2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure review

TheMazda CX-30remains a popular vehicle, but it’s not typically a budget-friendly option.

Forget bland. Mazda throws its hat into the ring against the Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Crosstrek. But while these rivals play it safe on price, a swarm of feature-packed, budget-friendly Chinese SUVs are nipping at their heels. Is Mazda’s offering enough to stand out in this increasingly crowded arena?

Forget Spartan SUVs costing less than $30,000. The Mazda CX-30 isn’t your typical budget-mobile. Think premium features and upscale finishes, surprisingly accessible to everyday drivers. It’s where attainable luxury meets the road.

Step inside the 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure: It’s a streamlined experience. Gone are the leather seats and advanced driver-assist features, and you won’t find the punchier engines. Mazda’s stripped it back to the essentials, passing the savings on to you.

The only issue is that it isn’t actually that cheap.

Dropping nearly $2,000 below the next CX-30 in line, this model still demands a $34,000 commitment. Flashback to 2020, and you could snag a CX-30 for a cool $29,990 (before on-road costs). Has time and price marched on?

Ouch. While the CX-30 looks sharp, its price tag smarts when you see what the Chinese are offering. Think Chery Tiggo 4, MG ZS, and GWM Haval Jolion – all nipping at its heels in the mid-$20,000s. The numbers don’t lie: they’ve collectively trounced the CX-30 in sales for the first seven months of 2025, proving value talks.

The Hyundai Kona now reigns supreme as Australia’s top-selling small SUV, dethroning the MG ZS. But even this champion comes with a $32,700 (plus on-roads) price tag. While not exactly bargain-basement, it’s still enticingly cheaper than the Mazda CX-30, proving attractive to budget-conscious buyers. And let’s not forget Mazda’s CX-3, a smaller sibling nipping at its heels at a more accessible $30,370 (plus on-roads).

Does the CX-30 work as a budget-oriented small SUV, or should you go for something cheaper?

How much does the Mazda CX-30 cost?

Prepare your wallets! Mazda’s 2025 CX30 lineup just got a $120 acrosstheboard price bump, meaning you’ll need at least <strong > $34,060 (plus onroad costs)</strong> to park one in your driveway.

| Model | Price before on-road costs | | — | — | |2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure|$34,060| | 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Evolve | $35,960 | | 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring | $39,760 | | 2025 Mazda CX-30 G25 Touring | $41,260 | | 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Touring LE | $42,060 | | 2025 Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP | $43,260 | | 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Astina | $44,960 | | 2025 Mazda CX-30 G25 GT SP AWD | $45,260 | | 2025 Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina | $46,460 | | 2025 Mazda CX-30 G25 Astina AWD | $48,460 |

The budget-friendly small SUV market? A gladiatorial arena. Hyundai’s Kona, the reigning champ, enters the fray at $32,700. But the challengers are snapping at its heels. MG’s ZS and GWM Haval’s Jolion, both landing at $26,990 drive-away, offer tempting value. Chery’s Tiggo 4 throws down the gauntlet at a startling $23,990 drive-away, while the veteran Mitsubishi ASX hopes to leverage its experience, starting from $24,490. The question is, which warrior will emerge victorious?

Forget the CX-30’s price tag. Every rival undercuts it. Cars like the ASX are practically dinosaurs, lingering only as dusty dealer stock. But here’s the kicker: even though the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross nip at the CX-30’s heels in sales, you’ll paymorefor them.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

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What is the Mazda CX-30 like on the inside?

In typical Mazda form, it feels familiar, and it’ll be easy to hop in and quickly get comfortable.

The CX-30 Pure might be the entry point to Mazda’s lineup in Australia, but don’t mistake "basic" for bland. Sure, it sports black cloth seats, but these aren’t your average, flat cushions. Think supportive hugs for your back and thighs – perfect for clocking up serious kilometers in comfort.

