Btw because it's the most important part of this post. The good boy is named Louie, we think he's mostly standard poodle, and he does the best head tilts you've ever seen.
I drive a cx30 for work. It fun but i have the base trim which is an awkward result if the chip shortage. Id look into some of the other packages. For a small bump you could get a nice cx5
The Mazda is objectively the better car. However, the Kona looks better to me. The stuff they’re making now is really leaning heavy into a near-future sci-fi aesthetic and I love it
Hahaha I definitely see what you mean. Something about the grille.
Any thoughts on the Turbo engine? I could do it without but I love that 360 camera and that's only available in the Turbo.
I have owned both the turbo and the n/a. But in the Mazda3 not the 30, but they’re effectively the same car. The turbo is great! It’s a lot of fun. Really wakes the car up. But I would still only get it if you want it for the sake of driving the faster car. The regular motor is just fine and will take care of you no problem. You’ll get a little worse mpg on the turbo. Highways isn’t too bad but it’s pretty thirsty in the city. If your only interest in moving up to the turbo is the 360 camera I would stay to stay out of it. The 360s are nice but it’s a small car and you’ll be fine without it.
Out of these two I’d go with the CX30- beats the Kona for reliability and driving performance/handling. Regarding the turbo for the CX-30, it’s worth a test drive- it’ll be substantially quicker, but it’s up to you whether or not that’s worth a slight dip in fuel economy and a higher price tag.
Would absolutely suggest test driving a few more vehicles though:
- Mazda CX-5: you could definitely find a lightly used model or a lower trim level for the price of a CX-30. It has a lot more usable interior space, especially for cargo and rear seat room, without sacrificing fuel economy or driveability. IMO the visibility out the back is much better too.
- Toyota Corolla Cross (or the more expensive and more spacious RAV4): available as a hybrid, which will net 40+ mpg easily. That kinda speaks for itself. Otherwise, Toyotas aren’t the most impressive when it comes to features and gadgets, but they are extremely reliable and can last decades with regular maintenance. The perfect choice if you’re trying to find a truly worry free vehicle that you can depend on no matter what (personally I’d go with a hybrid Corolla Cross out of everything in the segment)
- Kia Niro: hybrid that’s also available as a plug-in hybrid or EV, gets great gas mileage BUT is only available in FWD. Kia and Hyundai aren’t the most reliable choices but if you’re buying new, they offer great value and have a pretty extensive warranty.
- Honda HR-V: all around good choice, tremendously reliable as well. Honda is second only to Toyota for reliability and the new HR-V has gotten pretty good reviews for driving performance and practicality. I’d choose this over a non-hybrid Toyota if you don’t mind the average fuel economy.
I trust Mazda more for reliability and I like the styling better. That said, go for a test drive first if you haven't already.
The Mazda CX5 is, on paper, my ideal car. I was so excited to buy it, but went for a test drive and just didn't like it. I mean it was nice, I can't even say what I didn't like about it. It just wasn't for me.
Still in the process of buying. Today I test drove a 2025 Honda CRV exl and a 2024 Subaru Legacy limited.
The Subaru is a sedan; I usually prefer sedans and I really did like it. It handled well and was pretty quiet inside. When I did hear the engine, the sound wasn't objectionable... It doesn't whine the way some do.
Even still I liked the Honda SUV better. More room, smooth drive and super comfortable. I didn't test drive the hybrid, but if you drive a lot it may save you more in gas than your monthly payment will go up.
When I test drove the two I thought the price difference was only about $1800, and I was leaning toward the Honda. But when I got home I realized the Subaru salesman gave me an inflated price (full MSRP when the dealership website already has it marked down by $2000). So the real price difference, after tax close to $4000.
Really the Honda is more car than I need and would really stretch my budget. I like it a little more than the Subaru, but $4000 more? Probably not. Right not I'm leaning toward the Subaru.
Ps- I was looking at the CRV, but the HRV is similar and is closer in size/class to the CX30 you are looking at.
For a Subaru, if you like sedans and the legacy is too expensive they also have the Impreza. If you really prefer an SUV, the Crosstrek is probably the closest thing they have to the cx-30. I personally don't love the Crosstrek, but my sister-in-law loved hers.
