Crossover Showdown: Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-50 

If you are looking for a quality crossover SUV, Mazda has a lot of options that are built to fit every need. When it comes to the Mazda CX-30 vs. Mazda CX-50, style, comfort, performance, safety, and reliability are all at the forefront of design. Choosing which vehicle is right for you essentially comes down to the details.

Differences Between the Exteriors

When it comes to exterior style, from a distance, the Mazda CX-30 and CX-50 seem similar. Both take full advantage of the beauty and styling of Mazda’s KODO design theory, utilizing smooth lines and natural light to create a beautiful, flowing body with a distinctive S-curve along the doors. This play on design captures the interplay of light and shadow and reflects the distinctive and emblematic look of the Mazda brand.

The difference, however, is in the size, or, more accurately, the stature of both vehicles. The Mazda CX-30 is a subcompact crossover SUV, which means it is smaller than its siblings in Mazda’s crossover SUV lineup. As a result, the Mazda CX-30’s profile is a bit lower to the ground as compared to the CX-50. Both vehicles, however, share the same newer platform, which is also used in the Mazda3.1

Comparing the Interiors

Across the brand, Mazda is known for the luxury of its interiors, and both the Mazda CX-30 and the Mazda CX-50 fulfill this brand promise. As you move up in trim levels, both vehicles have a five-passenger capacity and offer similar premium offerings,2 including an 8.8-inch or 10.25-inch color display monitor, leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and two-position memory, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Performance and Engine Options for the CX-30 and CX-50

When it comes to performance and drivability, both the CX-30 and the CX-50 take advantage of Mazda’s SKYACTIV®-G technology, offering 2.5-liter standard and turbo engines at varying trim levels. However, power is one space where differentiation between these two SUVs does take shape.

Although it’s smaller, the CX-30 packs more punch, offering drivers the option of a 191-horsepower (hp) SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC four-cylinder engine with VVT and cylinder deactivation as well as a turbocharged 250-hp SKYACTIV®-G40 2.5 dynamic pressure turbo engine.

While still impressive, the CX-50 engine options offer slightly less power on a slightly larger frame. Its engines include either a 187 hp SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder with cylinder deactivation or the turbocharged 227 hp SKYACTIV®-G 2.5 with twin-scroll turbo.

Difference in the Fuel Mileage

When it comes to fuel efficiency, both the CX-30 and CX-50 maintain consistent, close numbers, with the CX-30’s averages coming out a bit on top for standard engines. The CX-50, on the other hand, does better in its turbocharged version.

Safety Features and Ratings

Mazda’s design team has spent decades putting an absolute premium on safety, which has led to both the Mazda CX-50 and the CX-30 receiving some of the top honors in the business, including:

• Mazda CX-30, 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+

• Mazda CX-30, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 5-star overall safety rating, 2024

• Mazda CX-50, 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+

The features that have earned these incredible accolades are consistent across the two models and include basics like airbag protection, automatic braking systems, and adaptive front lighting. In addition, Mazda-specific safety features, known as the i-Activesense® suite, include additional offerings like blind spot monitoring, parking sensors, 360-degree view camera, lane departure warning system, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Technology and Specs Inside the Vehicles

Interior technology is another space where Mazda’s innovations run through both the CX-30 and CX-50 models at all trim levels. These features combine the joy of driving with the seamless integration of our technology-reliant world. This means drivers enjoy the Mazda Connect® infotainment system with full Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Bluetooth, USB-C and wireless charging, and bespoke Bose® speaker systems.

Other notable technology offerings include Alexa integration, Mazda Advanced keyless entry system, push-button start, and Sirius XM satellite radio.

Pricing for the Mazda CX-30 vs. the Mazda CX-50

When it comes down to it, both the Mazda CX-30 and the Mazda CX-50 offer drivers a balanced, luxury driving experience that is worthy of the Mazda brand. Their differences are simple: The CX-50 is bigger with more cargo space, but the CX-30 offers more power. If neither of these elements is a deciding factor for you, then the final comparison — price — may provide the answer. In this field, the CX-30 edges out the CX-50 at the entry level price, although the price ranges for both vehicles cover the same broad numbers.

Specifically, the entry-level 2024 Mazda CX-30, the 2.5 S, starts at $24,995, while its most upgraded trim, the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus, starts at $36,800. On the flip side, the 2025 Mazda CX-50 2.5 S Select, the lowest trim, starts significantly higher at $30,300, and the 2.5 Mazda CX-50 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus starts at $43,300. However, for the same $37,000 as the highest CX-30, drivers can opt for the CX-50 2.5 S Premium Plus, which offers many of the same upgrades, just without the turbo engine.

Schedule a Test Drive to Determine Which Car Suits You

Are you ready to speak with a professional about the Mazda CX-30 or Mazda CX-50? Stop by DePaula Mazda in Albany, NY, today. We have a variety of CX-50 and CX-30 models for you to experience yourself while taking a test drive.