2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure review

The Mazda CX-30 remains a popular vehicle, but it’s not typically a budget-friendly option.

This SUV is Mazda’s answer to cars like the Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru Crosstrek, which may be similarly priced, but are still all well above cheaper cars from Chinese manufacturers that tend to pack more kit.

Indeed, the CX-30 is much better known for its capacity to offer upmarket technology and materials at a price that’s attainable for the average punter. For that reason, it’s not the first car that comes to mind when you think of stripped-back, sub-$30,000 SUVs.

But that’s what you see on test here: the 2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure. It loses leather seats, more advanced driver assist tech, and any of the higher-displacement petrol engines available further up the range, all of which brings prices down.

The only issue is that it isn’t actually that cheap.

It’s just under $2000 cheaper than the next-cheapest CX-30 variant, but it can’t get any lower than $34,000 – a considerable amount of money to fork over when you consider that this generation of CX-30 once kicked off at $29,990 before on-roads in 2020.

It gets harder to swallow when you consider most of its Chinese competition occupies the mid-$20,000 range, notably the Chery Tiggo 4, MG ZS, and GWM Haval Jolion, which have all outsold the CX-30 in the first seven months of 2025.

Even the Hyundai Kona, which has overtaken the MG ZS to be Australia’s best-selling small SUV, starts at $32,700 before on-roads, which isn’t necessarily cheap but still far enough below the CX-30 to draw buyers in – not to mention there’s also Mazda’s smaller CX-3 at $30,370 before on-roads.

Does the CX-30 work as a budget-oriented small SUV, or should you go for something cheaper?

How much does the Mazda CX-30 cost?

Prices are up by $120 across the board for 2025, which means the CX-30 range now starts at $34,060 before on-roads.

There are loads of competitors in the small SUV segment, especially at the budget end. The segment-leading Hyundai Kona starts at $32,700 before on-roads, followed by the MG ZS and GWM Haval Jolion from $26,990 drive-away, the Chery Tiggo 4 from $23,990 drive-away, and then the Mitsubishi ASX from $24,490 before on-roads.

A notable trend is that all models are cheaper than the CX-30, although cars like the ASX are now outdated and are only available as dealer stock. Meanwhile, the Subaru Crosstrek and Toyota Corolla Cross, which marginally trail the CX-30’s sales, are more expensive.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

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What is the Mazda CX-30 like on the inside?

In typical Mazda form, it feels familiar, and it’ll be easy to hop in and quickly get comfortable.

Of course, the Pure is the most basic an Australian CX-30 can be. That means you get black cloth upholstery, but the seats still offer supportive bolstering that makes them comfortable to sit in during longer drives.

They’re also friendlier than leather to sit in on cold mornings, especially when you don’t get any seat heating. The seating position is good too, as the CX-30’s high window creates a closed-in feeling without becoming claustrophobic – again typical of Mazda, as you’ll experience similar in the closely related Mazda 3.

Adjustment isn’t as easy as in more expensive CX-30s, with no electric assistance on offer. It may therefore take a moment to get everything where you like it, but there’s still a strong range of movement in both the seats and steering wheel.

That steering wheel is still leather-wrapped, even in this base-spec car. It’s on the larger side, with a thin rim, but no shift paddles, which makes it nice to hold and gives the car a bit more nimble feel.

In terms of tech, some may not be pleased to find that the CX-30 once again has a dial on the centre console used to control the infotainment system above.

But I’m a fan of this setup; it’s easy to lean back and scroll through the various menus when you don’t have to lean and reach forward. It’s particularly handy in the CX-30, because the positioning of the 8.8-inch infotainment system makes it seem quite far away.

It’s also sunken quite far into the dashboard, which means you may see the edge of its cut-out creeping into frame. Unlike many other Mazda cars, this screen can at least be operated by touch while on the move, provided you can reach it.

You may want to touch the screen when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, because the dial becomes rather clunky in anything other than Mazda’s native system. Smartphone mirroring is only available through a wired connection, which is annoying given that many of the CX-30’s cheaper rivals offer wireless functionality.

Looking around the rest of the cabin, you’d be forgiven for thinking the instrument cluster was a stripped-back unit for the CX-30 Pure. With a circular dial screen flanked by two analogue gauges, this is actually the same across the entire model range.

The central screen can show a handful of different displays, but we think the standard digital speedo looks the cleanest and shows plenty of info. Meanwhile, the climate control system below the infotainment display is another standard Mazda unit, but expect a fair few button blanks for higher-spec functions that have been omitted.

The system still looks the part, while all the buttons offer a tactile response and are easy to work with on the move.

Additional buttons can be found on and near the steering wheel, all of which are finished in dull plastic instead of piano black. There’s unfortunately still a bit of glossy plastic on the centre console and door armrests.

