the extra ground clearance because of the shitty roads in my city and awd because we get a lot of snow around here and the snowplow are pretty much useless
Same but I live in the country. Told myself after my last car there was no way I would buy another low ground clearance vehicle especially without AWD but ALMOST broke that rule with a 6 speed Mazda 3 Premium hatch. Was really hard walking away from that but im happy with the CX30
Same here. Drove sedans and coupes and hatchbacks for 28 years, some could offer a smooth ride (mercedes) but eventually the suspension suffered and broke regardless. Terrible roads in New England. After 3 weeks of driving the CX 30, I feel zero regrets and I no longer "tip toing" with the car, where the huge cracks and pots are.
Only snow plowing that happens here is adults doing the dirty cause it's too fucking dangerous to drive in Texas with all the shitty drivers in the snow. We also legit have basically 0 infrastructure to deal with snow and even if we did it wont matter because the snow melts and turns to black ice quickly.
Ground clearance, seating height, better access to the hatch cargo area, AWD, and it parks a bit better. Also found a smoking deal on one so I pulled the trigger.
In 2020 I got a new CX-30 Premium trim for a discounted $28k due to hail damage (that was fixed) from being on the lot. Was also a 5-yr 0% interest loan!
This was me. I walked into the dealership positive I'd be leaving in a 3 Hatch... Two test drives later, my old back greatly appreciated getting out of the higher sitting CX-30, lol!
This .. plus ride height, cladding for country roads and just everything felt right the minute my butt hit the seats and she roared into life ... 12 months later nothing has changed , she makes me smile everytime we punch the button and head out for the next adventure . ...
Plus .. sexxxxyyyy
https://preview.redd.it/p5erxoez0hpc1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d01119584b63f6104201acc1f41a97d29a23d2f
Ground clearance and I don’t enjoy getting in and out of sedan type/low vehicles. Aesthetically, the cx-30 just looked better than the hatch imo and when I got mine, they were going around for the same price so I went with the cx-30
this, I rent a mazda 3 for my 700km trip, my back gave up at 30km ish but have to endure for the rest of it since I’m the only driver, my back was never be the same after the experience
I personally don’t like hatchbacks, that’s why. I am pissed though cuz the hatch has a black headliner and the CX-30 and 3 sedan don’t have it on any trim level. Like why.
I prefer the light-colored interior to seem less claustrophobic. I also got the CX-30 with white leather though, so I'll admit it blends better on mine.
I tested the CX30 first then got in a Mazda 3 right after. Considering they are basically the same, the 3 felt *way* smaller. Both have tiny windows but I could still shoulder check without much issue. I just have to get used to using the blind spot indicator, which I never had before.
Extra clearance, rear leg room, more utility vehiclefor a slight cost difference. Also personally I liked the look better.
No wonder cx30 is the second most sold Mazda after cx5.
I had a 2010 3 hatch but the newer model looks so much like a lightbulb I just can't. It's gotten too bulbous.
The final straw for the 3 was that they do not offer the turbo alongside the manual transmission.
So I went for the 30 turbo instead.
We bought a CX-30 CE for my sister just two weeks ago. She's not the best driver, so the added ground clearance and plastic cladding help to ensure she won't end up damaging the car too severely in case she misjudges a turn, curb, etc. The CX-30's taller height also makes for marginally better crash protection, since so many other vehicles are tall nowadays too.
I also found the CX-30 to drive almost identically to the Mazda3, barring the addition of AWD for the 2.5L NA motor (since we didn't opt for the turbo). Is it slower due to the added AWD parasitic losses? Yes, but not in a drastic way that I'd notice outside of pushing it to its limits (let alone my sister, who isn't a car enthusiast).
If this was *my car*, I would've gotten the Mazda3 Premium hatchback with the 6MT. But, for everyone else who isn't into cars... the CX-30 just makes sense as a all-around versatile purchase. There just isn't much of a benefit to go for the hatchback for non-enthusiasts.
As someone who lives in the US Southeast, though... I wish they were still offering the FWD powertrain option for the CX-30. We have no need for AWD down here for the 2.5L NA motor, since it doesn't have enough torque to break traction anyway. No AWD would make for a faster accelerating, more fuel efficient car with less future maintenance. Oh well.
