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Mazda SUV Face-Off

Mazda CX-5 vs CX-30: Which SUV Fits You?

Two compact Mazda SUVs, same design language, different jobs. The CX-5 is the larger, more versatile one. The CX-30 is the smaller, nimbler, more efficient one. Here is how they compare for real-world Long Island driving.

Long Island Auto Source Updated July 2026 7 min read

Both share Mazda's refined driving character and premium cabin feel, and both come with standard i-Activ all-wheel drive. The gap shows up in size, space, efficiency, and, since the CX-5's recent redesign, which one still offers a turbo.

We lease and broker both, delivered to your door. Here is the honest head-to-head. When you are ready, explore our SUV lease deals.

The Head-to-Head

Six categories decide most of these calls. Tap a row to see who takes it and why.

Interactive ยท The Duel Board

CX-5 or CX-30, Round by Round

Gold means the CX-5 takes it. Dark means the CX-30.

Space & cargo
CX-5

The redesigned CX-5 is the clearly roomier one, with about 41 inches of front legroom, nearly 40 in the rear, and 33.7 cubic feet of cargo behind the second row that expands to about 66.5 with the seats folded. The CX-30 offers 20.2 cubic feet and less rear legroom, fine for city commutes but tighter on longer trips.

Fuel efficiency
CX-30

Lighter and slightly smaller, the CX-30 earns an EPA-estimated 26 city and 33 highway on its base engine, edging the CX-5's up-to-26 city and 30 highway. For stop-and-go commuting, the CX-30 sips a bit less.

City agility
CX-30

A smaller footprint and lighter curb weight give the CX-30 quicker steering response and a tighter feel in the city. It is the easier of the two to park and thread through tight streets and crowded lots.

Ride refinement
CX-5

The CX-5 uses a multilink rear suspension for more sophisticated handling and better ride comfort over rough pavement, where the CX-30's torsion-beam rear cannot quite match it. Combined with more sound insulation, the CX-5 feels more settled and quiet, especially at highway speed.

Turbo option
CX-30

Here is what changed. With the CX-5's redesign, its turbocharged engine was discontinued, so the CX-5 now runs a single naturally aspirated 2.5-liter. The CX-30 still offers a 2.5 Turbo making up to 250 horsepower on premium fuel. If you want turbo punch in a compact Mazda SUV, the CX-30 is now the one that has it.

Tech & versatility
CX-5

The redesigned CX-5 steps up to a large 12.9-inch standard touchscreen, with an available 15.6-inch unit and Google built-in, against the CX-30's 8.8-inch display. It also offers light towing of up to 2,000 pounds and a more upscale cabin, while the CX-30 is not rated for towing.

3Rounds to CX-5
3Rounds to CX-30
Which side are you on? Tap what matters most.
Go CX-5. If you want more room, a quieter and more refined ride, a bigger screen, and light towing capability, the larger CX-5 is the more flexible daily SUV.
Go CX-30. If efficiency, easy parking, and the option of turbocharged power lead your list, the smaller, sportier CX-30 makes the stronger case, especially in the city.

Side by Side, By the Numbers

Spec
CX-5
CX-30
Base engine
2.5L, 187 hp
2.5L, 191 hp
Turbo option
Discontinued
Yes, up to 250 hp
Drivetrain
i-Activ AWD std
i-Activ AWD std
MPG (city/hwy)
Up to 26 / 30
26 / 33
Cargo (behind 2nd)
33.7 cu ft
20.2 cu ft
Cargo (max)
Up to 66.5 cu ft
Less
Rear suspension
Multilink
Torsion beam
Top screen
Up to 15.6 in
8.8 in
Towing
Up to 2,000 lb
Not rated

Figures reflect the trims described and are manufacturer or EPA estimates that vary by configuration. Confirm current specs before you lease.

The Verdict

The CX-5 delivers more space, a more refined ride, a bigger screen, and light towing, a practical yet premium pick for drivers who want comfort and flexibility in equal measure. The CX-30 brings compact agility, better fuel economy, expressive styling, and the only turbo of the two, which makes it a strong choice for efficiency-minded city drivers who still want some punch. Both share Mazda's engineering and standard all-wheel drive. They simply fit different lives.

Whichever fits yours, we make getting one simple. Tell us the model, trim, and options and we handle the negotiation, paperwork, and delivery to your door.

Common Questions

Does the Mazda CX-5 still offer a turbo engine?
No. With the CX-5's redesign, the turbocharged engine was discontinued, and the lineup now runs a single naturally aspirated 2.5-liter making 187 horsepower. The CX-30 is now the compact Mazda SUV that still offers a 2.5 Turbo, rated up to 250 horsepower on premium fuel.
Which Mazda is more fuel-efficient?
The CX-30. Its base engine is rated at an EPA-estimated 26 city and 33 highway, ahead of the CX-5's up-to-26 city and 30 highway. The CX-30's lighter weight and smaller size give it the daily-driving efficiency edge.
Which is better for families and cargo?
The CX-5. It offers significantly more cargo, about 33.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and up to 66.5 with them folded, plus more rear legroom, a more refined ride, and light towing up to 2,000 pounds. For gear-heavy routines and longer trips, it is the more capable choice.
L

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CX-5 or CX-30, tell us the trim and options and we run the lease numbers, negotiate, and deliver it to your driveway anywhere on Long Island.

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