[ARnovice]

I was trading in my 2019 CX-5. I prefer smaller cars but in 2019 CX-30 was not available. In terms of price, my CX-30 ended up more expensive than CX-5 was. Definitely prefer the interior of CX-30, especially admiring a fact that inside it is almost as wide as CX-5.
Better engine too.
So it was an intentional choice rather than 'selecting over'

EDIT: We thought about Mazda 3 with the same engine, but in summer 2022 the waiting list was all the way to Christmas, while a selection of CX-30 was already on the ship from Japan coming to the UK, so I waited only 5 weeks (I think).

 

[EnkaLakeDude]

You make me surprised: " It’s quieter than the German cars and is more the equal of the BMW X3". I have never driven a BMW, and I loved my current CX-30.

I was mostly surprised as well. The BMW's are noisy, in part because of the "run-flat" tires. The noise IMHO is a big tradeoff for the potential need to drive on a flat tire. And I noticed the size of the CX-5 right away, and pulled all the specs: CX-5 vs X1 vs X3. The CX-5 is, size and weight, the equal of the X3.

 

[EnkaLakeDude]

Over time, I started to dislike it. Things that aren't immediately noticeable in during the test drive started to become annoying.

1. Gas mileage - I could only muster 22 MPG combined in the CX-5. I do have a heavy foot, but even when trying to hypermill, I only got 24 on the freeway. The 6-speed auto is a big culprit of the poor efficiency of this engine in general.
2. Seats - At 6'2" the seats were very uncomfortable. The bottom cushions are to short so I had no thigh control. This was compounded by the fact the the seat does not have tilt adjustment, just up and down. The foam was also stiff, I always felt like I was sitting on top of the seat and car. The lack of rear seat space was also a let down for a vehicle in this class.
3. Refinement/ride - The CX-5 certainly handles well for its class, but it is by no means sporty. I think this was hyped up so much, and in the end, it was more tippy feeling than I wanted. Also, the CX-5 rode horribly on the roads in my commute, the ride was always choppy and bouncy, which was amplified by the poor seats. You can tell the aging platform in the CX-5, it just rode like an older car. Thing were just slower to move, a bight rougher than usual, and the car shuddered in rough conditions.
   1. In addition, small things in the interior irked me. The seat back always rubbed against the arm rest which made a loud noise. The side mirrors would and rear view mirror would vibrate and shake as speeds above 60 MPH.

Overall, I think the CX-50 would have been perfect for me but I could not justify the price just for more space. I think the CX-50 looks the best of the group too. But I am very happy with the CX-30. It has a great balance of utility, refinement, and sportiness without being too pretentious. I do not think anything else in the category and price range can match it.

I can't disagree more with your assessment of the CX-5, except for the gas mileage. While I was aware of the coming CX-50 when I bought the -5, I wasn't interested in a US-manufactured car, especially so early in the cycle. And to ensure roadtrip comfort, I opted for the Signature level. I've been very satisfied with my choice.

I'm about the same height, and find the seating more comfortable than any of my previous BMW's. If you've got interior noise issues, I'm quite sure they can be adjusted. I've found the rear space and luggage area more than adequate for the category. It's a compact SUV. I never expected a "sporty" ride, and don't know why you think that was the goal.

I've commented elsewhere here on my 2022 CX-5 experience, and drew on that to purchase our new CX-30. Very happy with both.

 

[SDH]

So I owned a 2021 CX-5 Grand Touring Reserve. I was so smitten with the CX-5 before I bought it, I loved the way it looked, the Soul Crystal Red Metallic, the way everyone said it drives well, etc. I bought it during the pandemic when cars were not selling, so I got a good deal.

Over time, I started to dislike it. Things that aren't immediately noticeable in during the test drive started to become annoying.

1. Gas mileage - I could only muster 22 MPG combined in the CX-5. I do have a heavy foot, but even when trying to hypermill, I only got 24 on the freeway. The 6-speed auto is a big culprit of the poor efficiency of this engine in general.
2. Seats - At 6'2" the seats were very uncomfortable. The bottom cushions are to short so I had no thigh control. This was compounded by the fact the the seat does not have tilt adjustment, just up and down. The foam was also stiff, I always felt like I was sitting on top of the seat and car. The lack of rear seat space was also a let down for a vehicle in this class.
3. Refinement/ride - The CX-5 certainly handles well for its class, but it is by no means sporty. I think this was hyped up so much, and in the end, it was more tippy feeling than I wanted. Also, the CX-5 rode horribly on the roads in my commute, the ride was always choppy and bouncy, which was amplified by the poor seats. You can tell the aging platform in the CX-5, it just rode like an older car. Thing were just slower to move, a bight rougher than usual, and the car shuddered in rough conditions.
   1. In addition, small things in the interior irked me. The seat back always rubbed against the arm rest which made a loud noise. The side mirrors would and rear view mirror would vibrate and shake as speeds above 60 MPH.

