Mazda Enhances The 2026 CX-30

Mazda is one of the smallest carmakers by volume. The Japanese brand sold 424,000 cars in the U.S. last year. Toyota outpaced that number in RAV4s alone—not even including RAV4 hybrids.

That makes selling cars here especially tough in a new tariff environment. So it’s not too surprising that prices on some popular models like the compact CX-30 crossover are set to rise next year. The CX-30 is currently assembled in both Japan and Mexico. Last year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, CX-30s bound for the U.S. were mostly assembled in Mexico, with 65 percent Mexican parts, 10 percent U.S., and 15 percent Japanese, and the rest not credited (in NHTSA tracking data).

Because a U.S.-Mexico trade deal is still in limbo, it’s not clear if a carmaker like Mazda will be subject to even harsher penalties than the current 15 percent tariff on Japanese production. Still, for the moment, Mazda’s only raising prices slightly on the 2026 CX-30—and there are even some bargains in the future mix, plus some added goodies we really dig that Mazda is adding to the CX-30 that should make some models look more upscale, and some added tech to make all CX-30s handle better. Here’s our highlight reel.

Prices Up, But Some Bargains

Mazda is about to add what they’re calling the Aire Edition in two distinct trims. Aire slots above the Preferred trim, which is the “sweet” spot in the CX-30’s non-turbo lineup because it gets a larger, 10.25-inch center touchscreen, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, a glass moon roof, plus metallic roof rails and leatherette seating. Safety tech includes rear parking sensors and rear cross traffic sensing (to prevent you from getting hit when backing out of a tight parking spot).

But Aire builds on the Preferred trim by blacking out the Mazda logo and badges, and blacking out the aluminum rims and roof rails, as well as the side mirrors. Aire’s biggest distinction is two-tone white and gray leatherette seats, with suede-like accents throughout the interior. Basically, it’s taking a just-sub-$30,000 compact crossover and giving it a bit of panache you don’t usually see at this price rung.

2025 Vs. 2026 Mazda CX-30 Pricing

A Modest Price Bump

Mostly, Mazda’s only jumping prices by about $800, depending on the model. But note that you’re not seeing a big price hop on the 2.5 S Preferred, and even going with the S Aire Edition to get that new interior only runs you $710 extra vs. the 2025 Preferred, which is a pretty good deal.

What’s Gone? Turbos

If you eye that chart closely, you’ll see that Mazda now only offers two rather than three Turbo models. The Turbo Aire at $34,410 sees the biggest price jump, of $1,270 vs. last year’s entry Turbo model, the Carbon Turbo at $33,140. The Turbo Aire is pretty much a straight engine swap, but the same trim package as the non-turbo Aire. Sure, the seats are ever so slightly fancier, but that’s it.

Not to belittle the engine swap, however, because that’s a big deal. You’re going from a 2.5-liter four with 186 horsepower and 186 foot-pounds of torque to a 2.5-liter unit kicking out 320 foot-pounds at just 2,000 RPM, and belting out 250 horsepower. By the way, Mazda is fair with this formula, too. Rather than mandating premium fuel, they note that if you stick with 87 octane, the motor will produce 227 horsepower and a still strong 310 pound-feet of torque.

The Best Tech Comes To All 2026 CX-30 Models

Mazda’s added a bunch of handling tech to all versions of the CX-30. These include two distinct powertrain control systems. One, a brake-based limited-slip differential that should enable smoother take-off from a standstill. That will work in conjunction with the all-wheel-drive system, which can shift power to any wheel with better grip.

In addition, Mazda now brings in its G-Vectoring Control Plus system to all CX-30s, which just slightly retards the throttle as you enter a corner, and, in turn, that enables better front-tire cornering grip and more natural turn-in when you enter a corner. As you exit the bend and straighten the wheel, the system slightly brakes the outside front wheel, which maintains weight on the front end of the car, so you don’t get that sort of rock rearward as you get back on the accelerator.

These systems may not be “necessary,” but Mazda’s proven mastery on ride and handling has really impressed TopSpeed’s testers over the years. In that vein, Mazda has also revised the dampers on the CX-30 to be a little more muted. Small crossovers like this can be a little dart-y, because short wheelbases already have that disadvantage, so Mazda walks a fine line between “fun” and nervous.

TopSpeed’s Take

All carmakers are facing a challenge with the imposition of tariffs. Mazda’s doing all that they can to keep the CX-30 reasonably affordable—even as all car prices have risen so far in 2025 by an average of six percent. The CX-30 is more entertaining to drive than some cars in its class, like the Subaru Crosstrek and the Hyundai Kona—but cabin digs are decidedly tighter, too, if somewhat more posh. At this price range, you won’t be surprised to learn that you’re staring at compromises, and one of them is room-for-the-buck vs. fun-for-the-buck. The CX-30 delivers more of the latter than the former. So what’s your pleasure?