Mazda makes all-wheel drive standard on every 2022 CX-30

Mazda’s CX-30 subcompact SUV gains from several new features for 2022.

All models now come standard with all-wheel drive, providing better stability during rainy, snowy, or icy road conditions.

There’s a new exclusive appearance Carbon Edition model with Polymetal Gray exterior paint, red leather seats and interior, 18-inch black wheels, and gloss black heated door mirrors.

With outdoor enthusiasts and their equipment in mind, aluminum roof rails have been added as a standard item on the Select model.

A new optional paint color, Platinum Quartz Metallic, is available on Select, Preferred, and Premium models, along with all Turbo models.

The CX-30 lineup for 2022 has five models designated 2.5 S and available in five trim levels. They’re powered by a non-turbo 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 186 horsepower. Three Turbo versions complete the lineup and boost horsepower to 250 with 310 pound-feet of torque. All CX-30 models come with a six-speed automatic transmission.

EPA fuel economy ratings for the non-turbo engine are 24 mpg city, 31 mpg highway, and 26 mpg combined. For the turbo engine the numbers are 22/30/25 mpg.

Pricing starts at $23,725 (including a $1,225 destination charge) for the base CX-30 2.5 S model. Among its standard features are the latest Mazda Connect infotainment system with 8.8-inch display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, eight-speaker audio, two USB ports, black cloth seats, LED headlights and taillights, 16-inch wheels, and rain- sensing windshield wipers. Driver-assistance tech includes cruise control with stop and go, brake assist, automatic high beam control, and lane departure warning with lane keeping assist.

That’s a nicely equipped base model. For an additional $2,400 the CX-30 2.5 S Select adds or substitutes black leatherette seats, steering-wheel-mounted controls, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear air condition vents, rear armrest with cup holders, 18-inch wheels, rear privacy glass, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and turn signal lights integrated into the door mirrors.

Expanded standard features and price tags continue in this vein until topping out at $35,925 for the CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model.

The Mazda CX-30 is an enchanting little SUV whose upscale interior manages to supply a comfortable amount of space for passengers as well as a goodly amount of cargo. It has safety belts in five places but realistically the middle spot in the back seat is wishful thinking.

The cargo floor is lower than the rear bumper, which makes loading and unloading of heavy and bulky items more difficult than if the two were flush. In other words, I couldn’t simply drag those two 40-pound bags of black oil sunflower seeds out of the back.

There’s lots of personality in the CX-30’s handling, so you can add fun-to-drive to its other attributes.

My tester was a Turbo model, whose extra power gives the CX-30 considerably more verve than the non-turbo, but takes its toll on the car’s attractive pricing. Take your pick.

2022 MAZDA CX-30 2.5 TURBO PREMIUM PLUS

Base price, including destination charge: $35,925

Price as driven: $36,645

Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.