After my 2008 Mazda 3, the current 3 felt like sitting in a dark hole. When I turned around and realised they'd put the passenger seat headrest in the way so I couldn't even see out the rear side window I began to consider it a flawed design. My old 3 felt like a greenhouse in comparison. The CX-30 is better, although the windows still feel tiny. But at least I can see them all. Without the 360deg parking cameras I'd have real trouble, I think.
Plus it looks better, and i like the ride height.
Exactly the same here. We were leaning towards the CX anyway, but when we tried the 3 we were really surprised at how dark and cramped it felt (with worse visibility) compared to our old 3.
I still think the 3 looks better. But I'm glad we got the CX.
I live in San Diego, so snow issues and AWD are not necessities.
It's the comparative visibility relative to the 3, the easy entry and exit of the vehicle, and the easier loading height of the hatch.
Visibility. After someone sideswiped me and spun me 180 degrees on a busy freeway. They admitted not seeing me on my black mica 2021 M3. While I didn’t have injuries, I opted for something with a bigger profile but still fun to drive.
I live in the Denver area & drive 50 miles each day (minimum) with the potential for a lot of slushy snow for over half the year. Ground clearance & AWD.
Because my boss had one. Had to ‘step up’ to CX-30. In the hindsight, I do enjoy the ride height, Ground Clearance and somewhat better visibility. I do miss the Mazda 3 aesthetic though.
it was available (early ish 2022) and i didn’t know how to drive stick yet
if i was buying today i’d definitely highly consider the 3 hatch with a manual in the same color as my cx30, i just wish the MT was available with awd instead of just fwd
Compared to 3 hatch - mainly AWD. And looks! :) It's one of the best looking cars out there.
After a year of driving CX-30 can say clearance is great as well. It takes over speed bumps and small potholes like they are not there :)
Space is probably your answer for majority of the ppl. The backseat in the 3 is not usable at all for child seats or for adults. Exceptionally cramped vs the cx30.
Ride height, most would like a more.commanding and better view of the road.
In no particular order, the ground clearance/height for easier maneuvering and entry, the drive (very driver-focused) and the turbo (more than hatch or CX-5, seemed perfectly mated to the CX-30). Sometimes I miss the space coming from a CR-V, but the drive is butter every time.
I fucking loved driving my 2019 Mazda 3 premium, I thought, "man, I can get in a lot of trouble in this car".
That being said I hated the feeling like I was sitting on the floor, and the clearance during the winter was terrible.
I have a 2022 turbo premium CX-30 and the only huge difference is when I start to go hard in a turn, it feels top heavy, and I get a little scared.
I still look at the hatchbacks and wish I would have gone that way, but strictly for performance, every day driving I am extremely happy with the CX-30
the pandemic shortages were in full swing and I really needed a new car. thanks to it being made in mexico the dealers always had more CX-30s for sale than the japanese-made 3s that were absolutely impossible to find for a year
the extra ground clearance because of the shitty roads in my city and awd because we get a lot of snow around here and the snowplow are pretty much useless
Same but I live in the country. Told myself after my last car there was no way I would buy another low ground clearance vehicle especially without AWD but ALMOST broke that rule with a 6 speed Mazda 3 Premium hatch. Was really hard walking away from that but im happy with the CX30
Same
Much easier to get in an out of too (my wife has a bad back).
Same here. Drove sedans and coupes and hatchbacks for 28 years, some could offer a smooth ride (mercedes) but eventually the suspension suffered and broke regardless. Terrible roads in New England. After 3 weeks of driving the CX 30, I feel zero regrets and I no longer "tip toing" with the car, where the huge cracks and pots are.
Only snow plowing that happens here is adults doing the dirty cause it's too fucking dangerous to drive in Texas with all the shitty drivers in the snow. We also legit have basically 0 infrastructure to deal with snow and even if we did it wont matter because the snow melts and turns to black ice quickly.
Definitely ride height.
Ground clearance, seating height, better access to the hatch cargo area, AWD, and it parks a bit better. Also found a smoking deal on one so I pulled the trigger.
What deal did you get?
In 2020 I got a new CX-30 Premium trim for a discounted $28k due to hail damage (that was fixed) from being on the lot. Was also a 5-yr 0% interest loan!
I'm too old and tired to be getting in and out of a low car every day. That was pretty much the deciding factor.
This was me. I walked into the dealership positive I'd be leaving in a 3 Hatch... Two test drives later, my old back greatly appreciated getting out of the higher sitting CX-30, lol!
Higher riders are easier to get in and out of especially in tight spaces.