The CX-30 offers plenty of storage up front. You get a nicely sized storage box under the central armrest that houses two USB-C ports, and ahead of the large gear selector are two cupholders – placed perfectly beneath the dashboard to fit a tall, 750mL drink bottle.

There’s also a passenger-side glovebox, while the bottle holders in each door aren’t quite large enough for that aforementioned drink bottle. On the ceiling is a sunglasses holder, and that’s about it – a wireless phone charger isn’t included until the G20 Evolve.

The CX-30’s second row is similarly sparse, but with surprising levels of nothing; not even rear-facing air vents on the back of the centre console or a single USB port. Realistically, this is to be expected in a base model like the Pure, but it’s harder to swallow when it costs you more than $35,000.

There’s at least plenty of space all around, albeit with a driveline hump to contend with, but there’s no fold-down armrest. You get one map pocket on the passenger side and more small-ish door card bottle holders, but that’s it.

The CX-30’s boot may not present with a lot of space on account of that sturdy removable cargo cover, but underneath, the long floor creates plenty of space for groceries and other such items.

There is a very high lip to lift things up and over, but the floor is entirely flat – the only deviations from this can be found at the rearmost corners, at which there are shallow but nicely sized cut-outs for various odds and ends.

For context, quoted boot space is smaller than rivals like the MG ZS (443L), Hyundai Kona (407L), Toyota C-HR (388L), and MG ZS Hybrid+ (443L), though it’s larger than the Subaru Crosstrek (291L). Extra space is unlocked by folding the rear seats down, which split 60/40.

Under the floor is also a space saver spare wheel, which we prefer to a fiddly repair kit, but it does seem like a full-size spare could be crammed in there if Mazda’s engineers put their hearts into it.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

What’s under the bonnet?

Powering the Pure is Mazda’s ‘G20’ 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine, with power sent to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Our week with the car was dominated by highway driving, though there were brief stints in Melbourne’s CBD and Victoria’s regional towns.

Our recorded fuel economy was still worse than Mazda’s claim, even with low-demand driving, but still within an appropriate ballpark.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

How does the Mazda CX-30 drive?

The back-to-basics vibe of the CX-30 Pure carries through to its on-road behaviour.

Note: CX-30 Evolve pictured

Mazda’s solid platform that underpins the CX-30 lends itself nicely to this budget-minded application, and somehow, everything the Pure brings to the table seems entirely appropriate.

The G20 engine, for example, has no real issue getting the car up to speed. It’ll then hum along happily on the freeway, making less noise than the racket of acceleration would have you expect.

It can feel a bit strained though, especially when it comes to harder acceleration to enter a freeway or overtake another car. Compared to the Mazda 3, which shares the same platform and is available with the same engine, the application in the CX-30 makes the G20 feel a touch weak.

Where the G20 is a strong base for the Mazda 3, and the 2.5-litre G25 is a nice upgrade in performance, the G25 almost seems like it should be the CX-30’s base. Mind you, fuel economy would suffer, so maybe the shoutier G20 is best for only the fleet-spec Pure and not the more expensive trims.

Meanwhile, the six-speed auto can sometimes stumble. This is most noticeable from a standstill, or when you’re getting on or off the throttle, and it isn’t the first time we’ve noticed such a quirk in a Mazda automatic.

Unlike other CX-30s, there aren’t any paddle shifters here, which means you can’t take matters into your own hands. These minor drivetrain complaints don’t necessarily spoil the car though, instead making it feel more utilitarian for rental or business applications.

Most of these are offset by the CX-30’s handling too, which is sportier than you’d expect. Its steering is also satisfyingly heavy, which makes it feel like you’re piloting a well-made piece of machinery and not a flimsy, cheap SUV.

The car therefore excels on smooth, bendy roads, while staying manoeuvrable for busy urban environments. It’s also composed on the freeway, making it easy to enjoy longer-distance drives.

The compromise with sportier handling is a firmer-than-average ride. Hours on unkempt rural roads will reveal that the ride can be harsh, which is something we’ve experienced in other CX-30s in the past, particularly those with the G20.

Because the CX-30 G20 Pure is Mazda’s cheapest SUV, it’s easier for us to excuse these tendencies. It’s still reasonable on freeways, where the road surface tends to be in better condition, while you won’t have any issues dealing with tram tracks or speed bumps either.

Road noise at higher speeds is acceptable too, mainly because the Pure rides on smaller 16-inch alloys – down from the 18s seen across the rest of the range – with thicker sidewalls. This also helps to soften more minor road surface imperfections.

It all seems about right for a small SUV like the CX-30, but it’s worth keeping in mind that you shouldn’t expect a luxurious experience if you go for a test drive.

Don’t expect much in the way of driver support tech either. The Pure misses out on items like front parking sensors, a surround-view camera, and lane-trace assist, but it does get adaptive cruise control that’s generally good at matching traffic.

There’s still blind-spot monitoring, which helps account for Mazda’s ‘zoomed-in’ driver’s side mirror – a quirk that can make it difficult to judge what’s immediately alongside. Fortunately, visibility out of the cabin is good, which means head checks are easy.