In the end, I felt like it was a 10 year old car that was glitzed up and got rid of it less than a year and 7k miles.

When I bought my CX-30 I strongly considered the CX-50. I would have ended up with the 50 if I had the extra $8K to spend on a Turbo Premium model as it checked all the right boxes. For the same price of a CX-50 Preferred Plus, I got a CX-30 Turbo Premium. I was worried that it would be the CX-5 all over, but most of my complaints were addressed (rear legroom aside). I average 27 MPG on the 30, and can get well over 30 MPG when easing off on the gas during freeway driving. The motions of the Cx-30 are much more fluid and spirited over the CX-5, even with the torsion beam suspension. The CX-30/50 have a more refined ride overall, and feel almost premium.

Of course, the Achilles heel of all three is the 6-speed auto. Not only would this help gas mileage, but also perceived refinement. The engine would rev a bit lower, and sound less strained as cruising speed. The CX-5 really didn't feel comfortable at highway speed, the engine would downshift quickly. The 30 is slightly better, more tolerable.

Overall, I think the CX-50 would have been perfect for me but I could not justify the price just for more space. I think the CX-50 looks the best of the group too. But I am very happy with the CX-30. It has a great balance of utility, refinement, and sportiness without being too pretentious. I do not think anything else in the category and price range can match it.

Turbo engines are just poor MPG, especially on a 2.5L and/or heavier vehicle, & driven the way most people drive (in a hurry). Guess there is no getting around that, even when driven like grandpa. 👴

 

[22MetGT]

Most easily available last August. Also wanted to experience the Kodo design philosophy.

 

[Laurvan]

Was downsizing from an older, much larger CX-7. So smaller size vehicle, and availability to drive it right off the lot. Love it!

 

[CX30Les]

#1 & #2
The CX50 was not available, and the CX5 was out of my price range.
I traded in my 2010 Subaru Impreza wagon, which I loved the size. The CX30 is 1" taller than the Subaru.

 

[Mainiac58]

Price and mileage for me.
My CX-30 is doing all the trips to town and longer runs when I used to use the truck. Now I use the truck for truck things and the Mazda for everything else.
The 5 has more room for sure, but I doubt I will ever have rear seat passengers, so don't need the extra space. My golf clubs fit fine with back seat down, so I'm good to go.

 

[CX30 Skyaxtiv X]

If the CX5 had the Skyactiv X I might have looked at it but I don't do the miles to make it worth while and the petrol CX5 was too slow and too thirsty.

I assumed I'd go back up a size when I changed again but the 30 has all the space I need

 

[Trickster]

I went the opposite way. CX30 to CX50. Was just too small for road trips and my wife already has the 3 hatch.
There was nothing the matter with the 30 and may upgrade to it for my wife when she is ready to part with her 3. She loves her Mazda, but I find it a bit awkward getting in and out of with the low roofline.

Knock on wood…between my sons CX5 and the 30, 3, and now 50….not one issue.

 

[SDH]

I like the factory CX-5 Carbon a bit better than the factory CX-30 Carbon visually when getting down to the finer details, but wasn't prepared to make a jump to a vehicle that large at the time. My CX-30 is already the largest vehicle that I have ever owned, & I prefer it that way really. Plus cylinder-deactivation & stop/start added engine complexities & likely problem points (as historically proven among automakers) aren't something that I want to deal with - which both the CX-5 & CX-50 have. The CX-50 is too large, boxy, wide & "fake exaggerated-rugged" for my taste - plus those ridiculously impractical 20" wheels. The CX-50's generically uniform cladding design/materials/look also gives it a more budget vehicle profile for what it costs, like it does with the CX-30 also sadly. Mazda could have done a much better job designing/styling the cladding for the look & flow of the vehicle & using better quality/look plastics, like other automakers seem able to do, but I'm guessing that is where they chose to cut some costs & so made it generically uniform & very basic on interesting vehicles that are otherwise anything but basic. Strange dichotomy to be sure, IMO.

