My 2022 CX-30 Carbon Edition is noticeably better insulated from incoming noise than my previous 2020 Corolla SE sedan was, but rain hitting the roof is still pretty loud within the cabin. I'm guessing that is a strategic spot that Mazda decided was okay to shave some cost with by neglecting sound deadening.

Not sure if it varies with CX-30 trim level though. My research into the 2025-2026 Honda Civic sedan revealed that I would have to buy the Sports Touring Hybrid (top trim level) in order to get upgraded sound deadening treatment.

 

In my country, only single trim, so no idea, although it is common that car without sunroof will have better roof sound deadening compared to one with sunroof. The rain hitting metal body typically more absorbed by the headliner compared to rain hitting sunroof glass with "hollow space" between the glass and the sliding-sunroof headliner.

 

I wonder if this helps explain why air conditioning takes so long to cool down the cabin in sunny days - lack of or minimal roof insulation.

 

That makes perfect sense although I'll have to admit I have been pleasantly surprised at the A/C in my CX-30.

Prior to buying my car I'd read some posts indicating Mazda A/C output wasn't overly impressive and was also concerned that the newer "freon" (my previous car used R-134-a and the CX-30 uses R-1234-yf) wouldn't be as effective in this southern Arizona climate.

I don't know what it feels like in the other parts of the interior but the A/C directed at the front seats seems to be working well even though I've never had the temperature switch rolled down to its coldest setting.

Has anyone ever checked the refrigerant level? I'm no mechanic so I don't know if that's a fairly easy thing to inspect or if it requires all manner of gauges etc.