Mazda has carved out a reputation for creating stylish, fun-to-drive vehicles that don’t compromise on practicality or value. Their lineup of SUVs is no exception, offering something for a wide range of buyers—from compact crossovers to more spacious family-friendly options. But with multiple Mazda SUVs available, you may be wondering which one is the right fit for your needs.
In this blog post, we’ll break down the key differences between Mazda’s SUV models: the Mazda CX-3, CX-30, CX-5, CX-50, and CX-9. Each offers a unique blend of design, performance, and features, so whether you’re looking for a small urban vehicle or a larger family SUV, there’s likely a Mazda that fits your lifestyle.
1. Mazda CX-3: The Compact and Efficient Choice
- Best for: City dwellers, first-time SUV buyers, and those seeking a compact crossover with sporty handling.
- Price Range: Starts around $23,000
The Mazda CX 3 is Mazda’s smallest SUV, designed for those who want the utility of a crossover but don’t need a large vehicle. With its subcompact size, the CX-3 is perfect for urban driving, offering easy maneuverability, excellent fuel efficiency, and a sporty driving experience that’s a hallmark of Mazda’s design philosophy.
- Performance: The CX-3 is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 148 horsepower. It’s not the most powerful option in its class, but it offers peppy performance, particularly in the corners. Its handling is sharp and nimble, making it fun to drive, especially around tight city streets.
- Interior & Features: The interior is well-crafted, with premium materials for a subcompact SUV. It offers seating for five, but the rear seats are a bit tight, so it’s better suited for small families or couples. Tech features include a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, making it easy to stay connected while on the go.
- Cargo Space: With the rear seats up, you get around 12.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 44.5 cubic feet when the seats are folded down. It’s decent for its size but may not be enough for larger families or frequent gear-haulers.
Bottom line: The CX-3 is ideal for those who want a small, efficient SUV with excellent handling, making it a great choice for city living or first-time SUV buyers who don’t need a lot of space.
2. Mazda CX-30: The Perfect Blend of Compact and Refined
- Best for: Buyers looking for a more refined, spacious alternative to the CX-3 without stepping up to a full-size SUV.
- Price Range: Starts around $23,500
The Mazda CX 30 is positioned between the CX-3 and CX-5, offering a little more space, power, and refinement than the CX-3 but still maintaining a compact footprint. It’s perfect for those who need a bit more room for passengers and cargo without giving up the agile handling Mazda is known for.
- Performance: Under the hood, the CX-30 comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 186 horsepower, a noticeable step up from the CX-3’s powertrain. The extra horsepower translates to more confidence on the highway, while the CX-30’s smooth, composed handling makes it enjoyable to drive on twisty roads.
- Interior & Features: The CX-30’s interior is more upscale than the CX-3, with higher-end materials and a more spacious feel. Standard features include an 8.8-inch touchscreen (larger than the CX-3), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rearview camera. It offers seating for five, with the rear seats providing more legroom than the CX-3, making it a better choice for families with growing kids.
- Cargo Space: The CX-30 offers about 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, which expands to 45.2 cubic feet with the seats down. This makes it a more practical option for carrying larger loads while still maintaining the compact size of a city-friendly SUV.
Bottom line: The CX-30 offers a great mix of style, performance, and practicality. It’s the sweet spot for those who want more interior space than the CX-3 but don’t need the larger proportions or price tag of the CX-5 or CX-9.
3. Mazda CX-5: The Goldilocks of Mazda SUVs
- Best for: Small families, those who want a mid-sized SUV that balances comfort, performance, and features.
- Price Range: Starts around $27,500
The Mazda CX 5 has been a fan favorite for years, thanks to its blend of practicality, sportiness, and upscale design. It’s Mazda’s best-selling SUV, and for good reason: it offers a spacious cabin, strong performance, and plenty of standard features, making it an excellent choice for families or anyone who needs more space without going overboard.
