2021 Mazda CX-30 Preferred

The 2021 Mazda CX-30 Preferred (Sport Utility) trim, including its key specs, features, and what makes it distinctive:
Overview & Engine / PerformanceThe 2021 CX-30 is a subcompact crossover SUV. Cars.com+2Mazda USA Newsroom+2
Under the hood: a 2.5 L SKYACTIV-G inline-4 engine producing about 186 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque. Ken Garff Auto Group+2Kbb.com+2
Transmission: 6-speed automatic (“SKYACTIV-Drive”). Ken Garff Auto Group+1
Drivetrain: It’s available in both FWD and i-ACTIV AWD variants. AutoDetective+1
Fuel EconomyFor the FWD Preferred: ~25 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 28 mpg combined. Kbb.com+1
Fuel tank capacity: ~13.5 gallons (in the FWD version). Ken Garff Auto Group
Dimensions & CapacitySeats: 5 passengers. Mazda USA Newsroom
Curb weight (FWD): ~3,234 lbs. Kbb.com
Ground clearance: 8.0 inches. Kbb.com
Overall length: 173.0 in. Kbb.com
Cargo capacity: ~20.2 cubic feet (rear seats up) and more when folded. Ken Garff Auto Group
Maximum towing capacity: about 2,000 lbs. Kbb.com
Key FeaturesInterior / Comfort:
8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory settings for driver and mirrors. Pearson Mazda+1
Heated front seats. Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee
Overhead console (for small-item storage). Pearson Mazda
Power sliding glass moonroof / sunroof. Pearson Mazda
Leather-wrapped steering wheel. Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee
Dual-zone automatic climate control. Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee
Infotainment & Connectivity:
MAZDA CONNECT infotainment system with voice commands. Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee+1
8.8-inch center display (in spec sheet). Mazda USA Newsroom
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto integration. Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee
8-speaker audio system. Mazda USA Newsroom
Safety & Driver Assistance:
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM). Ken Garff Auto Group
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Ken Garff Auto Group
Lane Keep Assist & Lane Departure Warning. Mazda USA Newsroom
Smart City Brake Support (forward collision mitigation). Ken Garff Auto Group
Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS with brake assist. Ken Garff Auto Group
Backup camera. Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee
Driver monitoring system (“Driver Attention Alert”) to detect drowsiness. Mazda USA Newsroom
Exterior:
Alloy wheels (Preferred trim uses 18” wheels per some sources). Ken Garff Auto Group
Gloss-finish front grille. Manchester Mazda
Shark-fin antenna. Manchester Mazda
Rain-sensing wipers. (Standard as per spec sheet.) Mazda USA Newsroom
Automatic LED headlights. Mazda USA Newsroom
Other Conveniences:
Push-button start / keyless entry. Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee
Remote keyless entry. Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee
Power windows, power door locks. Russ Darrow Mazda of Milwaukee
Split-folding rear seats (60/40). Mazda USA Newsroom
Strengths & What Makes the Preferred Trim AttractiveThe Preferred trim is a sweet spot: it adds more comfort and convenience than the base or Select trim, without going all-in on luxury.
The 8-way power driver’s seat + memory is a luxury-like touch. Pearson Mazda
Heated front seats are great for colder climates / seasons.
The moonroof gives a premium feel.
The infotainment system + good speaker setup make the cabin feel well connected and modern.
Safety tech is solid: blind-spot monitoring, lane assist, collision mitigation, stability control — good for both city and highway driving.
Trade-offs / Things to ConsiderCargo space is decent but not huge for the class; 20.2 cu ft is modest. Kbb.com
While the 2.5 L engine is peppy, it's not a turbo — if you want strong acceleration, higher trims (turbo) might be more appealing.
Fuel economy is good for an SUV, but not class-leading, especially in city driving.
As with many subcompact crossovers, rear legroom or headroom