The 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select sits directly in the middle of the compact crossover lineup, bridging the gap between the base model and higher trims like the Preferred and Premium. It introduces a comprehensive suite of upgraded interior materials, advanced driver-assistance technologies, and smartphone integration capabilities while maintaining the dynamic handling and stylish design language characteristic of the brand.
Introduction to the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select
When Mazda introduced the CX-30 to the North American market for the 2020 model year, it filled a critical size and pricing gap between the subcompact CX-3 and the larger compact CX-5. Positioned above the entry-level standard trim, the Select trim level quickly established itself as the sweet spot for budget-conscious buyers seeking modern conveniences without stretching to luxury-tier pricing.
The vehicle addresses a specific consumer demand: a crossover that offers nimble urban maneuverability combined with a refined interior cabin, robust safety equipment, and engaging driving dynamics. This overview examines the mechanical foundation, interior amenities, safety ecosystems, and overall market standing of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select to help prospective buyers, automotive enthusiasts, and researchers understand its exact place in the automotive landscape.
Mechanical Specifications and Powertrain Dynamics
Under the hood, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select shares its powerplant with the rest of the CX-30 lineup for that model year. It utilizes a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine.
Engine and Transmission Performance
The 2.5-liter engine produces 186 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 186 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. This output places the CX-30 at the higher end of the power spectrum for standard engines in the subcompact crossover segment. The engine is paired exclusively with a Skyactiv-Drive six-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) favored by many competitors, Mazda’s traditional six-speed automatic provides crisp, predictable shift logic and a more engaging mechanical feel.
Drivetrain Options: Front-Wheel Drive vs. i-Activ AWD
The Select trim is available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and Mazda’s predictive i-Activ all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. The i-Activ AWD system monitors multiple vehicle sensors—including steering angle, outside temperature, braking patterns, and G-force—over 200 times per second. It anticipates traction loss and shifts torque to the rear wheels before slip actually occurs.
Fuel Economy Considerations
Fuel efficiency varies slightly depending on whether you choose the front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive variant:
- FWD Models: EPA-estimated ratings typically achieve around 25 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and 28 mpg combined.
- AWD Models: EPA-estimated ratings adjust slightly to about 24 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway, and 26 mpg combined.
These figures place the vehicle competitively among non-hybrid crossovers in its class, balancing daily commuting efficiency with highway cruising capability.
Exterior Design and Styling Philosophy
Mazda’s Kodo design language heavily influences the exterior aesthetic of the 2020 CX-30 Select. The vehicle features flowing body lines, minimal character creases, and a low, sweeping roofline that mimics a hatchback while retaining the elevated ride height of a crossover.
Key Exterior Features on the Select Trim
Stepping up to the Select trim brings several noticeable exterior upgrades compared to the base model:
- Wheels: Upgraded 18-inch alloy wheels finished in a silver metallic paint, replacing the smaller 16-inch wheels found on the base configuration.
- Lighting: Automatic LED headlights and LED combination taillights, ensuring crisp visibility and a modern night-time signature.
- Mirrors: Body-colored side mirrors featuring integrated turn signal indicators and manual-folding or power-adjustment capabilities.
- Body Cladding: Substantial matte-black lower body cladding that protects vulnerable paintwork from road debris while emphasizing its rugged crossover stance.
The proportions of the CX-30 give it a dynamic profile. However, the sweeping C-pillar and thick rear cladding create larger blind spots than traditional, boxier utility vehicles, making the standard safety monitoring systems a critical asset.
Interior Cabin, Comfort, and Technology
Inside, the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select focuses on driver-centric ergonomics and an upscale material quality that often punches above its price class.
Seating and Upholstery Upgrades
While the base model features cloth seating, the Select trim introduces premium leatherette (vinyl) trimmed seats. The steering wheel and gear selector are also wrapped in genuine leather, enhancing the tactile experience. Front passengers enjoy manually adjustable bucket seats with supportive bolstering, while the rear seats offer a 60/40 split-folding configuration to expand cargo capacity when needed.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The CX-30 utilizes an 8.8-inch widescreen infotainment display positioned high on the dashboard, designed to minimize eye movement away from the road. The system is controlled via a rotary commander dial located on the center console rather than a touchscreen, a design choice intended to reduce distracted driving.
Standard connectivity features on the Select trim include:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
- Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming.
- Dual front USB audio inputs.
- HD Radio and an eight-speaker audio system.
Cargo and Passenger Space Dimensions
Passenger room is comfortable for front occupants, though rear legroom can feel slightly constrained for taller adults. The vehicle provides 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row. Folding the rear seats flat expands this capacity significantly, accommodating bulkier items despite the sloping rear hatch design.