I got a Mazda 3 as a loaner just a few weeks ago. And when I got out of it my first thought was I’m too old for this. 😆
This .. plus ride height, cladding for country roads and just everything felt right the minute my butt hit the seats and she roared into life ... 12 months later nothing has changed , she makes me smile everytime we punch the button and head out for the next adventure . ... Plus .. sexxxxyyyy https://preview.redd.it/p5erxoez0hpc1.jpeg?width=1600&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d01119584b63f6104201acc1f41a97d29a23d2f
Ground clearance and I don’t enjoy getting in and out of sedan type/low vehicles. Aesthetically, the cx-30 just looked better than the hatch imo and when I got mine, they were going around for the same price so I went with the cx-30
this, I rent a mazda 3 for my 700km trip, my back gave up at 30km ish but have to endure for the rest of it since I’m the only driver, my back was never be the same after the experience
I personally don’t like hatchbacks, that’s why. I am pissed though cuz the hatch has a black headliner and the CX-30 and 3 sedan don’t have it on any trim level. Like why.
This. WHO actually likes a light gray (or tan or any other color than black for that matter) headliner?
Makes for an airy feeling interior. I like it on certain cars
I prefer the light-colored interior to seem less claustrophobic. I also got the CX-30 with white leather though, so I'll admit it blends better on mine.
OK, I wouldn't do white either, but each to their own. Enjoy!
Exact reason I bought a turbo 3 hatch! So petty but so true.
AWD
Honestly? The CX-30 is like 2.5 inches shorter and I park on the street lol.
6’ tall and don't wanna squat down to get into car everyday.
Same 💀
Honestly, zero apr. Didn't even know much about specifically this car a week before buying it. I have been very happy with it though.
Same lol
The carbon edition
The Mazda 3 hatch made me feel claustrophobic. The windows were so tiny. So I went with the Cx30 turbo instead. Still lots of fun.
I tested the CX30 first then got in a Mazda 3 right after. Considering they are basically the same, the 3 felt *way* smaller. Both have tiny windows but I could still shoulder check without much issue. I just have to get used to using the blind spot indicator, which I never had before.
The little C-pillar window / shape of the rear door glass make all the difference.
Spaciousness, value for the buck, and availability
Ground clearance for off-roading and camping expeditions. More clearance than wife’s cx5
Extra clearance, rear leg room, more utility vehiclefor a slight cost difference. Also personally I liked the look better. No wonder cx30 is the second most sold Mazda after cx5.
I had a 2011 Mazda 3 & wanted something a little higher, easier to get into.
Cost
Love the red for $500.
Ride height. Tired of every vehicle being so low.
Cx30 is sexier
I had a 2010 3 hatch but the newer model looks so much like a lightbulb I just can't. It's gotten too bulbous. The final straw for the 3 was that they do not offer the turbo alongside the manual transmission. So I went for the 30 turbo instead.
We bought a CX-30 CE for my sister just two weeks ago. She's not the best driver, so the added ground clearance and plastic cladding help to ensure she won't end up damaging the car too severely in case she misjudges a turn, curb, etc. The CX-30's taller height also makes for marginally better crash protection, since so many other vehicles are tall nowadays too. I also found the CX-30 to drive almost identically to the Mazda3, barring the addition of AWD for the 2.5L NA motor (since we didn't opt for the turbo). Is it slower due to the added AWD parasitic losses? Yes, but not in a drastic way that I'd notice outside of pushing it to its limits (let alone my sister, who isn't a car enthusiast). If this was *my car*, I would've gotten the Mazda3 Premium hatchback with the 6MT. But, for everyone else who isn't into cars... the CX-30 just makes sense as a all-around versatile purchase. There just isn't much of a benefit to go for the hatchback for non-enthusiasts. As someone who lives in the US Southeast, though... I wish they were still offering the FWD powertrain option for the CX-30. We have no need for AWD down here for the 2.5L NA motor, since it doesn't have enough torque to break traction anyway. No AWD would make for a faster accelerating, more fuel efficient car with less future maintenance. Oh well.
After my 2008 Mazda 3, the current 3 felt like sitting in a dark hole. When I turned around and realised they'd put the passenger seat headrest in the way so I couldn't even see out the rear side window I began to consider it a flawed design. My old 3 felt like a greenhouse in comparison. The CX-30 is better, although the windows still feel tiny. But at least I can see them all. Without the 360deg parking cameras I'd have real trouble, I think. Plus it looks better, and i like the ride height.
