If you're deciding between the Mazda CX-30 and CX-50, you're not alone. Both crossovers offer sleek design, advanced safety tech, and Mazda's signature driving experience. But depending on your daily routine, weekend habits, and personal preferences, one may fit your lifestyle better than the other.
At Tustin Mazda, part of the Patterson Autos family, we're often asked: What are the key differences between the Mazda CX-30 and CX-50? Let’s break it down.
Size and Styling: City-Ready vs Rugged Adventure
The first noticeable difference is size. The Mazda CX-30 is more compact, making it ideal for navigating tight city streets or parallel parking in busy neighborhoods. If your lifestyle is urban or you’re regularly dealing with congested traffic, the CX-30 makes things easier.
The Mazda CX-50, on the other hand, has a wider stance, longer body, and a more rugged look. It’s built for active lifestyles—those who take weekend trips into the mountains, haul gear, or want extra cargo capacity.
Is the Mazda CX-30 or CX-50 better for city driving? For city dwellers, the CX-30’s tighter turning radius and smaller footprint give it the edge.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both models offer premium cabins, but the CX-50 has the edge in space. Front and rear passengers enjoy more legroom and headroom in the CX-50. It feels more like a mid-size SUV from the inside.
How does the cargo space compare between Mazda CX-30 and CX-50? The CX-50 offers up to 56.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, compared to the CX-30’s 45.2 cubic feet. If hauling gear, strollers, or luggage is common for you, that extra room matters.
Which Mazda crossover is best for weekend adventures: CX-30 or CX-50? The CX-50 was made with adventure in mind. Standard all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and optional off-road modes make it the better pick for road trips and nature getaways.
Performance and Fuel Efficiency
Both SUVs feature Mazda’s responsive Skyactiv engines, but the CX-50 offers you more power options. The base engine for both is a 2.5L four-cylinder making 187 hp. However, the CX-50 also offers a turbocharged version that produces up to 256 hp with premium fuel.
Which Mazda SUV has better fuel efficiency, CX-30 or CX-50? The CX-30 edges the CX-50 here. It gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway. The CX-50 (non-turbo) clocks in at 24 mpg city / 30 mpg highway. Turbo models dip slightly more.
If fuel economy matters more than power, the CX-30 makes sense. But if you want a sportier, more powerful drive, the turbocharged CX-50 is worth a look.
Tech and Safety Features
You’ll get a solid tech and safety suite in either model. Both come standard with features like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking.
Which is safer, the Mazda CX-30 or Mazda CX-50? Both received top marks from the IIHS in crash safety, but the CX-50 includes a few more driver assistance features as standard on higher trims. The wider stance and available turbo power also add confidence in rougher terrain or highway merging.
Infotainment systems are similar—both come with an 8.8" or 10.25" display depending on trim, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available Bose sound systems.
Price and Value
What’s the price difference between the Mazda CX-30 and CX-50? As of 2024:
• Mazda CX-30 starts around $24,995
• Mazda CX-50 starts at about $30,300
That’s a noticeable gap, but also reflects the extra space, features, and powertrain options you get with the CX-50.
Is the Mazda CX-50 worth the upgrade from the CX-30? It depends. If your lifestyle leans more toward travel, outdoor activity, or you need the space, then yes. But if you prioritize affordability, fuel economy, and a nimble drive, the CX-30 holds its own.
Daily Commute or Long Weekends?
Should I buy the Mazda CX-30 or CX-50 for my daily commute? If your commute is mostly urban, the CX-30 makes parking and fuel stops easier. It’s quick, efficient, and comfortable.
If your daily drive includes long freeway miles, or you want a more elevated cabin and the potential for weekend trips, the CX-50 may be the better long-term investment.
Final Thoughts: CX-30 vs. CX-50
When it comes to deciding between these two standout Mazda crossovers, it really comes down to your lifestyle.
• Choose the CX-30 if you live in a city, want better fuel efficiency, and prefer a lower price point.
• Go for the CX-50 if you need more space, power, and versatility for outdoor adventures.
No matter which fits your needs, Tustin Mazda has both options ready for you to test drive. As part of Patterson Autos, we’re committed to helping you make the right choice for your lifestyle.