 

[Trickster]

I like the factory CX-5 Carbon a bit better than the factory CX-30 Carbon visually when getting down to the finer details, but wasn't prepared to make a jump to a vehicle that large at the time. My CX-30 is already the largest vehicle that I have ever owned, & I prefer it that way really. Plus cylinder-deactivation & stop/start added engine complexities & likely problem points (as historically proven among automakers) aren't something that I want to deal with - which both the CX-5 & CX-50 have. The CX-50 is too large, boxy, wide & "fake exaggerated-rugged" for my taste - plus those ridiculously impractical 20" wheels. The CX-50's generically uniform cladding design/materials/look also gives it a more budget vehicle profile for what it costs, like it does with the CX-30 also sadly. Mazda could have done a much better job designing/styling the cladding for the look & flow of the vehicle & using better quality/look plastics, like other automakers seem able to do, but I'm guessing that is where they chose to cut some costs & so made it generically uniform & very basic on interesting vehicles that are otherwise anything but. Strange dichotomy to be sure, IMO.

Thanks for bashing my 50….🤣
My son has a CX 5 and can’t say it really felt that much bigger than the 30.
Noticeably taller and easier to get in and out of.

 

[marcosv]

I wasn't planning on someone totalling my car and wanted to delay buying a new car for two to three more years so I can more aggressively pay off bills. Keeping monthly payments down was a high priority for me when buying a car in May 2023.

My highest feature priorities were: Bose speakers, acceleration at least as decent as my old 2015 Mazda 3 hatch NA, acceptable driving/handling characteristics. I achieved those minimum criteria with a 2023 CX-30 Premium that had the Bose speaker option. Was very tempted to go Turbo Premium Plus; but, decided the 12.7 gallon tank meant an extra trip to the gas station every week or so. I wish CX-30 had a 15 gallon tank.

CX-5 NA didn't have enough acceleration for my tastes and I would have had to gone turbo if I bought one, which bumps up the price beyond my comfort point.

 

[buckeyebobcat360]

I was also eyeing the CX5, but I hate the aesthetic of the rear end. So overdone and common on the roads. I wanted something with better haunches and less height.

And so I was also eyeing the CX50, but at the time it had just come out, and I don't buy first-year anything.

When I saw the 2022 CE CX30 it was game over. A good price, with those wheels/sunroof/leather, in a great looking car you don't see all over. Done deal.

 

[Trickster]

I actually wanted an AWD Mazda 3, but the CX-30 was less expensive and honestly seemed more age-appropriate. I may not look it, but I'm nearly 50.

My 61 yr old wife went with the AWD 3 hatch because she is…..age inappropriate.🤣
I went with the 30 but had to let it go because it was just not quite big enough for travelling with the wife, dog, and all the damn luggage my inappropriate wife brings.😳
Loving the 50 everyday.

 

[30pilot]

My 61 yr old wife went with the AWD 3 hatch because she is…..age inappropriate.🤣
I went with the 30 but had to let it go because it was just not quite big enough for travelling with the wife, dog, and all the damn luggage my inappropriate wife brings.😳
Loving the 50 everyday.

We carry a plumbers tool kit to easily remove the kitchen sink and install in the hotel room until we go on to another, looking for a water/drain line quick connect kit.

 

[Trickster]

We carry a plumbers tool kit to easily remove the kitchen sink and install in the hotel room until we go on to another, looking for a water/drain line quick connect kit.

🤣

 

[30pilot]

🤣

The 30 is a help in keeping her baggage reasonable. We carry a small duffle and a cpap and toiletries for me, a carryon luggage piece a duffle and make up bag for the wife. The little dog has her own bag with her food, treats, water and bowls, also a file with her records because she is a service dog. All this fits nicely behind the rear seat with room left for "shopping". Hanging clothes are hung on right rear hook in the back seat. The dogs crate, 18" W, x 19"H x 25"L fits nicely behind the drivers side on a large beach towel between the crate and the seat and she sleeps comfortably on long, all day trips. My seat is nearly all the way back and the seat back leaning a little more than average, still 2-3 inches between crate and front seat back.

 

[KSEGG]

1.) Exterior and Interior design and quality is unmatched in the sub $40K class of vehicle. 2.) 320 pound feet of torque. Let that sink in. Nothing has 320 tq in this class. It makes driving the CX-30 Turbo Premium a hoot.