2026 Mazda CX30 Air Edition
Table of Contents
For more than two decades, buyers who wanted a compact car that felt more engaging than the usual options often looked at the Mazda3. But the market has changed. Compact sedans and hatchbacks now sell less than small crossovers. That shift pushed Mazda to introduce the CX30 in 2020 as a replacement for the smaller CX3.
Since then, the CX30 has become one of Mazda’s best-selling models. For 2026, the formula remains mostly unchanged. The big update is the introduction of new trims, including the Air Edition tested here. It brings unique styling, a different interior, and most importantly, the turbocharged engine that makes this one of the quickest vehicles in its class.
So the real question is simple. If you want a small crossover that feels sporty and premium without jumping into the luxury segment, does the 2026 Mazda CX30 still make sense?
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, Mazda offers two powertrains in the CX30.
Engine options
2.5 litre naturally aspirated four cylinder
2.5 litre turbocharged four cylinder
The Air Edition tested here uses the turbo motor.
Turbo engine output
| Fuel type | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| Premium fuel | 250 hp | 320 lb ft |
| Regular fuel | 227 hp | 310 lb ft |
The engine pairs with a six speed automatic transmission. Mazda’s i-Activ all wheel drive system comes standard on all CX30 models.
This turbo setup delivers the highest output in the mainstream subcompact SUV segment. It even beats some entry level luxury crossovers in raw power.
Performance highlights
0 to 60 mph: around 6.1 seconds with brake torque
Real world 0 to 60 mph: around 6.4 to 6.5 seconds
Top speed: about 127 mph
No official towing rating
That makes the CX30 Turbo one of the quickest vehicles in its class. Many rivals take close to seven seconds or more to reach 60 mph.
Fuel Economy and Range
The extra performance comes at a cost.
Fuel economy (turbo model)
22 mpg city
30 mpg highway
25 mpg combined
The CX30 uses a small 12.7 gallon fuel tank. Real world driving returns roughly 280 to 300 miles per tank. The naturally aspirated engine improves efficiency by about 2 mpg combined, but power drops to around 186 hp.
Exterior Design
The CX30 first appeared in 2020, and visually, it has not received a major refresh. For 2026, Mazda focuses on new trims and colors instead.
The Air Edition stands out with:
Black chrome exterior accents
Blacked out Mazda logo and badges
Gloss black 18 inch alloy wheels
Unique interior color combination
The new Aero Gray exterior shade adds a clean, modern look and is offered at no extra cost.
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 104.4 inches
Overall length: 173 inches
That makes the CX30 smaller than rivals like the Honda HRV, Subaru Crosstrek, and Toyota Corolla Cross.
Ground clearance stands at around 8 inches.
Cargo and Practicality
Cargo space is one of the CX30’s compromises.
Cargo capacity
20.2 cubic feet behind rear seats
Around 45 cubic feet with seats folded
That is similar to the Mazda3 hatchback and noticeably less than several competitors, some of which offer 10 to 20 cubic feet more total space.
A power liftgate is available on higher trims, including the Air Edition.
Interior Quality and Features
Inside, the Air Edition gets a unique color scheme with white leatherette and gray synthetic suede. The materials feel upscale for the segment.
Interior highlights
Eight way power driver seat with memory
Heated front seats
Heated steering wheel
Bose 12 speaker audio system (turbo models)
Head up display (turbo Air Edition)
Wireless phone charging
Mazda still uses a 7 inch semi digital instrument cluster and a 10.25 inch infotainment screen. The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the interface feels dated compared to newer competitors.
Rear Seat Space
Rear seat room is tight.
Claimed legroom: 36 inches
Real world feel: closer and more cramped than rivals
Headroom: limited due to sloping roofline
The rear bench offers:
Rear air vents
Fold down armrest with cupholders
One map pocket
There are no rear heated seats or USB charging ports. Families may find the space restrictive.
Driving Experience
The CX30 Turbo feels more like a hot hatch than a small SUV.
Driving impressions
Quick acceleration
Strong mid range torque
Direct steering with good feedback
Firm ride quality
Quiet cabin at highway speeds
The six speed automatic shifts smoothly but has wider gear spacing than newer transmissions. Mazda still avoids CVTs, which many drivers will appreciate.
Safety and Technology
Standard driver assistance features include:
Adaptive cruise control
Automatic emergency braking
Lane keep assist
Traffic jam assist
The Turbo Air Edition also adds:
360 degree camera
Front parking sensors
These features are not common in this segment at this price point.
Pricing
2026 Mazda CX30 price overview (US market)
| Trim | Starting price |
|---|---|
| Base model | around $25,900 |
| Mid trims | $27,000 to $29,000 |
| Air Edition (non turbo) | just under $30,000 |
| Air Edition Turbo | around $37,000 tested |
| Premium Plus | about $39,000 |
The turbo Air Edition sits near the top of the range. It costs more than some rivals, but it also delivers more power and premium features.
Sales and Market Position
In 2025, Mazda sold just over 56,000 CX30 units in the United States. That is solid, but still behind larger models like:
CX5: around 150,000 units
CX50: around 110,000 units
Buyers clearly prefer the extra space of compact SUVs.
Verdict: Still the Enthusiast’s Choice
The 2026 Mazda CX30 Air Edition Turbo is not the most practical subcompact SUV. Rear seat space is tight. Cargo capacity trails competitors. Fuel range is also on the lower side.
But none of those cars offer this combination of:
Strong turbo performance
Premium interior feel
Engaging driving dynamics
If you want the quickest and most driver focused option in this segment, the CX30 Turbo still stands out. It feels more like a tall hot hatch than a traditional crossover.
For buyers who value driving feel over rear seat space, it remains one of the most interesting choices in the class.
2026 Mazda CX30 Air Edition FAQs
What is the 2026 Mazda CX30 Air Edition?
The 2026 Mazda CX30 Air Edition is a new trim that adds unique styling, a special interior, and extra features. With the turbo engine, it becomes the most powerful version of the CX30 lineup.
What engine options are available in the 2026 Mazda CX30?
The CX30 offers a 2.5 litre naturally aspirated engine with about 186 horsepower, and a 2.5 litre turbocharged engine producing up to 250 horsepower and 320 lb ft of torque with premium fuel.
How fast is the Mazda CX30 Turbo?
Real world testing shows the CX30 Turbo can reach 0 to 60 mph in around 6.1 to 6.5 seconds, making it one of the quickest vehicles in the segment.
Does the CX30 come with all wheel drive?
Yes. Mazda made its all wheel drive system standard on all CX30 models starting from the 2021 model year.
What is the fuel economy of the CX30 Turbo?
The turbo model is rated at about 22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. Real world range is usually around 280 to 300 miles per tank due to the 12.7 gallon fuel tank.
How much cargo space does the CX30 offer?
The CX30 offers about 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Folding the rear seats increases total space to roughly 45 cubic feet.
Is the rear seat spacious in the CX30?
The rear seat is tight compared to rivals, with limited legroom and headroom due to the sloping roof design.
What features are included in the CX30 Air Edition Turbo?
The turbo Air Edition includes a Bose audio system, power liftgate, heated steering wheel, heated seats, head up display, 360 degree camera, and unique interior materials.
How much does the 2026 Mazda CX30 cost?
The base CX30 starts just under 26,000 dollars. The Air Edition Turbo is around 37,000 dollars, while the top trim reaches about 39,000 dollars.
Is the CX30 good for driving enthusiasts?
Yes. The turbo engine delivers strong acceleration, direct steering, and sporty handling, though rear seat space and ride comfort are slightly compromised.