The system can be sensitive to changes in traffic, meaning it slows down significantly if the car in front is moving slowly, and takes a moment to regain speed when it’s time to overtake.

Regardless, we didn’t experience any major issues with the car’s safety systems during our week, and even in inclement weather, it was able to keep everything in check appropriately.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

What do you get?

The Pure is the most basic CX-30 available, but it still comes with a decent amount of standard features.

2025 Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure equipment highlights:

• Mazda Connected Services
  • Vehicle locator
  • Geofencing
  • Flashing lights feature
  • Curfew notifications
  • Remote locking
  • Vehicle health
  • Status reports
  • Stolen vehicle tracking assistance
• 16-inch grey alloy wheels
• Space-saver spare wheel
• Automatic LED headlights
• Automatic high-beam
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Automatic power-folding side mirrors
• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8.8-inch infotainment system
• Head-up display
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 2 x USB-C ports (replaces USB-A)
• Satellite navigation
• DAB+ digital radio
• Eight-speaker sound system
• Push-button start
• Leather-wrapped shifter
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Fabric upholstery

CX-30 Evolve adds:

• 18-inch silver alloy wheels
• Paddle shifters
• Dual-zone climate control
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wireless phone charger
• Overhead sunglass storage
• Rear fold-down centre armrest

CX-30 Touring adds:

• Front parking sensors
• Auto-dimming driver’s side mirror
• Reverse tilt-down driver’s side mirror
• Side mirror memory
• Keyless entry
• Illuminated front vanity mirrors
• Black leather upholstery
• 10-way power driver’s seat
• Two-position driver’s seat memory

Above: CX-30 Touring LE

CX-30 Touring LE adds:

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels
• Black grille
• Signature spoiler
• Black mirror caps
• Terracotta ‘Maztex’ and suede upholstery
• Terracotta armrest, centre console, door card and dashboard contrast stitching
• Vision Technology package
  • Front cross-traffic alert
  • Cruising & Traffic Support
  • Driver monitoring system
  • Surround-view monitor
  • 10.25-inch infotainment system

Over the Touring, CX-30 GT SP adds:

• 18-inch black alloy wheels
• Power tilt and slide glass sunroof
• Gloss black grille
• Gloss black side mirrors
• 10.25-inch infotainment system
• Heated steering wheel
• Heated front seats
• Burgundy leather upholstery

CX-30 Astina adds:

• 18-inch silver alloy wheels
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Power tailgate
• 12-speaker Bose premium sound system
• Frameless rear-view mirror
• Black leather upholstery
• Front cross-traffic alert
• Cruising & Traffic Support
• Driver monitoring
• Surround-view camera

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

Is the Mazda CX-30 safe?

The Mazda CX-30 received a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted by Euro NCAP back in 2019.

Standard CX-30 safety features include:

• 7 airbags, including:
  • Front side
  • Curtain
  • Driver’s knee
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Cyclist detection
• Rear AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Lane-keep assist
• Lane departure warning
• Driver attention alert
• Traffic sign recognition
• Rear parking sensors
• Reversing camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring

CX-30 Touring adds:

• Front parking sensors

CX-30 Touring LE and Astina add:

• Front cross-traffic alert
• Cruising & Traffic Support
• Driver monitoring system
• Surround-view monitor

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

How much does the Mazda CX-30 cost to run?

The CX-30 range is covered by Mazda’s five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km – whichever comes first.

Mazda’s service pricing, accurate as of August 13, 2025, is detailed below.

For context, a front-wheel drive CX-30 G25 will cost $3284 to service over seven years.

To see how the Mazda CX-30 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool

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Craig C.

Purchased a Ford Ranger in Sunshine Coast, QLD

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CarExpert’s Take on the Mazda CX-30 G20 Pure

The G20 Pure may strip CX-30 back to its fundamentals, but it doesn’t compromise the car’s solid nature.

The CX-30’s strong platform is well-suited to the budget-minded buyer the Pure appeals to, and its strong build quality suggests it could be a good choice for fleets. Nothing inside appears to be particularly expensive, which helps it to feel more durable.

Its cloth seats are budget in appearance only, and are still nice and comfortable on the move. You still get quality leather on the steering wheel, while all of Mazda’s tech is as reliable as it is in any other car.

Perhaps this is where the money goes, because the Pure is disappointingly expensive against its equivalent rivals. Its powertrain isn’t inspiring either, but it feels like a better fit in this stripped-back application than it does in the more expensive CX-30s – it’s a similar story for the ride.

Its rivals therefore offer greater value for money, even if the CX-30 still doesn’t do much wrong. Mazda loyalists may be better off opting for a CX-3 as their affordable SUV alternative, or splashing a bit more for a nicer CX-30.

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MORE: Explore the Mazda CX-30 showroom