Safety Ratings and Driver-Assistance Technologies
Safety is a cornerstone of the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select. Mazda’s i-Activsense safety suite comes standard across all trims, providing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that are often optional extras on competing vehicles.
Standard Safety Features on the Select Trim
- Mazda Radar Cruise Control (MRCC): Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, capable of full stop-and-go functionality in heavy traffic.
- Smart Brake Support: Automatically applies emergency braking if it detects an imminent frontal collision with a vehicle or pedestrian.
- Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning Systems: Alerts the driver to unintentional drift and provides corrective steering input to keep the vehicle centered.
- Driver Attention Alert: Monitors driver steering inputs and posture patterns to suggest rest breaks during long, fatigued driving sessions.
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Traffic Alert: Warns the driver of vehicles in adjacent lanes and alerts them to cross-traffic when reversing out of parking spaces.
Crash Testing Performance
The 2020 Mazda CX-30 earned high marks in safety evaluations. It received a 5-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), reflecting structural crashworthiness and the effectiveness of its standard crash-prevention technologies.
Trim Comparison: Base vs. Select vs. Preferred
To understand where the Select trim sits, it is helpful to compare it against adjacent configurations within the 2020 lineup.
| Feature / Specification | Base Trim | Select Trim | Preferred Trim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upholstery | Cloth seats | Leatherette-trimmed seats | Leatherette-trimmed seats |
| Wheels | 16-inch alloy wheels | 18-inch silver alloy wheels | 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels |
| Steering Wheel | Urethane steering wheel | Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Leather-wrapped steering wheel |
| Audio System | 8-speaker audio system | 8-speaker audio system | 12-speaker Bose premium audio |
| Climate Control | Manual air conditioning | Dual-zone automatic climate control | Dual-zone automatic climate control |
| Keyless Entry | Remote keyless entry | Advanced keyless entry system | Advanced keyless entry system |
The Select trim bridges the gap by adding the essential creature comforts—such as dual-zone climate control, larger wheels, and leatherette seating—that many modern buyers consider mandatory, without requiring the higher financial investment of the Preferred or Premium models.
Ownership Experience, Common Pros and Cons
Evaluating the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select from an owner and reviewer perspective reveals a balanced set of strengths and operational compromises.
Advantages
- Upscale Cabin Design: The interior materials, switchgear quality, and dashboard layout mimic entry-level luxury vehicles rather than mainstream economy models.
- Comprehensive Safety Equipment: Standardizing the i-Activsense suite means buyers do not have to purchase expensive packages to get modern active safety features.
- Driving Dynamics: Responsive steering, minimal body roll, and a traditional automatic transmission make the vehicle genuinely fun to drive on winding roads.
Limitations
- Rotary Infotainment Interface: The lack of a touchscreen can frustrate users accustomed to direct tapping, requiring a slight learning curve to navigate menus via the center console dial.
- Rear Seat Room: The sloping roofline and compact exterior dimensions result in tighter rear legroom and smaller rear door openings compared to boxier rivals like the Subaru Crosstrek.
- Firm Ride Quality: The suspension tuning prioritizes handling agility, which translates to a firmer ride over harsh urban potholes than some comfort-oriented competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes. The 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select comes standard with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. You can connect a compatible smartphone via USB to access navigation, messaging, and music applications directly on the 8.8-inch infotainment screen.
Is all-wheel drive standard on the Select trim?
No. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is standard on the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select. However, Mazda's i-Activ all-wheel-drive system was available as a mechanical option across all trim levels, including the Select, for an additional cost when purchased new.
What is the difference between the 2020 CX-30 Base and Select trims?
The Select trim adds significant upgrades over the base model. Key additions include 18-inch alloy wheels (upgraded from 16-inch), leatherette seat upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, and keyless entry.
How reliable is the 2020 Mazda CX-30 engine?
The 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G engine used in the 2020 CX-30 has a strong track record for mechanical reliability. Because Mazda utilizes a traditional six-speed automatic transmission rather than a complex CVT, the powertrain avoids many common long-term mechanical failure points associated with competing crossovers.
Does the Select trim include heated seats?
No. Heated front seats are not included on the 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select. Heated front seats and a power driver’s seat are introduced starting at the next tier up, which is the Preferred trim level.
Practical Next Actions for Buyers and Researchers
If you are evaluating a used 2020 Mazda CX-30 Select for purchase, prioritize verifying the maintenance history, checking for any open manufacturer safety recalls, and confirming whether the specific vehicle is equipped with front-wheel drive or the i-Activ all-wheel-drive system based on your regional climate needs. Take the vehicle on an extended test drive that includes both highway cruising and rough surface streets to ensure the firm suspension tuning and rotary infotainment interface align with your daily driving preferences.
