2024 Mazda CX-30 vs. CX-5 Comparison

In this article, we look at two of Mazda's top-selling family SUVs, the CX-30 and its slightly larger CX-5 sibling. Both make compelling arguments for themselves and compete very closely for prospective buyers' attention.

Read on as we share with you their respective pricing, features, and specs that make them both great buys despite some obvious sibling rivalry.

2024 Mazda CX-30

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 compact crossover SUV is based on the Mazda3 compact car, from which it inherits its athleticism and impressive cabin finishes. For the 2024 model year, the CX-30 adds new trims and some interior upgrades, along with added color choices.

A total of eight trim levels are on offer:

2.5 S
2.5 S Select Sort
2.5 S Preferred
2.5 S Carbon Edition
2.5 S Premium
2.5 Carbon Turbo
2.5 Turbo Premium
2.5 Turbo Premium Plus

2024 Mazda CX-5

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 model continues with minor changes from its recent upgrade in 2022. For 2024, Mazda has added a Carbon Edition trim fitted with a turbocharged engine.

The eight available for 2024 are:

Interior Comparison

Besides the difference in size, passenger, and cargo space available, the Mazda CX-30 vs. CX-5 both offer highly desirable and well-spaced cabins across all trim levels.

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 sports a well-crafted interior featuring an infotainment display that stands proud in the dashboard center and is controlled by a rotary knob on the center console. A neat row of climate-control buttons is fitted, dividing the upper and lower dash panels.

Buyers of different trims get to choose between a 6 or 8 speaker audio system with Mazda Harmonic Acoustics. Lower trim levels include cloth upholstery, while the Premium and Premium Plus trims offer leather upholstery, a power-operated rear liftgate, and a comprehensive list of other luxury items that elevate the CX-30’s interior. The CX-30 offers a cargo capacity of 20.2 cubic feet when all seats are in their upright position.

The CX-5 cabin is designed with a focus on the driver, with controls within easy reach. Standard luxury interior features include a dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen filter, speed-sensitive power door locks with 2-stage unlocking, dual covered illuminated visor vanity mirror, and power windows with one-touch down/up feature.

Several small storage areas are included around the cabin, and the CX-5's cargo area offers 30.9 cubic feet of trunk space, going up to 59.3 cubic feet of total load space when folding down the 60/40-split rear seats.

When comparing the Mazda CX-30 vs. CX-5, the 2024 CX-30 stands out for its well-crafted interior, optional luxury features, and a cargo capacity of 20.2 cubic feet, while the CX-5 prioritizes a driver-focused design, standard luxury appointments, and a larger cargo space of up to 59.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Exterior Comparison

The Mazda CX-30 and CX-5 both share Mazda's attractive KODO design, with the CX-30 measuring 173 inches in length, featuring standard automatic on/off LED headlights and taillights, LED daytime running lights, and alloy wheels across all trims. The coupe-like shape of the CX-30 sports a matte black grille and gloss black on higher trims.

With a total body length of 181 inches, the 2024 CX-5 sees similar front-end lighting treatments and includes standard exterior features such as a roof-mounted "shark fin" antenna, body-colored rear roof spoiler, dual exhaust outlets with a bright finish, and rear privacy glass. Buyers of the CX-5 have the option to choose between alloy wheels ranging from 17 to 19 inches, and can select from seven different exterior color options.

Mazda CX-30 vs. CX-5 Performance

The Mazda CX-30 vs. CX-5 both feature the SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder 2.5-liter, double overhead cam (DOHC) gasoline engine capable of producing 191 horsepower for the CX-30 and 187 horsepower for the CX-5.

The turbocharged 2.5-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder produces 250 horsepower in the CX-30 and 256 horsepower for the larger CX-5. Both SUVs use an automatic transmission with Mazda’s i-ACTIV AWD drivetrain.

Fuel Economy Comparison

CX-30 models fitted with the base 2.5-liter engine will return an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined. Models equipped with the turbocharged 2.5 liter engine provide 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined.

The slightly heavier CX-5 equipped with the base engine returns EPA figures of 26 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. CX-5 turbo models offer 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

The Mazda CX-30, especially with the base 2.5-liter engine, provides slightly better fuel economy, making it an advantageous choice for those prioritizing fuel efficiency when comparing Mazda CX-30 vs. CX-5.

Safety and Technology Differences

Neither of these Mazda family SUVs cut corners regarding driver and passenger safety.

The Mazda CX-30 received a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) overall safety rating.

The Mazda CX-30 comes equipped with many i-ACTIVSENSE safety features including:

Radar cruise control with stop-and-go
High beam control
Smart brake support
Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
Standard driver attention alert system
Convenient rearview monitor

The CX-5 earned a 2024 IIHS Top Safety Pick award plus a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard i-ACTIVSENSE safety features included on the CX-5 are:

Blind-spot warnings
Lane departure mitigation
Adaptive cruise control
Forward collision warning
Advanced smart city brake support offering day and night-time pedestrian detection
Traffic jam assist

When comparing the Mazda CX-30 vs. CX-5, both cars receive very high ratings in safety and safety features, making both of them a smart pick for keeping you safe on the open road.

Pricing and Features

The 2024 Mazda CX-30 lineup starts at $24,995 MSRP for the 2.5 S and tops out at $36,800 for the range-topping Turbo Premium Plus, which features luxuries like a Bose® 12-speaker premium audio system, Mazda navigation system, and leather-trimmed sport seats.

Starting at $29,300 MSRP, the base CX-5 has plenty to offer buyers, but spending $40,600 MSRP on the 2.5 Turbo Signature allows buyers to enjoy an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support and 2-position memory, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with unique stitching and exclusive Caturra Brown Nappa leather-trimmed seats.

The Mazda CX-30 and CX-5 offer varied features, both providing additional luxury options, allowing buyers to choose based on preferences and budget.

Who Should Buy the 2024 Mazda CX-30?

Economically minded shoppers in search of a fashionable and reliable family car should strongly consider the 2024 Mazda CX-30 as a top choice on their list.

The 2024 CX-30’s stylish exterior, smooth ride, and cabin fitment that seems to surpass its class, offers drivers with the perfect everyday vehicle. Coupled with the ability to load a family plus their luggage for a weekend away (and tackle some off-road travels), the 2024 Mazda CX-30 seems to check all of the right boxes for many.

Who Should Buy the 2024 Mazda CX-5?

With the same Mazda DNA in its design as the smaller CX-30, this SUV offers families slightly more passenger and cargo space. The CX-5 is sure to inject some excitement into the everyday mundane drive to work or shopping run and perfectly fits the bill for families in need of a vehicle capable of handling road trips comfortably.

Get Your Mazda CX-30 and CX-5 at Autex Mazda of Keene

Visit Autex Mazda to find out more about the 2024 Mazda SUV range. Book a test drive in both the 2024 CX-30 and 2024 CX-5 and experience Mazda's commitment to driving enjoyment.

Allow our passionate sales team to assist with your vehicle purchase decision, whether it's these new models or a certified pre-owned vehicle.

View 2024 Mazda CX-5 Inventory