Forget that icy leather shock on winter mornings. The CX-30’s seats are far more welcoming, especially when the heated seats are off-duty. Slide in and you’ll find the driving position spot-on. Mazda’s clever design creates a cockpit feel with a high window line, secure and snug, but never cramped a signature touch you’ll recognize from its sibling, the Mazda 3.

Finding that perfect driving position in the CX-30 takes a touch more effort than its higher-priced siblings. Without the convenience of electric assistance, settling in requires a hands-on approach. Expect a moment or two fine-tuning the manual adjustments to your liking, but rest assured, a generous range of movement in both the seats and steering wheel ensures a comfortable and personalized fit is ultimately achievable.

Even in its most elemental form, the steering wheel is swathed in leather. Overly large, perhaps, and slender where you grip, it lacks paddle shifters, yet feels surprisingly good in your hands, imparting an unexpected agility to the drive.

The CX-30’s infotainment system: still stubbornly clinging to that center console dial, a decision that will either delight traditionalists or frustrate touchscreen devotees.

The real beauty of this setup? Pure relaxation. Sink back, stretch out, and effortlessly navigate the menus without a single lean or awkward reach. In the CX-30, especially, where that 8.8-inch infotainment screen feels like it’s playing hard-to-get way over on the dash, this reclined control becomes a downright blessing.

"The screen’s deep dive into the dashboard means its trim occasionally dares to photobomb your driving view. But, redemption! Unlike its button-obsessed Mazda siblings, this screen actually responds to your touch, even while you’re conquering the road assuming your arms are long enough for the reach."

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feel less intuitive here, ditching the smooth touch experience for a somewhat clumsy dial – a stark contrast to the slick responsiveness of Mazda’s own interface. And while you’re navigating, prepare to be tethered. Forget the freedom of wireless smartphone mirroring; the CX-30 keeps you chained to a wired connection, a surprising limitation when many competitors offer the cordless convenience.

The instrument panel could easily be mistaken for the CX-30 Pure’s bare-bones setup. A central digital display nestled between traditional analogue gauges might seem basic, but this surprisingly uniform design persists throughout the entire CX-30 lineup.

The central display cycles through various views, but the digital speedo, in our opinion, offers the cleanest aesthetic and most comprehensive data. Beneath the infotainment screen, Mazda’s familiar climate controls reside, though prepare to encounter a few vacant buttons ghosts of higher-spec features not included here.

The device remains visually striking, and each button delivers a satisfying click, proving effortlessly usable even when you’re in motion.

The steering wheel sprouts a cluster of buttons, each clad in uninspired, matte plastic instead of the sleek allure of piano black. A similar story unfolds on the center console and door armrests, where glossy plastic stubbornly clings, a reminder of design choices past.

The CX-30’s cockpit anticipates your every need, starting with ingenious storage solutions. Beneath the central armrest, discover a spacious storage vault, complete with dual USB-C ports for seamless device charging. Ahead of the gear selector, two perfectly positioned cupholders await, ready to cradle even the tallest 750mL drink bottle within easy reach, tucked neatly under the dash.

The passenger gets a glovebox, but don’t expect those jumbo-sized drinks to fit snugly in the door pockets. A handy sunglasses holder is overhead, but ditch the dreams of wireless charging unless you upgrade to the G20 Evolve.

Crawl into the CX-30’s back seat, and you’ll discover a land of barren promises. Forget luxury; prepare for absolute austerity. No comforting rear air vents to combat stuffiness, not even a measly USB port to keep devices alive. Acceptable in a budget-basement model, perhaps. But when the price tag crests $35,000, the sting of this omission is sharper than a poorly paved road.

Interior space? Acres of it. Just watch out for that pesky driveline hump trying to hog legroom. Forget sprawling out with a center armrest; it’s MIA. Passenger gets the map stash bragging rights, and both doors sport okay-ish bottle holders. Think cozy, not cavernous.

Beneath the CX-30’s sturdy cargo cover lies a surprisingly spacious boot. Don’t let initial impressions fool you; the extended floor offers ample room for groceries and everyday essentials, making it a practical companion for urban adventures.

