With all of the attention the bigger CX-90,70, and 50 get it can be easy to forget about the CX-30. The CX-30 is currently the smallest member of Mazda’s utility lineup and is also the bottom rung of the ladder for Mazda utility buyers.

But with so much going on all around it is the CX-30 still the best value buy in the segment? Or is it in danger of being forced to fall behind the shadows of its more successful stablemates in showrooms?

Catching Aire for 2026

While the CX-30 itself carries over into 2026 without any radical changes, a big update is that two new Aire models join the lineup for 2026. While our tester was not an Aire, these models are mostly styling packages with the interior getting trim exclusive colors including white-accented leatherette seats and blacked-out accents. As such, your not missing out on too much.

That aside, the bulk of the CX-30 is clearly attempting to channel on its familiarity with the CX-30 continuing to feature a sporty look that’s reminiscent of some of the company’s recent concept cars. The back end still looks a bit too busy for our tastes (a nod to its Mazda3 source material) but at least the front end continues to project a mature yet classy look.

Comfy cabin has plenty of style

Slip inside the CX-30 and you’ll find that while the cabin has not undergone any major updates either, it’s still a very nice place to spend time in. The look is shared with the 3 and the bulk of the contorl layout is also shared with the small four-door. This also means the infotainment system’s annoying control wheel is still present but the front seats are very comfortable places to spend time in.

The second-row does pay a small price for the sloping roofline with rear headroom being very snug for taller occupants. Many of the materials inside are plush and soft to the touch but buyers looking for the full luxury experience will have to go for the range-topping Premium model which provides the full luxury effect. The roofline also makes cargo capacity smaller than rivals which might put the CX-30 out of contention for some buyers. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard and while a dinky 8.8-inch screen is standard, our Premium example arrived with the optional 10.25-inch display.

Turbo engine punches the ticket for fun in CX-30

Performance for the 2026 CX-30 continues to come from two engines. a base naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder continues to be the base engine which makes 186 hp and gets to 60 mph in a respectable 8.1 seconds.

The optional turbocharged engine in our tester continues to be the way to go if you want to have more fun with this engine producing 250 hp on premium gasoline (power dips to over 220 if you use regular.) the setup and its six-speed automatic continue to be the perfect paring for each other and the engine actually compliments the CX-30’s already respectable handling characteristics.

The main issue that continues to hound the CX-30 is its age with the CUV slowly falling behind the segment despite the optional turbocharged engine. Rivals like the Lexus UX and the Mini Countryman benefit from updated infotainment systems and other tech and while the CX-30 is a noticeable bargain when compared to those two, undercutting the market can only get you so far especially in the long-run.

Value Quotient

Pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-30 starts at $25,975 for the base S model with pricing for the rest of the naturally aspirated version of the CX never leaving the low $30,000 mark.

The turbocharged engine is only available in the Aire and the range-topping Premium models with those having a base price of $34,410 and $37,900 respectively. Our Premium tester ended-up with a final as-tested price of just over $38,000 thanks to fees. This pricing allows the CX-30 to be in a unique spot with the Mazda undercutting rivals from Lexus, Mini, and Volkswagen.

However, with age and internal competition stacking up all around it, the CX-30 is in danger of being squeezed out of its role in Mazda showrooms. The CX-50 brings more of everything in a less compromised package and you can even get a hybrid version for more fuel economy something that the CX-30 lacks. We look forward to seeing what else Mazda has planned over the next few years in terms of updates especially when the CX-30 eventually gets a revamp.