Small crossover SUVs are some of the most popular car types on the market today, mainly because they offer some of the most important qualities of both larger and smaller vehicles. Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-30 both fit the description, offering both the agility of a smaller vehicle and the utility of a larger one. Here's how the two compare.

Trim Levels

The 2021 Mazda CX-3 only comes in a single Sport trim level, with the only choice being between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. Despite the relatively limited choice, every Mazda CX-3 model is very well-equipped, with premium features like alloy wheels, LED headlights, keyless entry and ignition, a six-speaker audio system, a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a height-adjustable driver's seat, plus many useful active safety systems.

The 2021 CX-30, on the other hand, is much more configurable. It's available in no less than seven trims: 2.5 S, Select, Preferred, Premium, 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. The base model comes with impressive features, such as remote vehicle monitoring and control, an eight-speaker sound system, and an 8.8-inch infotainment display. Moving up to the Select trim, some of its highlights are the 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, and elegant simulated leather upholstery. The Preferred trim adds a gorgeous sunroof, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat with memory functions.

The CX-30's Premium trim is essentially its top trim when it comes to available features, with the 2.5 Turbo, 2.5 Turbo Premium, and 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus mainly adding more power and additional driver aids. Some of the Premium trim's features are the adaptive headlight system, which gives you better illumination when taking a corner by slightly turning the lights toward your direction, a premium 12-speaker Bose audio with satellite radio system that sounds incredible, elegant leather upholstery, a navigation system, and a head-up display system that shows information right on the CX-30's windshield. 

Price

The Mazda CX-3 has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $22,190. With an MSRP of $22,050, the Mazda CX-30 costs a similar amount of money as the CX-3, with the choice between them essentially being entirely up to the buyer. If you're after the premium features of the CX-30's higher trims, it will cost a little extra. Select, which is its most popular trim, costs $25,675, Preferred has a price of $29,540, and the Premium trim comes with a recommended price tag of $31,620. The most expensive Mazda CX-30 model is the Turbo Premium Plus, with an MSRP of $35,675. 

Engine Power and Performance

The Mazda CX-3 also comes with a single-engine choice, but it's one with enough power and versatility to satisfy the needs of most drivers. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine can produce up to 148 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, with the help of a six-speed automatic transmission. Although the amount of power may seem underwhelming, the CX-3 more than makes up for it by having a very responsive steering system.

The Mazda CX-30 also has one engine choice but offers the possibility of turbocharging it. The engine in question is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with a maximum output of 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque, also paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Those who want to push their CX-30 to the max can choose the turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter engine, which can produce 227 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and can even push its limits to 250 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque with high-octane fuel. 

Interior Size and Comfort

Both the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-30 have elegant, comfortable, and tech-rich cabins. The obvious difference between the two, when it comes to interior space, is the fact that the CX-30 is a larger vehicle than the CX-3. Therefore, if you don't need all that interior space and would rather have a vehicle that's a little easier to squeeze through city traffic with, you should go for the CX-3. If you value that extra passenger and cargo space, maybe the CX-30 is a better choice for you.

Active Safety Systems

Both the CX-3 and CX-30 come with standard driver aids that help the driver notice and avoid any potential road incidents in time. The CX-3 comes with: 

• Forward collision mitigation system with pedestrian detection: Warns you in case of a collision with a pedestrian or another vehicle and even applies the brakes if it doesn't sense a proper response from the driver.
• Lane-departure warning: Issues an alert if the vehicle starts to drift out of its lane.
• Adaptive cruise control: Keeps a set distance between the CX-3 and the car in front.
• Blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert: Warns the driver if another vehicle approaches the CX-3's blind spot while changing lanes or reversing.

The CX-30's base trim also includes the forward collision mitigation system, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning, and adds a drowsy driver monitor that issues an alert when it senses that the driver is becoming fatigued. The Select trim adds a blind-spot monitoring system, the Premium trim comes with a traffic sign reader, and the top 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus trim includes all the driver aids of lower trims, plus a blind-spot monitoring system, a surround-view camera system, a traffic jam assist system that automatically steers and moves the Mazda in slow traffic, and parking sensors for both front and rear.Choosing between the Mazda CX-3 and Mazda CX-30 can be difficult, as the two are similar in style and features. If you're looking for a vehicle to drive across town with few passengers and cargo on board, the smaller CX-3 may be the better choice, as its smaller engine is also more fuel-efficient. If you want a larger and more powerful vehicle and are willing to pay more for better features, the CX-30 may be a perfect fit for you. If you'd like to see both and take them out for a test drive, visit us at Bountiful Mazda!