The entrance presents a formidable hurdle, a significant lip demanding a concerted lift to overcome. Beyond this threshold, however, lies a flawlessly flat expanse, an unbroken plane save for elegantly sculpted recesses tucked discreetly into the far corners, perfect for stowing away life’s little necessities.

Trunk space? Let’s just say it’s cozy. While the MG ZS (443L) and Hyundai Kona (407L) boast roomier cargo holds, and even the Toyota C-HR (388L) offers a bit more wiggle room, you’ll find more space than in a Subaru Crosstrek (291L). Need to haul more than groceries? The 60/40 split-folding rear seats transform this compact ride into a surprisingly capable cargo carrier.

Tucked beneath the floor hides a space-saver spare – a welcome sight, far preferable to those messy repair kits. Yet, a nagging thought persists: with a bit of Mazda engineering magic, couldn’t they have squeezed in a full-size spare? It feels tantalizingly close.

| Dimensions | Mazda CX-30 | | — | — | |Length| 4395mm | |Width| 1795mm | |Height| 1540mm | |Wheelbase| 2655mm | |Cargo capacity (VDA)| 317L |

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Beneath the sculpted hood of the Mazda lies the ‘G20’ – a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, the beating heart of pure driving pleasure. Mated to a slick six-speed automatic transmission, it channels its energy to the front wheels, delivering responsive performance and an engaging connection to the road.

| Specifications | Mazda CX-30 G20 | | — | — | |Engine| 2.0L 4cyl petrol | |Power| 114kW | |Torque| 200Nm | |Transmission| 6-speed automatic | |Drive type| Front-wheel drive | |Kerb weight| 1468kg | |Fuel economy (claimed)| 6.3L/100km | |Fuel economy (as tested)| 6.8L/100km | |Fuel tank capacity| 51L | |Fuel requirement| 91-octane regular unleaded | |CO2 emissions| 147g/km | |Emissions standard| Euro 5 | |Unbraked tow capacity| 600kg | |Braked tow capacity| 1200kg |

The open road became our constant companion this week, punctuated by fleeting cityscapes of Melbourne and charming vignettes of Victoria’s heartland.

Our recorded fuel economy was still worse than Mazda’s claim, even with low-demand driving, but still within an appropriate ballpark.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

How does the Mazda CX-30 drive?

The back-to-basics vibe of the CX-30 Pure carries through to its on-road behaviour.

Note: CX-30 Evolve pictured

The CX-30’s bones – that trusty Mazda platform – prove surprisingly adaptable in this entry-level trim. The "Pure" designation might suggest simplicity, but instead, it delivers a feeling of perfectly judged essentials, a harmonious blend where nothing feels missing or excessive.

The G20’s engine isn’t just capable; it’s surprisingly refined. Forget any labored straining; it pulls the car up to speed with effortless ease. And on the open road? A smooth, quiet hum settles in, a welcome contrast to the assertive (but not unpleasant) roar during acceleration. You might even forget you’re moving.

However, summoning extra power feels like squeezing blood from a stone, particularly when merging onto a highway or attempting a swift overtake. While the CX-30 shares the acclaimed Mazda 3’s underpinnings and engine options, the G20 feels notably more breathless in this application, leaving you yearning for just a little more oomph.

The Mazda 3 offers a solid foundation with its G20 engine, but the 2.5-litre G25 elevates the driving experience. Ironically, that responsive G25 feels more at home in the CX-30. But then reality bites: fuel bills. Perhaps the punchier G20 best serves the entry-level Mazda 3 Pure, while the higher trims demand a bolder option.

The six-speed automatic, however, occasionally feels like it’s playing catch-up. Imagine a hesitant dancer, momentarily tripping as the music starts, or stumbling mid-step during a change in tempo. This reluctance is most apparent when launching from a standstill or feathering the throttle, a familiar Mazda automatic quirk we’ve encountered before.

