2022 Mazda CX-30 Preferred

The CX-30 is Mazda's subcompact crossover, the one that splits the difference between the Mazda3 hatch and the CX-5. It drives with a polish you don't expect at this size, with sharp steering and a chassis that feels eager on a back road. The cabin is a cut above the class, with soft-touch materials and a clean, driver-focused layout that feels more premium than the price suggests. Rear seat space is snug and cargo room is modest, so it's best for two people or a small family rather than a haul-it-all runabout. Stepping up to the Preferred adds leatherette seats, heated front seats, a power driver's seat, and a moonroof, plus the same 18-inch wheels as the Select. The 2.5L I4 makes 186 horsepower and pairs with the six-speed automatic and four-wheel drive, which is standard on every CX-30 for confident all-weather grip.