It's no secret that buying a car is stressful. Rushing into purchasing a vehicle can lead to buyer's remorse.
Fortunately, car shopping doesn't have to be stressful - not if you opt for a Mazda.
More and more consumers are realizing this. August 2023 marked the 11th straight month of year-over-year gains for Mazda, proving their long-term popularity.
Two of the more popular Mazda models are the CX-30 and the CX-5. Purchasing either is a great way to avoid buyer's remorse, but which is right for your needs?
Keep reading - our Mazda CX-30 vs. CX-5 guide tells you all you need to know to purchase your next car.
First, let's talk about why you need to buy a Mazda. For one, the entire brand is built around being fun to drive - hence Mazda's slogan, "Zoom zoom."
Alongside their fun factor is their appearance. Mazdas are known for looking nice inside and out. Appearances can be deceiving, but when you step inside a Mazda, you will understand why they are so beloved.
So they look good and have that fun factor, but is that all?
Fortunately not. Mazdas are reliable vehicles, with Consumer Reports naming them the most reliable brand for 2022. This ranking is based on survey feedback from the actual owners of the cars.
Fun, sleek, comfortable, and reliable - all words to describe a Mazda.
Now that you know why you need to buy a Mazda, it's time to take a closer look at the CX-30 and the CX-5.
Both the Mazda CX-30 and the Mazda CX-5 are great Mazda options. Before we break down the comparison between the two, let's talk about the similarities.
Both the 2023 Mazda CX-30 and the 2023 Mazda CX-5 seat 5 people. Both are also classified as 4-door SUVs with all-wheel drive. Both are 6-speed automatics.
The Mazda CX-30 has 8 trims, compared to the CX-5's 7 trim options.
Gas mileage is similar for both vehicles. The CX-30 is capable of 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway. The CX-5 is capable of 24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway.
Both vehicles have the same warranty of 3 years / 36,000 miles. Both have a rust warranty of 5 years. Finally, both have a drivetrain warranty of 5 years / 60,000 miles.
The exterior of both vehicles showcases what Mazda means when it describes its cars as art.
The CX-30 features a Kodo design, giving the vehicle a sense of movement, even at a standstill. A sweeping S-curve along the doors captures light and shadow, reflecting the surroundings. Roof rails and LED tail lamps are standard.
The CX-30 has a slightly higher ground clearance than the CX-5 (8 inches compared to the CX-5's 7.6 inches).
As for the CX-5, it features integrated turn signal mirrors. It has slightly larger wheel sizes (17 inches compared to the 16 inches of the CX-30).
Both vehicles have auto-on/off high beams, rain-sensing windshield wipers, daytime running lights (DRLs), and power side mirrors. Both also have optional moonroofs.
Between the two, the CX-30 is a slightly smaller, more maneuverable vehicle. The front and rear headroom is 37.8 / 38.3 inches compared to the CX-5's 39.3 and 39 inches. Front/rear legroom for the CX-30 is 41.7 and 36.3 inches, compared to the CX-5's 41 and 39.6 inches.
Front and rear automatic power windows are standard in the CX-30. Manual climate control is an option.
Being the larger of the two vehicles, the CX-5 offers a larger cargo volume of 30.9 cubic feet (59.6 feet with the second-row seats down). By comparison, the CX-30 has a cargo volume of 20.2 cubic feet (45.2 feet with the seats down).
The CX-5 features dual-zone climate control and a 1-way power driver seat. Multi-level front heated seats are standard on the CX-5, whereas they are not standard on the CX-30. Rear heated seats and front cooled seats are optional.
Both models share a plethora of interior features: power windows and locks, remote keyless entry, keyless ignition, and audio steering wheel controls. Some shared optional features, such as a heated steering wheel and a garage door opener, are available for both models.
For both models, the standard engine is Mazda's 2.5L I4, using Skyactiv technology. Skyactive technology blends fuel efficiency with performance.
A more powerful 250-hp turbocharged version is available for the CX-30. The CX-5 has a 256-hp turbocharged version.
While the CX-30 is not rated for towing, the CX-5 has a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.
The CX-30 comes standard with an 8.8-inch screen, capable of using Mazda Connected Services. Mazda Connected services allow owners to lock, unlock, remote start, and monitor their vehicle through the MyMazda app.
Two front USB inputs, as well as Bluetooth, are standard. Wi-Fi hotspot capability is also possible. Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration and SiriusXM satellite radio are also available.
The CX-5 features a larger 10.3-inch screen. It offers similar functionality as the CX-30 (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration, SiriusXM radio, Mazda Connected Services).
Both vehicles share many safety features. These include a backup camera, brake assist, traction control, and stability control.
The CX-30 has more airbags, including knee airbags and front and rear side airbags. The CX-5 has front-side airbags.
The CX-30 also features automatic braking, which the CX-5 does not. However, the CX-5 has a rear cross-traffic alert.
The CX-30 starts at $25,000 MSRP for the base trim. The CX-5 starts at $30,470 MSRP, again for the base trim.
Both options are affordable - even new. However, if you don't mind an older model, you can buy a pre-owned Mazda. Certified pre-owned Mazdas must pass a rigorous 160-point inspection, ensuring their new owner will get a reliable vehicle.
So, when comparing the Mazda CX-30 vs. CX-5, which vehicle is right for you? While you can read reviews and comparisons, ultimately, you need to get behind the wheel of both and see for yourself which Mazda suits.
That's where we can help.
CardinaleWay Mazda Las Vegas is your Las Vegas area Mazda dealer. There are many types of Mazdas available, and we are sure we can help you find the right one for you.
Don't take our word for it. Come down to our Las Vegas location, or give us a call at 702-538-7011.
