2021 Mazda CX-30

This compact cruiser comes in seven trims: 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. Standard features include body-color power mirrors, LED lamps, a matte-finished front grille, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. A set of 16-inch wheels surround the frame, while Jet Black and Snowflake White Pearl paints add a lustrous veil to the surface. The add-ons differ from trim to trim, though many lean toward upfits such as signature lighting systems, integrated turn-signal mirror indicators, rear privacy glass, and roof rails. Additionally, a rear power liftgate makes for convenient shopping hauls, whereas 18-inch aluminum alloys institute a more dominant approach. What's more, five extra color options, including Deep Crystal Blue Mica and Soul Red Crystal Metallic, are now up for grabs.

The Mazda CX-30 carries a Skyactiv-G 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with direct injection and vectoring control technology. It also mates to a six-speed automatic sport transmission, and together they generate 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque. As their names suggest, the Turbo trims receive a turbocharged version of the base engine. The revamped unit catapults the output to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque.

This vehicle packs all the essentials, from all-season tires and four-wheel disc brakes to electric power steering and a MacPherson strut front suspension. It also snags a ground clearance of 8 inches and runs with standard front-wheel drive. However, all-wheel drive is optional and couples with off-road traction assist for greater resistance to rough roads. Furthermore, the Mazda CX-30 earns reputable fuel ratings. In all-wheel drive, the combined range reaches 26 mpg. Front-wheel drive endures for another 2 miles.

This SUV is quite the contemporary companion. It offers black cloth sport seats, push-button start, remote keyless entry, and steering wheel controls. It also accommodates up to five passengers and 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space. Plus, the dashboard displays a unique multimedia interface. It features an 8.8-inch touch screen, an eight-speaker audio system, and mobile app integration. Higher trims boast a variety of premium comforts, including black or white leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control with rear outlets, a heated steering wheel, and a power sliding glass moonroof. Meanwhile, a navigation system, SiriusXM services, and a Wi-Fi hot spot add a finishing touch to the entertainment ensemble.

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 comes with safety supplies such as front knee air bags, lane departure warning and keep assist, a remote panic fob button, and smart brake support. A driver attention alert that monitors your behavior behind the wheel and radar cruise control with stop and go for optimized highway driving are standard as well. Optional upgrades for the group range from a color head-up display and 360-degree camera to traffic jam assist and traffic sign recognition technologies. With so many supporting characters, it's no surprise this crossover earned high ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.