The 2026 Mazda CX-30 starts in the mid-twenties, comes with standard all-wheel-drive, and offers a new Aire Edition trim. You choose between two engines.
Mazda just revealed pricing for the 2026 Mazda CX-30, which continues to carry-on its original platform. It also retains its two engine choices. Either a naturally aspirated or a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder bolts up under the hood. However, now six of the eight trims offered get the standard engine. Only the top two go turbo.
Two new trims enter the line-up as well, the 2.5 S Aire Edition and the 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition. They replace the 2.5 Turbo Carbon and 2.5 Turbo Premium trims. Otherwise, you see a similar smattering offered of Mazda’s smallest crossover sold here in the U.S. The prices are as follows:
| Trim | Price |
|---|---|
| CX-30 2.5 S | $ 27,470 |
| CX-30 2.5 S Select Sport | $ 29,155 |
| CX-30 2.5 S Preferred | $ 30,785 |
| CX-30 2.5 S Aire Edition | $ 31,345 |
| CX-30 2.5 Carbon Edition | $ 32,525 |
| CX-30 2.5 S Premium | $ 34,735 |
| CX-30 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition | $ 35,905 |
| CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus | $ 39,395 |
*prices include $1495 destination charge.
UPDATES ACROSS THE BOARD
All Mazda CX-30s includes standard all-wheel-drive (AWD). For 2026, Mazda added a brake based limited slip-differential to further help the AWD system do its thing. I don’t predict it will make a massive difference in driving feel, but it may aid a bit when situations get hairy.
Engineers also re-tuned the shock absorbers for 2026 to improve ride quality. This one makes me a touch nervous, if I’m honest. Mazda tunes an excellent balance between ride and handling in their vehicles. They soak up bumps well enough. But, critically, keep the body in check when the going gets spirited. I hope it keeps that trait. Fingers crossed.
AIRE EDITION
Mazda now offers two new trims of CX-30, the 2.5S Aire Edition and the 2.5 Turbo Aire Edition. The former starts where the mid-grade 2.5S Preferred trim left off. That means you get the larger 10.25-in center display, an moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and leatherette seats.
From there, Mazda puts in a bunch of black, gloss black specifically. You get gloss black badges, 18-in black aluminum wheels, black roof rails, and sideview mirror covers. Inside contrasts that with white leatherette seats and gray cloth inserts.
The latter becomes the entry level 2.5-Turbo option with otherwise similar content.
Other Updates
Much of the CX-30 remains unchanged. Base models still get the smaller 8.8-in center display, for example. That includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, but you need a wire to make said connection. However, for 2026 the Select Sport and higher trims will connect wirelessly.
2.5S Preferred and higher trims get the larger center display and wireless phone charging. You need to get in a Carbon Edition to add the BOSE sound system. Finally, new for 2026, the 2.5 S Premium now gets a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree view camera system.
Keep it Moving
2.5S still means a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine. It makes 186 horsepower and 186 lb.-ft of torque at their respective peaks. That’s on regular gasoline, too. That engine mounts up to a six-speed automatic transmission. And, as already mentioned, heads to all four wheels.
Likewise, 2.5 Turbo still means you get a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder engine. Outputs climb to 250 horsepower and 320 lb.-ft of torque. However, that’s only if you fill the tank with premium unleaded. Otherwise, expect no more than 227 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft of torque. Regardless, it too mounts up to a six-speed automatic transmission and sends power to all four wheels.
Conclusion
Given that much remains the same, I remain cautiously optimistic that the CX-30 will drive great. Just as the 2025 CX-30 I tested did (see above). Even in inclement weather (see below). I just hope Mazda didn’t tune the shocks to be too soft. I guess I’ll have to find out with another review and see if the CX-30 is worth the money.
Another compact crossover worth checking out is the new for 2025 Acura ADX
