2022 Mazda CX-30 Trim Levels, Configurations & Comparisons.

Mazda's CX-30 is a sleek car with premium styling and high-end technology. It will appeal as a compact SUV for those looking for versatility but wanting nimble cars. Potential buyers can consider many options, as Mazda offers the CX-30 in eight trim levels.

Compare the 2.5 S vs Select Trim Levels. What is the difference?

These trims share a 2.5-liter engine with the rest of those in this portion of the lineup. 186 horsepower and 186 pound-feet of torque can be produced by one of these engines. All-wheel drive is now a standard feature for this model year. Moreover, the all-wheel drivetrain includes an off-road traction assist. An electronically controlled sport automatic transmission with six gears is mated to the engine.

Both of these trims have LED headlights and LED daytime running lights, as well as rain-sensing windshield wipers. This is an example of how nicely appointed Mazda’s, even entry-level trims, can be. However, only the Select has roof rails, privacy glass for the rear windows, and mirrors with integrated turn signals. The Select rides on 18-inch wheels, while those on the 2.5 S only measure 16 inches.

The selection of colors on the outlook is another variation. The Select has six color possibilities whereas the 2.5 S only comes in three. The colors that aren't offered on the 2.5 S are Platinum Quartz Metallic, Machine Gray Metallic, and Soul Red Crystal Metallic.

Given the low starting price of the trim, the 2.5 S's interior feels quite nice. It has a push-button start, remote keyless entry, and small storage compartments in addition to cloth seats.

The proximity sensor, which can be activated by the keychain, is Mazda's standout feature. Unlocking the car is as simple for the Mazda driver as touching the door handle sensor. The Select, on the other hand, comes standard with a high-tech keyless entry system. As per your likeliness, you can choose one.  
A rear center armrest, rear air vents, and automatic climate control with dual zones are some of the additional features that come standard on the Select. The Select trim level stands out from the rest thanks to its leatherette seats and leather-wrapped steering wheel.

It is common knowledge that Mazda automobiles incorporate a significant amount of contemporary safety equipment and technologically advanced components. Bluetooth, Apple Car-Play, and Android Auto are standard on the 8.8-inch center displays that come standard on both of these trims. In addition, they come equipped with a number of driver assistance mechanisms, including automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keep assist, among others. The Select comes standard with blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the 2.5 S falls short in this department.

Compare the Select vs Preferred Trims. What is the difference?

The Preferred follows next in the sequence of events. It now has exterior mirrors that are of a higher quality. These side mirrors have the ability to tilt backward and remember their previous position, which is useful when parking. Memory positioning is compatible with both the power-adjustable driver's seat and its power lumbar support feature. These features deliver a greater value for the customer.

There are extra enhancements inside the cabin of the Preferred as well, even though the technology and safety packages remain the same as those that the Select has. The Preferred offers a power moon-roof, which can really make the cabin feel more open. Its overhead console is perfect for holding sunglasses, and its vanity mirrors have illumination. In this regard, the Preferred offers greater compatibility.

More importantly, perhaps, the Preferred has heated front seats. These can make a difference when the temperatures drop, especially when people first get in and when you drive in colder regions.

The Preferred has the same exterior color choices as the Select. Inside the cabin, though, it provides customers with two choices. They can choose from greige or black leatherette seats. Greige is a color that is a blend of gray and beige. On the Select, the only option is a black leatherette material. If you like the color black then Select is the best option for you.

Compare the Preferred vs Carbon Edition. What is the difference?

New for the 2022 model year, the Carbon Edition has a bolder aesthetic than the Preferred does. Its exterior paint color is a Poly-metal Gray Metallic, and inside the cabin, there are red leather seats.

After this, there are hardly any differences. This makes sense since less than $1,000 separates the Carbon Edition from the Preferred. The only other thing to note about the Carbon Edition is that its side mirrors have been upgraded with heating elements. This can be useful in the winter when frost or ice could otherwise build up.

Compare the Carbon Edition vs Premium Trim. What is the difference?

The step from Carbon Edition to Premium is significant. The Premium is the highest CX-30 trim level, with a 186-horsepower engine. All trims other than the Premium have turbocharged engines.


The Premium has signature LED headlights and signature LED combination taillights, giving it a distinct appearance. It also has adaptive front lighting. These types of headlights can adjust their direction if the Mazda turns to one side, making dark and curvy roads easier to navigate.

It's interesting to note that the Premium lacks heated side mirrors. It does, however, have a shark fin antenna and a power liftgate in the back. When one's hands are full of supplies like gear, groceries, or other equipment, having a power liftgate can be useful. Children and people with mobility issues may find it to be much more practical to use. There are six paint color options available for the Premium, just like the Select and Preferred.

