standard equipment. The sporty crossover rides on 18-inch wheels with a black metallic finish that meshes well with black badging, gloss black roof rails, and black side mirrors. LED lighting comes standard, further accentuating the model’s intimidating design.
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Inside, the Mazda CX-30 is designed to stand out, with rear HVAC vents, a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift. The Turbo Aire Edition also comes equipped with white leatherette-trimmed sport seats. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel add to the model’s premium feel. A small crossover at heart, the CX-30 features 93.8 cu ft. of passenger space and 20.2 cu ft. of space in the dedicated cargo area.
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There’s no shortage of tech in the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition, either. It comes equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen display and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, along with a wireless smartphone charger, come standard. A seven-inch instrument cluster and full-color active driving display projected on the windshield make the list of standard equipment as well.
The Premium Plus model adds a few luxuries
If you have around $2,500 to spare, the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus might be worth your while. Priced from $37,900, the Premium Plus trim is the pinnacle of the CX-30’s range. It comes equipped with several additional convenience features, like a windshield wiper de-icer and an auto-dimming driver’s side mirror. Inside, the crossover gets a touch sportier, with standard paddle shifters.
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While it shares the 12-speaker Bose premium audio setup with several other CX-30 models, the Premium Plus adds gloss-painted speaker grilles. Opting for the range-topping trim gets you a plethora of safety systems found on other CX-30 models, but it’s the only CX-30 that comes with cruise control and traffic support.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition makes some concessions, but there aren’t many crossovers in its price range that can deliver 250 horsepower. Its offerings in tech, comfort, and convenience are respectable enough, and its sleek styling results in an upscale ambiance. That’s not to mention its white leatherette-trimmed seats, which certainly stand out from the crowd. If you want a comfortable crossover that keeps you connected to the road, the Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition is a solid choice.
About the author
Joseph Pudlewski
Contributing Writer, Autoblog