2020 Mazda CX-30 Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The CX-30 is a new crossover from Mazda that will likely appeal to those drivers who prefer compact vehicles but also want something sporty and versatile. As something that straddles the divide between sedan and SUV, the CX-30 handles itself well and is a pleasure to drive. There are four different options on the vehicle, with the higher trims offering a bit more in terms of high-end amenities. With this Mazda vehicle, all four trims are competitively priced, and the base model on its own feels fairly well equipped.

Compare the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Base vs Select Trim Levels. What is the difference?

The standard CX-30 runs on the same engine that the other trims have: a 186-horsepower, 2.5-liter SkyACTIV-G four-cylinder. It has 186 pound-feet of torque and uses advanced direct fuel injection. It's paired with a six-speed electronically controlled sport automatic transmission that's responsive and smooth.

The CX-30 can go from zero to 60 miles per hour in a little over seven seconds, and this acceleration should be plenty for the average customer. What's most important is that drivers can feel confident behind the wheel.

G-Vectoring Control Plus actively works to improve stability. If needed, such as when the CX-30 is coming out of a turn, the system can apply gentle pressure to the brakes on one side in order to stabilize the vehicle. Often, some light braking on the outside wheels is exactly what's needed to keep things in control when a car is finishing up with a turn. The suspension system is another feature that keeps things smooth. In the front there is an independent MacPherson strut, and a torsion beam axle is used in the back.

Regardless of the trim selected, the CX-30 can either come with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. i-ACTIV is the name of Mazda's AWD system, and it continuously takes in information to decide how to optimize traction. If extra traction isn't needed, power will be given to the front wheels, which is a more efficient method. If the roads are slippery, the system will determine how much power the rear wheels will need. One of the best things about this system is that the driver doesn't have to decide when to engage AWD - it's all automatic. The AWD system includes Off-Road Traction Assist for those times when the road gets particularly difficult.

Fuel efficiency in FWD models is an estimated 25/33/28 (city/highway/combined). In AWD models, numbers drop very slightly to an estimated 24/31/26 (city/highway/combined).

To find differences between the base model and the Select, one can begin with the exterior of the CX-30. The base model rides on 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, whereas the Select has 18-inch wheels of the same style. Rear privacy glass and power side mirrors that come with integrated turn signals are two features that the Select has, but not the base model. The base model only has power-operated side mirrors and regular glass in each window.

Some similarities are that both trims have LEDs in their headlights, Daytime Running Lights, and combination taillights. The headlights can automatically turn on and off, reducing the likelihood that anyone would either forget to turn off their lights and drain their battery or that someone would fail to turn on their lights at night.

When moving to the inside of the CX-30, it's clear that even though the car isn't priced very high, it has a nice interior that feels far from basic. Standard features include five adjustable headrests, a 60/40 split-bench in the back row, and a convenient remote keyless entry system and push button start. All of the windows have a one-touch up/down feature, and there is some storage in the front center console and in the front passenger's seatback pocket.

Cargo room in the dedicated area behind the second row of seating measures 20.2 cubic feet. By lowering the rear seats, cargo capacity is expanded to 45.2 cubic feet.

Technology is impressive in the CX-30. The base trim has the MAZDA CONNECT Infotainment System and an 8.8-inch screen with HD Radio, voice commands, Bluetooth, and two USB audio inputs. To control the infotainment system, there is a center knob as well as a few buttons placed conveniently under the screen. In general, navigating through the system is straightforward. Music is broadcast through an eight-speaker audio system that uses Mazda Harmonic Acoustics technology to deliver a clear sound.

In the Select trim, there are some notable upgrades. This model has a dual-zone automatic climate control system to give people on each side more control over the temperature, and rear air-conditioning vents help keep it comfortable in the back. A step up from the remote keyless entry system is Mazda's Advanced Keyless Entry System, which means the key can stay safely tucked away while the driver simply touches the door handle to unlock/lock it. In the second row, the rear center armrest comes with cup holders. All seats are trimmed with leatherette, and the steering wheel and gear selector are wrapped with leather.

The most notable enhancement related to technology is that the Select has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. This compatibility is often sought after by customers looking for modern vehicles in which they can stay connected.