While it runs on the same engine as the lower trims do, the Premium does have an advantage over the others because it has paddle shifters. When a driver wants more control over shifting, they can be entertaining to use. They can play around with timing and make the SUV feel more aggressive if they prefer.

As mentioned, the Carbon Edition gets to have red leather seats. With the Premium, red is not an option. Instead, there could be black leather or white leather seats.

Most would agree that the most significant way in which the Premium has been enhanced is related to its infotainment system. It comes with 12 Bose speakers and Center point 2 and Audio Pilot technology to improve the audio quality. It also features integrated navigation. Many consumers are looking for vehicles with this type of equipment since it's simple to use and can help drivers stay focused on the road rather than trying to use their smartphones to access directions. Along with navigation, the Premium comes with SiriusXM and SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link.

The Premium has more comprehensive safety features than the Standard due to two enhancements. One is a traffic sign recognition technology; while the other is an interactive driving display that projection onto the windshield. Both of these aid the driver in staying alert and focused while on the road.

Compare the Premium vs 2.5 Turbo. What is the difference?

The 2.5 Turbo's moniker alludes to the fact that it has a turbocharged power plant. The 2.5-liter displacement of this engine is identical to that of the standard unit. The turbocharger boosts power to 250 hp and 320 lb.-ft.The 2.5-liter engine makes 186 HP and 186 lb.-ft. Even a novice driver would notice this difference after a while, especially when accelerating.

Fuel economy differences are minimal. The standard engine gets 24 city/31 highway mpg. The turbo CX-30 gets 22 and 30 mpg.

Other than having the more powerful engine, the 2.5 Turbo actually has slightly less to offer than the Premium does. For instance, adaptive front lighting is not available on the 2.5 Turbo, and neither is navigation, traffic sign recognition, or an active driving display. In addition, the 2.5 Turbo does not have a power lift-gate, and it has leatherette upholstery instead of leather. Its leatherette seats can be black or greige.

The 2.5 Turbo is still fairly refined, having heated side mirrors and a power moon roof. It treats people in the front to heated seats, and it offers Sirius XM. One element that this trim has is a frameless auto-dimming mirror. This component is only included on the CX-30 trims with the turbo engine.

Compare the 2.5 Turbo vs 2.5 Turbo Premium. What is the difference?

Customers must choose the 2.5 Turbo Premium or the next higher trim to get navigation, an active driving display, and a faster engine. The 2.5 Turbo Premium shares safety and technology with the Premium. It even has more to offer on both its exterior and interior. At this level, a windshield wiper de-icer becomes standard. The signature LED lights seen on the Premium return to the CX-30 at the 2.5 Turbo Premium level, as does a rear power liftgate.

The 2.5 Turbo Premium shares the paddle shifters of the standard Premium trim. Additionally, the steering wheel may be heated to alleviate cold winter months. The 2.5 Turbo Premium's navigation system, active driving display, and traffic sign recognition are all features that drivers will love. Additionally, the 2.5 Turbo lacks this model's adaptive front illumination. Like the Premium trim, it offers two color options for its leather upholstery: black and white.

Compare the 2.5 Turbo Premium vs 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. What is the difference?

This last trim is elegant. It includes everything the preceding trims had plus enhancements. Its auto-dimming driver-side mirror reduces glare. All of this trim's upgrades are safety-related.

Four safety features are added to the 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus. The first is a 360-degree monitor that displays drivers' location. Front and rear parking sensors can warn of collisions. Rear auto-braking is also included.

2.5 Turbo Premium Plus has Traffic Jam Assist. It enhances the adaptive cruise control system's capabilities. It has the ability to gradually adjust steering and speed to retain the Mazda safely inside the lane lines. The program can maintain the CX-30 in line with the car in front of it even if the lane markings cannot be seen.

Final Thoughts

Given all of the options, there are so many factors at play when deciding which Mazda CX-30 to choose. Prospective customers will have to decide which type of engine they prefer. The turbocharged engine is unquestionably superior to the standard one, and for many, the extra cost is well worth it.

Expensive experiences can be fun. The 2.5 Turbo Premium is therefore the suggested trim. It almost has the luxury car feel thanks to its power lift-gate, heated steering wheel, leather seats, and navigation system. It may be a bit pricey in comparison to the other cars in the lineup with a starting price of about $33,000. Nevertheless, when you consider everything it has to offer, the price is not that high.

In all likelihood, not everybody will desire to have a beautiful trim. If a buyer wants to spend less than $30,000, alternative trims are OK. The Select is a fantastic option since it has several cutting-edge safety features, leatherette seats, and keyless entry with modern technology.

Previous Year Trim Configurations:

• 2021 Mazda CX 30 Trime Levels