- Performance: The CX-5 offers two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and a turbocharged version that cranks out up to 250 horsepower with premium fuel. The base engine delivers a fun, engaging drive, while the turbocharged option adds an extra level of excitement and power for those who crave a sportier experience.
- Interior & Features: The CX-5’s interior is one of the most premium in its class, with high-quality materials, a clean, modern design, and plenty of tech. Standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a rearview camera, and a suite of advanced safety features. It comfortably seats five, with ample legroom for rear passengers.
- Cargo Space: With the seats up, you get 30.9 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 59.6 cubic feet when the rear seats are folded down. This provides more than enough space for a family’s worth of gear, groceries, or luggage on a road trip.
Bottom line: The CX-5 strikes a perfect balance between space, performance, and luxury. If you want a midsize SUV that offers premium features and sporty driving dynamics, the CX-5 is a top contender.
4. Mazda CX-50: The Rugged, Adventure-Ready Option
- Best for: Adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who want an SUV with off-road capabilities and a rugged design.
- Price Range: Starts around $27,900
The Mazda CX-50 is Mazda’s newest SUV, designed with outdoor enthusiasts and active buyers in mind. It offers more rugged styling and better off-road capabilities than other Mazda models, making it ideal for those who want to venture off the beaten path.
- Performance: The CX-50 comes with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 187 horsepower. It’s available with all-wheel drive (AWD) as standard, making it a great choice for tackling rougher terrain, snow, or rainy weather. For those who want more power, the turbocharged engine option is available, offering up to 250 horsepower.
- Interior & Features: The CX-50 shares many interior features with the CX-5, offering a premium cabin with a large touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of advanced safety features. The interior is more rugged, with weather-resistant materials, perfect for adventurers who might get their SUV a little dirty on the trails.
- Cargo Space: With the rear seats up, you get around 31.4 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 56.3 cubic feet with the seats down. While it doesn’t offer the same amount of space as the CX-5, it’s still generous enough for outdoor gear, camping supplies, or bikes.
Bottom line: The CX-50 is the choice for those who love to adventure but still want the comfort, style, and technology Mazda is known for. It’s a great option for weekend warriors who need a capable, rugged SUV.
5. Mazda CX-9: The Family-Friendly SUV
- Best for: Large families who need three rows of seats and plenty of space without sacrificing style or driving pleasure.
- Price Range: Starts around $41,000
The Mazda CX 9 is Mazda’s largest SUV, offering three rows of seats and spacious accommodations for up to seven passengers. If you need more room for a growing family but don’t want to drive a full-size SUV, the CX-9 is a great balance of size, performance, and luxury.
- Performance: The CX-9 is powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 227 horsepower (up to 250 hp with premium fuel). It provides plenty of power for highway cruising, and its handling is sharper than most other three-row SUVs, giving it a more engaging driving experience.
- Interior & Features: The CX-9’s interior is refined and luxurious, with high-end materials, an intuitive infotainment system, and seating for seven across three rows. Standard features include a 10.25-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a full suite of advanced safety features. The third row is best suited for children or smaller adults, but the first two rows offer ample space.
- Cargo Space: With all three rows in use, you get 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space. When the third row is folded down, it expands to 38.2 cubic feet, and folding both rows down provides a maximum of 71.2 cubic feet of space.
Bottom line: The CX-9 is the perfect choice for families who need three rows of seating but don’t want to sacrifice style, performance, or a fun-to-drive experience.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Mazda SUV for You
Mazda offers a variety of SUVs that cater to different needs and lifestyles, from the compact, city-friendly CX-3 to the spacious, family-oriented CX-9. Each model offers a unique combination of style, performance, and practicality, so the right choice depends on your priorities—whether that’s size, driving dynamics, or cargo capacity.
Think about how much space you need, how you plan to use the vehicle, and what kind of driving experience you’re after. Once you’ve figured that out, you’ll be one step closer to finding the perfect Mazda SUV for you!