[BKCX30S]

Best reason to buy a new turbo model CX-30 IMO is because it doesn't have cylinder-deactivation engine tech (unlike the 2023+ non-turbo models).

Best reason to buy a new non-turbo model CX-30 IMO is because it doesn't have turbo engine tech.

It's a catch-22 for me, as you can probably tell from above, which why I'm happy I was able to purchase a non-turbo 2022 CX-30 when I did (no mandatory cylinder-deactivation tech forced onto buyer). I wouldn't have purchased a new CX-30 today, given the options/choices that we now have, but I do love my 2022 version. If buying now in 2024, I would likely just purchase a new Mazda MX-5/Miata RF 6-speed manual transmission roadster & throw Crossover utility/practicality to the wind to get the mechanicals & driving experience that I want in a vehicle.

But, opinions vary on all the technologies being pushed into vehicles these days, so all you can do is research things yourself & come to your own conclusions/opinions. Some people feel the non-turbo is "to slow" for them, but others find it plenty quick for their wants/needs & much better than any other NA engine offering in this vehicle class. So, go figure. You also have to decide what sort of fuel economy is acceptable to you, & are you willing to do the extra work to keep a turbo engine healthier long-term (assuming that you plan to keep it longer than the power train warranty). Also, do your driving habits/routines fit what is best suited for a turbo engine, or are they more prone to prematurely cause issues for it, even more-so than a non-turbo 100% GDI engine?

Also, from what I have read during my own research, you aren't doing a modern turbo engine any favors if you aren't changing the oil every 3000 miles. Same with a non-turbo engine & every 5000 miles. 10K oil changes for anything is basically a marketing scam to reduce advertised ownership costs (for the warranty period), & then leave you holding the $$$-bag post-warranty with lots of extra premature engine wear & tear to contend with. Same with not regularly servicing your transmission fluid & such every 25-30K miles (or 3 years, whichever comes first).

A good video on turbo engines is linked below & details the things to keep in mind if purchasing one. There really is no right/wrong answer really, just personal preferences.

Do you know if Sport Mode prevents cylinder deactivation? I know it has in other models / years, and don't really notice the deactivation (I pretty much only drive in Sport Mode).

 

[BKCX30S]

I think the NA engine is totally sufficient, I bought the turbo because I wanted the excessive version.

How does the suede interior hold up? That was actually a major turn off for me... didn't seem practical.

 

[BKCX30S]

I got the turbo because I didn’t want cylinder deactivation. 👍

Do you know if Sport Mode prevents the deactivation from... activating?

 

[SDH]

Do you know if Sport Mode prevents cylinder deactivation? I know it has in other models / years, and don't really notice the deactivation (I pretty much only drive in Sport Mode).

Someone with cylinder-deactivation posted some time back that it still engaged in Sports Mode for them, which sort of surprised me since I figured it would be common-sense to disable it while in Sports Mode. Shame really. I think that Mazda really shot themselves in the foot with iStop (start/stop) & cylinder-deactivation in their various vehicles to help them meet fuel economy regulation & standards. But, at the same time most car buyers don't deep dive features, tech & mechanicals before making even major purchases like automobiles.

I did notice that Mazda removed cylinder-deactivation & iStop from their late 2023 & 2024 (thus far) production CX-5's though, citing "chip/part constraints". Regardless of the reason though, that means it is a good time to buy a CX-5 IMO.

 

[SR45]

Do you know if Sport Mode prevents the deactivation from... activating?

now I do. I didn’t know that when I research this model. Oh well. Of course, next time I buy a Mazda it might be the CX 5 2024 model since it does not have cylinder deactivation nor start /stop.

 

[Sr Gusserman]

Someone with cylinder-deactivation posted some time back that it still engaged in Sports Mode for them, which sort of surprised me since I figured it would be common-sense to disable it while in Sports Mode. Shame really. I think that Mazda really shot themselves in the foot with iStop (start/stop) & cylinder-deactivation in their various vehicles to help them meet fuel economy regulation & standards. But, at the same time most car buyers don't deep dive features, tech & mechanicals before making even major purchases like automobiles.

I did notice that Mazda removed cylinder-deactivation & iStop from their late 2023 & 2024 (thus far) production CX-5's though, citing "chip/part constraints". Regardless of the reason though, that means it is a good time to buy a CX-5 IMO.

I've seen ads on TV auto shows that there are ways to deactivate I-stop but I'm not sure if they would work on a Mazda.