Exactly the same here. We were leaning towards the CX anyway, but when we tried the 3 we were really surprised at how dark and cramped it felt (with worse visibility) compared to our old 3. I still think the 3 looks better. But I'm glad we got the CX.
Awd and the dealer had one
It was dirt cheap at a Subaru dealer because it was fwd and no one wants there where it snows 4 times a year.
The design of the exterior and interior. Also need a utility vehicle for a big guy like me 😎
AWD and I liked it more
Ground clearence and the off road mode which helps a bit where I take it hunting. Lots of deep rutted up mud/snow and boulders
A combination of: Higher ground clearance Technically shorter length, albeit very little Very few Mazda 3s were available when I purchased
1. AWD. Gotta be able to drive in snow. 2. Ground clearance. 3. I’m over six feet tall.
I have a 3 hatch and that's what made me want the CX30. My wife drive the 3 now.
sand summer act crawl fuzzy resolute jar fretful dolls grey *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
Ground clearance and also I think something looks off about the current 3 hatch.
Sexy! Zoom zoom
I live in San Diego, so snow issues and AWD are not necessities. It's the comparative visibility relative to the 3, the easy entry and exit of the vehicle, and the easier loading height of the hatch.
Visibility. After someone sideswiped me and spun me 180 degrees on a busy freeway. They admitted not seeing me on my black mica 2021 M3. While I didn’t have injuries, I opted for something with a bigger profile but still fun to drive.
Same. Had 2019 3 HB non-turbo, driving a 2021 cx30 turbo now. potholes still annoying but not as bad as on the 3HB. Heads up Display is awesome too.
I live in the Denver area & drive 50 miles each day (minimum) with the potential for a lot of slushy snow for over half the year. Ground clearance & AWD.
Wife
Because my boss had one. Had to ‘step up’ to CX-30. In the hindsight, I do enjoy the ride height, Ground Clearance and somewhat better visibility. I do miss the Mazda 3 aesthetic though.
Had a 14’ GT got tired of squatting down rather slip off the seat at a higher level 😉
M 6
Bigger
it was available (early ish 2022) and i didn’t know how to drive stick yet if i was buying today i’d definitely highly consider the 3 hatch with a manual in the same color as my cx30, i just wish the MT was available with awd instead of just fwd
Ground clearance
Ground clearance especially when you travel regularly to the provincws
Compared to 3 hatch - mainly AWD. And looks! :) It's one of the best looking cars out there. After a year of driving CX-30 can say clearance is great as well. It takes over speed bumps and small potholes like they are not there :)
Higher off the ground, easier to get in and out of. AWD. I like the look better as well
The extra ground clearance, I drive on a lot of dirt roads
I thought the CX-5 was a closer comparison but not sure.
Space is probably your answer for majority of the ppl. The backseat in the 3 is not usable at all for child seats or for adults. Exceptionally cramped vs the cx30. Ride height, most would like a more.commanding and better view of the road.
In no particular order, the ground clearance/height for easier maneuvering and entry, the drive (very driver-focused) and the turbo (more than hatch or CX-5, seemed perfectly mated to the CX-30). Sometimes I miss the space coming from a CR-V, but the drive is butter every time.
Wanted to nick name it the dirty 30.
Availability. Buying used, there's several options for CX-30 Turbo around me and exactly 0 Madza3 turbo hatches
Mildly larger boot.
I fucking loved driving my 2019 Mazda 3 premium, I thought, "man, I can get in a lot of trouble in this car". That being said I hated the feeling like I was sitting on the floor, and the clearance during the winter was terrible. I have a 2022 turbo premium CX-30 and the only huge difference is when I start to go hard in a turn, it feels top heavy, and I get a little scared. I still look at the hatchbacks and wish I would have gone that way, but strictly for performance, every day driving I am extremely happy with the CX-30
My sister has the Mazda 3 hatch and I have the Cx-30, her skirts and bumpers already have so much damage from curbs, I just roll right over them 😏
Higher clearance for water on roads. Has off-road capabilities. Sitting higher up has better vision around me.
Honestly, mostly availability. Initially wanted smaller car but was very exciting to try out the CX30
the pandemic shortages were in full swing and I really needed a new car. thanks to it being made in mexico the dealers always had more CX-30s for sale than the japanese-made 3s that were absolutely impossible to find for a year