Forget flappy paddles. This CX-30 trusts you to let it handle its business. While some might miss the fingertip control, their absence speaks to a different kind of purpose: unfussy dependability. Think less weekend racer, more reliable workhorse – the kind of ride that excels at airport runs and company car duties.

But the CX-30 isn’t just about comfort; it’s a willing dance partner on winding roads. Its surprisingly sporty handling, paired with satisfyingly weighted steering, transforms the driving experience. You’re not just piloting another bland SUV; you’re commanding a finely crafted machine, one that responds with precision and confidence.

The car dances through twisting ribbons of asphalt, yet remains nimble enough to navigate the urban jungle. On the open highway, it transforms into a composed cruiser, effortlessly swallowing miles with refined grace.

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However, that sharp handling comes at a price: a ride that leans towards the firm side. Spend a few hours tackling backroads riddled with imperfections, and you’ll discover the suspension can be unforgiving. We’ve noted this trait in other CX-30s, especially those powered by the G20 engine, where the ride can become downright jarring.

The CX-30 G20 Pure, Mazda’s entry-level SUV, offers a forgiving ride that aligns with its accessible price point. While it may not be a performance powerhouse, it confidently handles freeway cruising on smoother surfaces and fearlessly tackles urban obstacles like tram tracks and speed bumps. Think of it as a budget-friendly urban explorer, unfazed by the everyday bumps and grinds of city life.

The hum at highway speeds is a tolerable trade-off. The Pure, bless its sensible heart, rolls on more forgiving 16-inch alloys – ditching the sometimes-harsh 18s found elsewhere in the lineup. Think of those taller tire sidewalls as tiny, tireless suspension assistants, gently smoothing out the everyday bumps and blemishes of the asphalt jungle.

The CX-30 ticks all the boxes for a compact SUV. Just remember to temper your expectations; while practical and well-sized, think functional charm, not opulent indulgence behind the wheel.

The Pure keeps things refreshingly simple, stripping away some of the driver-assist bells and whistles you might find elsewhere. Forget fancy front parking sensors or a bird’s-eye view camera. Lane-trace assist? Not here. But before you write it off, know that itdoesboast adaptive cruise control – a feature that adeptly dances with the flow of traffic, making those highway miles a breeze.

That zoomed-in driver’s side mirror – a peculiar Mazda signature – might initially throw you. Judging what’s creeping up alongside demands a little getting used to. Thankfully, blind-spot monitoring acts as your vigilant co-pilot. And the good news? Excellent overall visibility makes quick head checks a breeze, keeping you confidently aware of your surroundings.

Imagine your car suddenly wading through molasses. That’s how this system reacts to sluggish traffic. It’s quick to bog down behind a slowpoke, then hesitates, almost like it’s gathering courage, before finally hitting the gas to pass.

Even when Mother Nature threw a week’s worth of curveballs torrential rain, blustery winds the car’s safety systems remained unfazed, quietly and confidently keeping everything on the rails. No drama, just dependable performance.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

What do you get?

The Pure is the most basic CX-30 available, but it still comes with a decent amount of standard features.

2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure equipment highlights:

• Mazda Connected Services

• Vehicle locator
• Geofencing
• Flashing lights feature
• Curfew notifications
• Remote locking
• Vehicle health
• Status reports
• Stolen vehicle tracking assistance

• 16-inch grey alloy wheels
• Space-saver spare wheel
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Automatic power-folding side mirrors
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8.8-inch infotainment system
• Head-up display
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 2 x USB-C ports (replaces USB-A)
• Satellite navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Push-button start
• Leather-wrapped shifter
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Fabric upholstery

CX-30 Evolve adds:

• 18-inch silver alloy wheels
• Paddle shifters
• Dual-zone climate control
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger
• Overhead sunglass storage
• Rear fold-down centre armrest

CX-30 Touring adds:

• Front parking sensors
• Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror
• Reverse tilt-down driver’s side mirror
• Side mirror memory
• Keyless entry
• Illuminated front vanity mirrors
• Black leather upholstery
• 10-way power driver’s seat
• Two-position driver’s seat memory