The CX-30 comes with an impressive number of safety features. Standard on the vehicle are a rearview camera that helps with seeing what's behind the vehicle while backing up and high beam control that automatically switches between high and low beams depending on how many other lights are detected. A dynamic stability control system can kick into action whenever skidding occurs. As appropriate, it can tell the car to make adjustments to braking and engine torque to help people retain control over their vehicles.

Driver-assist features on all trims include Driver Attention Alert, which can let people know when they should refocus on the road; Lane Departure Warning, which sends out a signal when people start to drift to the side; Lane-Keep Assist, a system that can correct steering in a gentle and safe manner; and Radar Cruise Control, an advanced feature that can adjust speed in order to maintain a proper distance with other vehicles. Additionally, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert is built into the Select trim.

Smart Brake support is something that everyone can appreciate. This standard feature is what Mazda calls its automatic emergency braking technology. When driving at speeds commonly associated with city driving (as opposed to highway speeds), Smart Brake Support can activate if a front collision seems imminent. It can sense whether accidents are likely to occur with the use of a laser sensor. The sensor, mounted on the windshield, can determine how far another vehicle is as well as whether that distance is drastically decreasing.

Compare the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select vs Preferred Trims. What is the difference?

On the exterior of the Mazda, there are only a few differences between the Select and the Preferred. First, the Preferred has a shark fin antenna which contributes to its sporty appearance. It has a gloss black finish on its front grille, and its side mirrors come with memory positioning.

Inside the cabin, the Preferred has a few more features when compared with the Select. In the Preferred, sunglasses can be stored in the overhead console, and both front visors come with illuminated and covered vanity mirrors. Rather than a manually operated driver's seat, the Preferred has an eight-way power-operated seat with two-position memory and lumbar support. Having this type of seat is a luxury feature that makes it easier to get into a preferred position. Heated front seats are a great feature to have during the colder months.

There are also some significant changes to the infotainment system. The Preferred has a Bose 12-speaker audio system and a gloss-painted speaker grille. The sound system uses Centerpoint 2 and Audio Pilot technology to make music sound rich and full. This trim also comes with SiriusXM Satellite Radio, a program that's greatly appreciated by many. Like the lower trims, the Preferred has steering-wheel-mounted controls so drivers can keep their hands on their wheels as they make adjustments to audio and cruise control.

Since the Select trim is packed with safety features, it's not a big surprise that the Preferred has an identical package of safety features to the Select. In an affordably-priced vehicle, it's hard to do better than what Mazda already does.

Compare the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Preferred vs Premium Trims. What is the difference?

The Premium trim is the one to choose if anyone wants the best of what Mazda has to offer. Its high-end elements are evident, and the upgrades definitely warrant a jump up in price.

Rather than regular LEDs, the Premium has signature LED headlights and taillights that look ultra-sleek and modern. A power moonroof can be slid open to let in fresh air. Since it has a one-touch-open feature, the moonroof can be quickly opened at any time. When the sun is too strong, the interior sunshade can be closed to keep out the heat.

The Premium comes with roof rails to give drivers an additional way to secure gear. This can be important if someone frequently transports skis, canoes, or other types of equipment that don't fit inside the cabin. Coming in handy when one's hands are full is a power liftgate. It can open up on its own with just the push of a button.

The interior of the Premium feels luxurious since it has leather-trimmed sport seats. For those who like to feel in control over shifting, the Premium has paddle shifters. One difference in instrumentation is related to the display that tells drivers about vehicle performance. The Premium is the only trim that projects this information onto the windshield as part of the Active Driving Display system.

When it comes to safety, the Premium trim has one additional feature. The adaptive front-lighting system is exclusively offered on the Premium. With this system, the headlights can actually point themselves in the direction that the CX-30 is traveling. For example, when taking a turn, the lights can shift slightly to better illuminate the upcoming curve. The lights can also automatically level themselves, providing drivers with a more optimal light distribution on uneven terrain or when heavy items in the cargo area change the way the car is balanced.

2020 Mazda CX-30: Which Trim to Choose?

It's hard to decide which of the 2020 Mazda CX-30s is most ideal. The final choice depends on the individual customer and how much he or she is willing to spend. Those on a budget will likely be satisfied with the Select trim, since it comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to blind spot monitoring and leatherette-trimmed seats. Anyone who wants to treat themselves to something a bit nicer can opt for the Premium because of its leather seats, advanced lighting, and power moonroof.