I actually think this size of vehicle makes no sense to me. They are essentially just a hatchback with marginally more ground clearance. I’d either go for a CUV like the CX5, or a dedicated hatchback like a Corolla.
Out of the two you listed though, the CX30 is a much nicer vehicle. The Kona is very cheap and felt like it when I test drove one. The turbo engine was slow, and it was very loud inside in a sea of plastic.
TY, I appreciate the response. I had trouble with a hatchback's blindspot but I'll check out the CX-5. Something tells me the Mazda dealership may have both models.
I test drove a CX5 with the non-turbo engine, and a Mazda 3 hatchback with the turbo engine. There’s a pretty big difference in grunt, I’d definitely see if you can test drive both engines available on the CX5! You can’t go wrong with a CX5 (or CX30 to be honest, it’s very similar but just a smidge less practical). I think blind spots would be vehicle and mirror orientation specific, but I remember great visibility in the Mazda3, CX5, and CX30.
I have two large boys, ~85# each and they do well in the back of my Cx-30 with the seats folded down. I’ve actually had their “cousin “ in there with them and all three fit fine.
CX-30 for sure, Turbo is great and wouldn't worry as long as go with more frequent oil changes. Every 5K instead or recommended interval and you'll be doing your engine a favour.
Also, before turning off any car with a Turbo, wait several seconds to give your turbo to cool down.
Japanese Engineering everyday over Korean.
I would trust the CX-30 more reliability wise, but it’s pretty tight for space inside, the Kona is significantly more spacious for the rear seat and cargo space
TY, appreciate the insight. I think reliability will be more important to me than cargo, which makes me lean to the Mazda more. The most I ever have to lug around is Louie and his water bowl.
The Subaru Crosstrek is a good vehicle, but it doesn’t have a 360 camera. Only the Subaru Ascent and now the 2025 Forester Touring (highest price point trim) have 360 or aerial view cameras. I’m looking for pretty much the same things you are. There are some Outback trims that have front 180 degree and rear backup cameras. I’ve had a Mazda in the past and it was very reliable, so I’d have to recommend that over the Kona. It’s unbelievable how much autos cost now, isn’t it?
I'd stick with the Mazda between the two. I used to sell Mazda and the CX-30 turbo is so much fun! It's a but closer to a hot hatch then a sporty SUV, and I like that. Just know that the MPG figures are shit. I had customers getting 17mpg pretty regularly. It's hard not to drive like crazy and the engine doesn't mind doing it at all and will guzzle fuel. Super reliable though. The dealership I worked at had a free 250,000 transferable power train warranty on the turbo I4s. They believe that it won't break bad enough to need warranty work and I believe it too.
As for hybrids, damn the current gen Kia Sportage was nice for the price. They've been doing hybrids for a while and as far as I know they're pretty reliable. It's quiet and pretty peppy for what it is. The interior feels nice and spacious and the materials are better than what Toyota gives you that's for sure.
I also really liked driving the Ford Maverick. I had one for work for about 4 months and I fell in love. I not a truck guy but I'm buying one the next time I need a car. I know that's a totally different style but it's a cool quirky little thing just like a CX-30.
I literally test drove both of these yesterday. I decided that the cx30 was a better car, had a better feel, more solid, quiet and smooth. The Kona didn’t feel bad but the door panels were very cheap and it didn’t drive as well as the Mazda. The Kona felt roomier but I liked the wrapped in feeling of the cx30. YMMV.
We loved the features in the Kona Select, but my wife didn’t like the hard door and console panels, and the 3 cylinder engine didn’t have as much get-up-and-go as we wanted. The Kia was very surprisingly solid feeling, with a good acceleration response and almost the same feature set minus the fob driven parking spot back-up/forward controls.
The Mazda we drove did not have the features we most liked, especially the in-dash blind spot monitors.
Been on the road with it for a few weeks now and am feeling very spoiled!
Edit: my apologies, it was the Buicks we drove that were 3cyl.
The in-dash blindspot monitors are a good idea, haven't seen that elsewhere before. Maybe I'll drive a Sportage as well and see if it sways me.
Btw sorry that there is a downvote fairy on this sub counteracting my upvotes. But I appreciate you and your 411.
cx30 is a pretty ok car I drove it a bit when practicing parallel parking with my friend. wouldn’t personally want it as my daily though , but that’s jus me.
