2024 Mazda CX-30 vs 2023 Mazda CX-50

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 showcased a design that was both rugged and sophisticated. Its blunt nose, long hood, and rakish windshield gave it a distinctive look, while the cabin was positioned towards the rear wheels, adding to its allure. The CX-50's exterior was further enhanced by blistered fender swells, bold lower body cladding, and faux skid plates, which contributed to its rugged persona. The oversized air intake and vent designs added a performance edge without being visually overwhelming. The standard black grille and mirror caps, along with available 20-inch wheels, created an appealing aesthetic. The interior of the CX-50 was equally impressive, featuring black leather with caramel-colored stitching, driver-focused design, and quality materials. Despite a few design quirks, such as the off-center air vent, the CX-50 was a visually striking compact crossover.

In contrast, the 2024 Mazda CX-30 aimed to ensure it wasn't mistaken for a car, with its excessive charcoal-colored plastic cladding on the lower body. Despite this, the CX-30 was appealing with its short overhangs, long hood, and sculpted flanks. The interior of the CX-30 exuded a sense of luxury, with style and refinement akin to an entry-level luxury SUV. The gauges were clear, the infotainment screen was integrated into the dashboard, and the dual-zone climate controls were elegantly designed. The CX-30's interior was a blend of gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding a touch of color. While the back seat was cramped, the front seats were comfortable, and the high seating position made entry and exit easy. Overall, the CX-30 offered a stylish and refined interior, albeit with limited space.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 offered two engine options. The 2.5 S model featured a 187 hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 186 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. It was expected to achieve 27 mpg in combined driving. For those seeking more power, the 2.5 Turbo variant provided a turbocharged engine with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, depending on the fuel used. The turbo engine offered smooth acceleration and a towing capacity increase from 2,000 to 3,500 pounds. The CX-50's driving modes, including Normal, Sport, Off-Road, and Towing, worked with G-Vectoring Control technology to ensure consistent vehicle behavior. The CX-50's ride quality was firm, and it handled off-road situations well, though it lacked a downhill assist control system.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30, with its turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The power delivery was smooth, and the CX-30 was considered the sports car of its class. The six-speed automatic transmission provided flawless shifting, and the standard AWD system ensured power was distributed to all four wheels. However, the turbocharged engine's fuel economy was not its strong suit, with an observed 21.3 mpg. The CX-30 was fun to drive, offering a nimble and connected ride. It excelled in handling, with excellent outward visibility and newly standard safety features. The CX-30 was capable of tackling challenging trails with its AWD system and eight inches of ground clearance.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50's interior was equipped with features like power-adjustable heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel. The ventilated front seats and dual-zone automatic climate control were effective in maintaining comfort. The driver and front passenger seats were comfortable, though they could use more side bolstering. The back seat was roomy, and rear air vents and charging ports were available. The CX-50 offered 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, with a maximum of 56.3 cubic feet when the back seat was folded. The cargo area was practical, with side bins and hooks for securing items.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's interior was characterized by quality materials and logical controls. The three-gauge instrumentation and traditional shifter were user-friendly. The cabin featured gloss black trim, metallic accents, and exposed stitching, with Terracotta leather seats adding color. The interior space was cramped, especially in the back seat, but the front seats were comfortable. The CX-30 offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space, with flexibility for underfloor storage. Folding the back seat provided 45.2 cubic feet of volume, making it practical for a small SUV.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 came with a Mazda Connect infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The base model had an 8.8-inch display, while higher trims offered a 10.25-inch display. Mazda Connect's user interface was not touchscreen-friendly, relying on center console buttons and knobs. However, the CX-50 allowed touchscreen control for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The available 12-speaker Bose sound system provided a satisfying audio experience. The Active Driving Display projected data within the driver's line of sight, enhancing safety.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30's turbocharged versions featured a new 10.25-inch infotainment display with touchscreen functionality for smartphone mirroring platforms. The screen's location was far from the driver, but it represented an improvement in Mazda's approach to reducing driver distraction. The CX-30 included a three-year subscription to Mazda Connected Services and a trial for in-vehicle Wi-Fi. New USB-C ports and a wireless smartphone charger were available in higher trims, along with a Bose premium audio system.

The 2023 Mazda CX-50 was expected to perform well in safety tests, though the IIHS had not yet tested it. It offered a comprehensive package of driving assistance systems, with additional features available on the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim. These included Traffic Jam Assist, active blind-spot monitoring, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The driving assistance systems generally worked well, though the adaptive cruise control occasionally failed to recognize slower vehicles.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 emphasized safety with new standard features, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It also offered forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims provided adaptive headlights, parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system. The CX-30 received high safety ratings, with a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.