When the 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo AWD showed up, it was on a cloudy day. The Deep Crystal Blue Mica color fell short of any excitement but thankfully the next day it was sunny and the deep crystals definitely shined! The front end design of the CX-30 has an angry look that I love. The hood narrows the headlights looking like a browed look to them. Having the black 18” wheels help fill the wheel well that’s framed in black plastic fender trimming. An easter egg that Mazda has incorporated into their cars is the breathing effect that their turn signals simulate.

I get inside the CX-30 and the quality of materials still surprises me at the Mazda’s price point. This CX-30 had the white interior option but it also had brown colored finished. I don’t think the white, brown, and black colors really matched with each other. I think it would’ve worked if any combination of 2 of the colors were used. The steering wheel ergonomics are one of my favorites. Having a multifunction button keeps things nicely organized in the design.

Under the hood, the 2.5L turbocharged engine was delivering 250 horsepower when you choose to fill up with 93 octane. If you decide to save at the pump with 87 octane, you’ll still get a decent 227 horsepower. I wasn’t sure what the CX-30’s tank was filled with, but it did feel plentiful in power. I think the most impressive part was the all-wheel drive system that transferred the power to the correct wheels to deliver a very sporty feel.

If you’re looking for a CUV with some life to it, you’ll want to consider the 2023 Mazda CX-30 Turbo AWD.