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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $21,995–$29,092 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.0/10, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.4/10, while Performance at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.4/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.0/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.7/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $21,995–$29,092, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda CX-30 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 8.2/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 ranks #180 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 93% of the segment. Its 8.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $21,995 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 39%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $25k →
Across the CX-30 model years we've scored, the 2020 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.3/10 | $25,744 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.3/10 | $25,744 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.2/10 | $24,995 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.1/10 | $24,245 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 8.1/10 | $23,495 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.1/10 | $22,745 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 8.0/10 | $21,995 |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Structure / Body / Hatchback/liftgate 18/02/2021 · 21V086000 | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-30 vehicles. When fully opened, the power liftgate may partially lower unexpectedly when the vehicle is parked facing uphill on a slope. |
|---|---|
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Foundation components / Disc / Caliper 12/06/2020 · 20V346000 | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 and Mazda3 vehicles. The front brake caliper mounting bolts may not have been tightened properly during assembly, possibly allowing the calipers to loosen. |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 12/06/2020 · 20V347000 | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020 CX-30 vehicles equipped with all-wheel drive. The evaporative vent hose for the fuel tank may be disconnected, possibly allowing fuel to leak from the charcoal canister vent at the rear of… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2020 Mazda CX-30's reliability 8.4/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 8.0/10 overall, ranking #180 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 93% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 starts at $21,995 and ranges up to $29,092 across trims (MSRP when new). At 26 MPG, expect roughly $2,019/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.