It’s been a few weeks since I’ve had a cement gray car in the driveway.
This week’s example is an “Aero Gray” Mazda: the CX‑30 SUV, which is called “compact” by Mazda and “subcompact” by others.
This one is the Turbo Aire Edition, which features blacked‑out badges, black roof rails, black mirror caps and black wheels.
Inside, things are interesting too. Mazda uses white leatherette seats along with gray cloth inserts to striking effect. Just don’t spill anything.
While it feels upscale, it’s also a little crowded. The rear seat is definitely on the small side and the cargo area is modest.
Mazda is also still marching to its own beat with its tech. There’s no touch screen at all. Most everything is done through a center knob. Once you get used to it, the setup works fine. The upside is that many controls stay physical so you don’t have to swipe through as many annoying menus.
Driving the CX‑30 feels like driving a car instead of a typical small SUV. The steering is tight and communicative and the chassis feels light on its feet, though things can get a bit bumpy.
The nonturbo engine isn’t quick and never has been, but the turbo on this one transforms the driving experience.
Mazda has earned a reputation for quiet luxury, and this CX-30 reinforces that with plenty of premium materials. Mazda also does well in the JD Power 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study.
The one I drove stickers at $37,240, after shipping. It’s not a budget buy by any stretch, though a base CX‑30 comes in at $27,470, after shipping.
Regardless of price, the cozy confines might have you looking to move up the Mazda ladder to something like the excellent CX‑50.