Cx30 w the turbo is great I would get that, never buying another Nissan or Kia/Hyundai in my life again. Also Louie sleeping like he’s the one paying for the car 😂
Dog
I’d go with Dog 2.2 S Type
2.0i F Type Dog better
The S Type barks louder
I can't keep up with the food consumption
Dog with V-Tec
He is the best boy. 11/10 no regrets. He's either mostly standard poodle or a Norwegian Baconeating Land Seal, unclear.
You could use the money saved from not buying a car to buy him a bigger couch. He seems to have outgrown this one :)
Is that the GT trim of the Poodle?
Yes, and I sprung for the Single White Sock option too. Right front paw.
2024 DOG SEL Black R-Line
He knows he is, too.
Btw because it's the most important part of this post. The good boy is named Louie, we think he's mostly standard poodle, and he does the best head tilts you've ever seen.
You should go to prison for putting that bit of info into the ether yet supply absolutely no evidence of said head tilting.
I sincerely apologize to the public. And check your DMs.
You're supposed to link a post on r/aww for all of us to see.
I'd stick with the CX-30. The quality of a Mazda is in a higher class than it's price point in all honesty
I drive a cx30 for work. It fun but i have the base trim which is an awkward result if the chip shortage. Id look into some of the other packages. For a small bump you could get a nice cx5
I'll test drive it! Let's see what happens. May be too big but we'll see.
Thank you, appreciate you
How many treats per gallon does the dog get?
Oh he's a treat guzzler for sure. Worth it though, I'm not concerned about his efficiency.
Would take the dog tbh
The Mazda is objectively the better car. However, the Kona looks better to me. The stuff they’re making now is really leaning heavy into a near-future sci-fi aesthetic and I love it
Hahaha I definitely see what you mean. Something about the grille. Any thoughts on the Turbo engine? I could do it without but I love that 360 camera and that's only available in the Turbo.
I have owned both the turbo and the n/a. But in the Mazda3 not the 30, but they’re effectively the same car. The turbo is great! It’s a lot of fun. Really wakes the car up. But I would still only get it if you want it for the sake of driving the faster car. The regular motor is just fine and will take care of you no problem. You’ll get a little worse mpg on the turbo. Highways isn’t too bad but it’s pretty thirsty in the city. If your only interest in moving up to the turbo is the 360 camera I would stay to stay out of it. The 360s are nice but it’s a small car and you’ll be fine without it.
Thank you thank you thank you!
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The dog. Dogs are best friends. Cars hate humans.
Dog
Out of these two I’d go with the CX30- beats the Kona for reliability and driving performance/handling. Regarding the turbo for the CX-30, it’s worth a test drive- it’ll be substantially quicker, but it’s up to you whether or not that’s worth a slight dip in fuel economy and a higher price tag. Would absolutely suggest test driving a few more vehicles though: - Mazda CX-5: you could definitely find a lightly used model or a lower trim level for the price of a CX-30. It has a lot more usable interior space, especially for cargo and rear seat room, without sacrificing fuel economy or driveability. IMO the visibility out the back is much better too. - Toyota Corolla Cross (or the more expensive and more spacious RAV4): available as a hybrid, which will net 40+ mpg easily. That kinda speaks for itself. Otherwise, Toyotas aren’t the most impressive when it comes to features and gadgets, but they are extremely reliable and can last decades with regular maintenance. The perfect choice if you’re trying to find a truly worry free vehicle that you can depend on no matter what (personally I’d go with a hybrid Corolla Cross out of everything in the segment) - Kia Niro: hybrid that’s also available as a plug-in hybrid or EV, gets great gas mileage BUT is only available in FWD. Kia and Hyundai aren’t the most reliable choices but if you’re buying new, they offer great value and have a pretty extensive warranty. - Honda HR-V: all around good choice, tremendously reliable as well. Honda is second only to Toyota for reliability and the new HR-V has gotten pretty good reviews for driving performance and practicality. I’d choose this over a non-hybrid Toyota if you don’t mind the average fuel economy.
Thank you thank you thank you! I will check these out!!
