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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $24,245–$28,527 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 8.1/10, the 2023 Mazda CX-30 earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.6/10, while Performance at 6.8/10 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. We rate the Mazda CX-30's reliability at 8.6/10 — among the strongest in our suv database, reflecting the nameplate's track record and recall history. Safety is a strength too — 8.5/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.8/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology comes in at 7.8/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.
Priced from $24,245–$28,527, 29 MPG, seating 5, the Mazda CX-30 sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. The 8.5/10 value score is the headline: relative to what it costs, this suv delivers more than most of the class. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2023 Mazda CX-30 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance are the only real asterisks. 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 2023 Mazda CX-30 ranks #84 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 97% of the segment. Its 8.1/10 overall score is 0.7 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $24,245 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 33%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2020 Mazda CX-30 scores 8.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 8.1 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| 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 (this review) | 8.1/10 | $24,245 | |
| 2022 | 8.1/10 | $23,495 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 8.1/10 | $22,745 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 8.0/10 | $21,995 | Read review → |
The following recall campaign has 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.
| Service brakes, hydraulic / Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip / Control unit/module 18/04/2023 · 23V275000 | Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2022-2023 CX-30 and 2023 CX-50 vehicles. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Hydraulic Control Unit (HCU) may be damaged, which can result in reduced braking ability. |
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Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mazda models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
