The 2026 Mazda CX-30 sits in that sweet spot for drivers who want a small SUV that feels more refined and engaging than the norm, even if it makes a few trade-offs along the way. It delivers confident power, sharp handling, and exterior styling that looks genuinely upscale, while keeping things refreshingly simple inside with an easy-to-use infotainment system. At the same time, it isn’t perfect. The cargo area can feel cramped for everyday hauling, and the split analog and digital gauge cluster isn’t always as clear or cohesive as it could be. Taken together, the CX-30 comes across as a thoughtfully designed crossover that prioritizes driving feel and style, even if practicality takes a slight back seat.
PRO: Simple Infotainment System
The infotainment system in the 2026 CX-30 keeps things refreshingly simple, with a clean menu layout and a physical control knob that lets you navigate without poking at the screen or taking your eyes off the road. Once you spend a day with it, tasks like jumping between Apple CarPlay, audio, and navigation feel quick and natural instead of buried in layers of menus.
PRO: Solid Powerplant
The powerplant in the 2026 CX-30 delivers smooth, confident acceleration, whether you’re merging onto the highway or cruising around town, so you never feel like you’re asking too much from the engine. With enough torque for quick passes and a refined throttle response, it makes daily driving feel effortless and composed.
PRO: Handling
The handling of the 2026 CX-30 feels lively and precise, so winding back roads are actually fun instead of a chore. It stays poised through corners and reacts to steering inputs with confidence, giving you a sense of control whether you’re heading out for a weekend drive or just navigating busy streets.
PRO: Exterior Looks
The exterior of the 2026 CX-30 has a sleek, modern presence that turns heads without trying too hard, from the sculpted hood lines to the refined LED lighting. It manages to look both sporty and elegant at the same time, so whether parked at dinner or rolling down the highway it stands out for all the right reasons.
CON: Cargo Space
The cargo space in the 2026 CX-30 feels tight compared with other small SUVs, so loading up luggage for a weekend trip can get frustrating fast. With the rear seats up there’s barely room for a couple of larger bags, which means you’re often rearranging gear just to make everything fit.
CON: Analog/Digital Gauge Cluster
The mix of analog and digital gauges in the 2026 CX-30 can feel a bit dated, so it sometimes takes an extra second to find the info you want at a glance. In bright light the digital sections can wash out next to the traditional dials, which makes reading things like trip data or fuel economy harder than it should be.