Above: CX-30 Touring LE

CX-30 Touring LE adds:

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Black grille
• Signature spoiler
• Black mirror caps
• Terracotta ‘Maztex’ and suede upholstery
• Terracotta armrest, centre console, door card and dashboard contrast stitching
• Vision Technology package

• Front cross-traffic alert
• Cruising & Traffic Support
• Driver monitoring system
• Surround-view monitor
• 10.25-inch infotainment system

Over the Touring, CX-30 GT SP adds:

• 18-inch black alloy wheels
• Power tilt and slide glass sunroof
• Gloss black grille
• Gloss black side mirrors
• 10.25-inch infotainment system
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Burgundy leather upholstery

CX-30 Astina adds:

• 18-inch silver alloy wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Power tailgate
• 12-speaker Bose premium sound system
• Frameless rear-view mirror
• Black leather upholstery
• Front cross-traffic alert
• Cruising & Traffic Support
• Driver monitoring
• Surround-view camera

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

Is the Mazda CX-30 safe?

The Mazda CX-30 received a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP back in 2019.

| Category | Mazda CX-30 | | — | — | |Adult occupant protection| 99 per cent | |Child occupant protection| 88 per cent | |Vulnerable road user protection| 80 per cent | |Safety assist| 76 per cent |

Standard CX-30 safety features include:

• 7 airbags, including:

• Front side
• Curtain
• Driver’s knee

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)

• Pedestrian detection
• Cyclist detection

• Rear AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Driver attention alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring

CX-30 Touring adds:

• Front parking sensors

CX-30 Touring LE and Astina add:

• Front cross-traffic alert
• Cruising & Traffic Support
• Driver monitoring system
• Surround-view monitor

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

How much does the Mazda CX-30 cost to run?

Drive with Confidence: Your Mazda CX-30 is backed by a comprehensive five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance, ensuring peace of mind on every journey. Plus, with servicing only needed every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever arrives first, you’ll spend less time in the shop and more time enjoying the road.

| Servicing and Warranty | Mazda CX-30 | | — | — | |Warranty| 5 years, unlimited kilometres | |Roadside assistance| 5 years | |Service intervals| 12 months or 15,000km | |Capped-price servicing| 7 years | |Average annual capped-price service cost| $462.43 | |Total capped-price service cost| $3237 |

Mazda’s service pricing, accurate as of August 13, 2025, is detailed below.

| Service | Price | | — | — | | 1yr, 15,000km | $353 | | 2yrs, 30,000km | $558 | | 3yrs, 45,000km | $429 | | 4yrs, 60,000km | $558 | | 5yrs, 75,000km | $353 | | 6yrs, 90,000km | $633 | | 7yrs, 105,000km | $353 |

For context, a front-wheel drive CX-30 G25 will cost $3284 to service over seven years.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use ourcomparison tool

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Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD

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childcareman.xyz’s Take on the Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure

The G20 Pure may strip CX-30 back to its fundamentals, but it doesn’t compromise the car’s solid nature.

The CX-30 Pure: Built to last, easy on the wallet. Its rock-solid foundation and surprisingly robust construction make it an ideal pick for budget-conscious drivers and demanding fleet managers alike. The interior might not scream luxury, but its practical, hard-wearing design whispers durability.

The cloth seats defy their modest look, cradling you in surprising comfort as you drive. Your hands meet the luxury of a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and Mazda’s dependable technology hums along, proving its worth mile after mile.

The Pure’s price tag stings, especially when compared to competitors offering more bang for your buck. While the powertrain won’t set your pulse racing, it feels surprisingly at home in this minimalist package – a better match than in the pricier, more adorned CX-30 siblings. The ride quality echoes this sentiment; simplicity suits it.

Ultimately, the CX-30 finds itself in a tight spot. Competitors deliver more bang for your buck. Die-hard Mazda fans face a dilemma: stick with the budget-friendly CX-3, or stretch for a truly elevated CX-30 experience? The standard model occupies an awkward middle ground.

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