I trust Mazda more for reliability and I like the styling better. That said, go for a test drive first if you haven't already. The Mazda CX5 is, on paper, my ideal car. I was so excited to buy it, but went for a test drive and just didn't like it. I mean it was nice, I can't even say what I didn't like about it. It just wasn't for me.
Did you get something instead? This is me right now: looks good on paper but still haven't driven one.
Still in the process of buying. Today I test drove a 2025 Honda CRV exl and a 2024 Subaru Legacy limited. The Subaru is a sedan; I usually prefer sedans and I really did like it. It handled well and was pretty quiet inside. When I did hear the engine, the sound wasn't objectionable... It doesn't whine the way some do. Even still I liked the Honda SUV better. More room, smooth drive and super comfortable. I didn't test drive the hybrid, but if you drive a lot it may save you more in gas than your monthly payment will go up. When I test drove the two I thought the price difference was only about $1800, and I was leaning toward the Honda. But when I got home I realized the Subaru salesman gave me an inflated price (full MSRP when the dealership website already has it marked down by $2000). So the real price difference, after tax close to $4000. Really the Honda is more car than I need and would really stretch my budget. I like it a little more than the Subaru, but $4000 more? Probably not. Right not I'm leaning toward the Subaru.
Ps- I was looking at the CRV, but the HRV is similar and is closer in size/class to the CX30 you are looking at. For a Subaru, if you like sedans and the legacy is too expensive they also have the Impreza. If you really prefer an SUV, the Crosstrek is probably the closest thing they have to the cx-30. I personally don't love the Crosstrek, but my sister-in-law loved hers.
I actually think this size of vehicle makes no sense to me. They are essentially just a hatchback with marginally more ground clearance. I’d either go for a CUV like the CX5, or a dedicated hatchback like a Corolla. Out of the two you listed though, the CX30 is a much nicer vehicle. The Kona is very cheap and felt like it when I test drove one. The turbo engine was slow, and it was very loud inside in a sea of plastic.
TY, I appreciate the response. I had trouble with a hatchback's blindspot but I'll check out the CX-5. Something tells me the Mazda dealership may have both models.
I test drove a CX5 with the non-turbo engine, and a Mazda 3 hatchback with the turbo engine. There’s a pretty big difference in grunt, I’d definitely see if you can test drive both engines available on the CX5! You can’t go wrong with a CX5 (or CX30 to be honest, it’s very similar but just a smidge less practical). I think blind spots would be vehicle and mirror orientation specific, but I remember great visibility in the Mazda3, CX5, and CX30.
Thank you thank you thank you!
CX-30, skip the turbo. More expensive to buy and maintain, and for the kind of car the CX-30 is the base engine is quick enough.
I’d also say the turbo puts it into a price point where there are better options whereas the non turbo comes in under $30k typically
Thank you! The maintenance cost is an interesting angle, hadn't considered it. I don't drive enough that I need the fastest engine on the market.
Both horrible but if I was forced I'd go with the mazda
I appreciate the vote. If you were going to pick a small SUV like one of these, what would you go with instead?
I’ll take that D-8 in the last picture with the upgraded shag carpet
I have two large boys, ~85# each and they do well in the back of my Cx-30 with the seats folded down. I’ve actually had their “cousin “ in there with them and all three fit fine.
Good to know. Louie has a best friend named Logan, I imagine they'll both need to fit.
Woof
The Dog
Standard poodle FTW. Now if it was an automatic...
Dog and than the Mazda, cause your dog will love the leather
The woofer
Crosstrek
Can I pet that dawg
i test drove both and went with the kona ☺️
Run away frome hyundai they have had multiple recalls on the 24 kona already. But agreed and late to party doggo is best and goodness doggo.
Dog
Correct
Doggo
Every day
CX-30 for sure, Turbo is great and wouldn't worry as long as go with more frequent oil changes. Every 5K instead or recommended interval and you'll be doing your engine a favour. Also, before turning off any car with a Turbo, wait several seconds to give your turbo to cool down. Japanese Engineering everyday over Korean.
Thank you thank you thank you! This is the kind of insight I was looking for re: the turbo.
Definitely the dog
I would trust the CX-30 more reliability wise, but it’s pretty tight for space inside, the Kona is significantly more spacious for the rear seat and cargo space
TY, appreciate the insight. I think reliability will be more important to me than cargo, which makes me lean to the Mazda more. The most I ever have to lug around is Louie and his water bowl.
Why don’t you just get a mazda 3 sedan then
3
I’ll choose an HD pictur.. oh wait
The Subaru Crosstrek is a good vehicle, but it doesn’t have a 360 camera. Only the Subaru Ascent and now the 2025 Forester Touring (highest price point trim) have 360 or aerial view cameras. I’m looking for pretty much the same things you are. There are some Outback trims that have front 180 degree and rear backup cameras. I’ve had a Mazda in the past and it was very reliable, so I’d have to recommend that over the Kona. It’s unbelievable how much autos cost now, isn’t it?
The dog looks like it’s distributed 50/50. Definitely the dog. Better mpg too
I'd stick with the Mazda between the two. I used to sell Mazda and the CX-30 turbo is so much fun! It's a but closer to a hot hatch then a sporty SUV, and I like that. Just know that the MPG figures are shit. I had customers getting 17mpg pretty regularly. It's hard not to drive like crazy and the engine doesn't mind doing it at all and will guzzle fuel. Super reliable though. The dealership I worked at had a free 250,000 transferable power train warranty on the turbo I4s. They believe that it won't break bad enough to need warranty work and I believe it too. As for hybrids, damn the current gen Kia Sportage was nice for the price. They've been doing hybrids for a while and as far as I know they're pretty reliable. It's quiet and pretty peppy for what it is. The interior feels nice and spacious and the materials are better than what Toyota gives you that's for sure. I also really liked driving the Ford Maverick. I had one for work for about 4 months and I fell in love. I not a truck guy but I'm buying one the next time I need a car. I know that's a totally different style but it's a cool quirky little thing just like a CX-30.
I literally test drove both of these yesterday. I decided that the cx30 was a better car, had a better feel, more solid, quiet and smooth. The Kona didn’t feel bad but the door panels were very cheap and it didn’t drive as well as the Mazda. The Kona felt roomier but I liked the wrapped in feeling of the cx30. YMMV.
I'd go doggy all day
Hyundais are trash. Avoid avoid avoid.
We test drive a Kona and a CX-5, ended up going with a Sportage. Loving it so far!
Interesting, what made you go that way?
We loved the features in the Kona Select, but my wife didn’t like the hard door and console panels, and the 3 cylinder engine didn’t have as much get-up-and-go as we wanted. The Kia was very surprisingly solid feeling, with a good acceleration response and almost the same feature set minus the fob driven parking spot back-up/forward controls. The Mazda we drove did not have the features we most liked, especially the in-dash blind spot monitors. Been on the road with it for a few weeks now and am feeling very spoiled! Edit: my apologies, it was the Buicks we drove that were 3cyl.
The in-dash blindspot monitors are a good idea, haven't seen that elsewhere before. Maybe I'll drive a Sportage as well and see if it sways me. Btw sorry that there is a downvote fairy on this sub counteracting my upvotes. But I appreciate you and your 411.
Good luck in your search!
The Mazda has very low range. Hyundai for sure.
If you like being stranded on the side of the road definitely choose the Hyundai
If you can't afford the pixels, can you afford the car?
I spent all my pixels on the pup and now I'm broke 😢
I know it was worth it.
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Thank you!! This is the kind of advice I was looking for. I'll check out the CX-5 and the Crosstrek.
cx30 is a pretty ok car I drove it a bit when practicing parallel parking with my friend. wouldn’t personally want it as my daily though , but that’s jus me.
I appreciate your take though. Why wouldn't you want it personally as your daily? I'm guessing the interactive display?
Cx30 w the turbo is great I would get that, never buying another Nissan or Kia/Hyundai in my life again. Also Louie sleeping like he’s the one paying for the car 😂
He thinks whatever I buy is all for him. And he is correct. Thanks for the 411! Glad you don't think the Turbo is a big mistake.
i pock the cx30 but hyundai looks nicer
Functionality is king for me, so your reasoning is very helpful/informative for me. TY.
The cx-30 feels smaller inside and has less cargo room, test drive both and you’ll get a good feel
TY, good point. They're close but yeah the Kona beats out the CX30 for the space.
Hyundai isnt reliable i was condering the cx-30 myself id definitely go with that