First off, if you're comparing Mazdas, you don't have a wrong choice to make. In that situation, you only need to decide which model suits your lifestyle best. With that in mind, we had our vehicle experts discuss the CX and MX series vehicles to help you make an informed decision.
Mazda CX and MX Series Overview
2023 Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX series is a lineup of crossover SUVs. You have the CX-30, CX-5, CX-9, and the CX-50, new for 2023. Inside the two-row CX-30, CX-5, and CX-50 SUVs, you can seat five people and six or seven passengers in the CX-9's three rows. The CX-30 and CX-5 come in eight trim levels, three of which have a turbocharged powertrain. The CX-50 adds a ninth trim level, the Preferred Plus model. You have six trim levels to choose from with the CX-9, all of which have a turbocharged engine.
Every CX series vehicle comes standard with i-ACTIV AWD. However, the features vary by model. The CX SUVs can handle wintry weather and other low-traction surfaces. Mazda engineered the all-new CX-50 as an all-around adventure vehicle. The CX-50 has a wider stance, lower roof, and higher ground clearance to enhance its off-road prowess. You also have various off-road accessories to make any adventure easier.
The MX series includes the all-electric MX-30 EV SUV and the sporty MX-5 Miata and MX-5 Miata RF roadsters. The MX series delivers fun-to-drive vehicles, particularly with the iconic Miata. In addition, the Miata has room for two to enjoy a thrilling ride if you're all about the drive.
You have an AC synchronous electric motor in the MX-30 that provides the driving range you need and impressive quick charging capability. Mazda offers the MX-30 in two trim levels, the base model MX-30 EV and the Premium Plus trim. Both models come with front-wheel drive.
The MX-5 Miata has a soft top that opens, while the RF version features a hard-top metal roof that retracts into the vehicle. Both convertibles deliver that open-air driving experience. However, the RF stands for "Retractable Fastback," which shows in the RF's profile.
You have three trim levels in the Miata and two options with the RF model. Every Miata uses the same powerful engine and manual transmission. Only the top tier for each has the option for an automatic transmission.
Interior Comfort and Convenience
You have more options with the CX series because of the many trim levels. The lower trims in the CX series come standard with premium cloth upholstery, and as you move up levels, you find half and full-leather seating. In addition, all CX models have a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and the steering wheel heats on most trim levels.
The mid-range CX models all feature heated seats. The Mazda CX-5, CX-50, and CX-9 have ventilated seats on the upper tiers and feature heated second-row seats. The five-passenger models have 60/40 split-folding rear seats that also fold flat. The larger CX-9's third-row split folds as well.
Your infotainment screen measures 8.8 inches on every CX-30 model, and the CX-5 and CX-9 come with a 10.25-inch touchscreen on every trim. The CX-50 base model comes with an 8.8-inch display and a 10.25-inch touchscreen on the rest. Every infotainment system in the CX lineup comes preloaded with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. In addition, you use simple verbal commands for hands-free phone calls, texts, accessing navigation, and more.
The bottom four trims on the CX-30 and CX-50 come with an 8-speaker audio system, and the top trims upgrade to a premium Bose system with 12 speakers. You get a four-speaker stereo system in the CX-5 bottom two trims, while the middle trims use a six-speaker system. The top models all come with a 10-speaker surround-sound system from Bose.
Both MX-30 models have heated leatherette seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear selector. The top tier comes with a heated steering wheel, and both models have all your infotainment and cruise controls mounted on the steering wheel.
The base model MX-30 comes with an 8-speaker audio system, and the top tier has a 12-speaker Bose system with Centerpoint 2 and AudioPilot technology. In the MX-5 Miata base model, you get a six-speaker audio system. All other Miata models have a nine-speaker premium Bose audio system.
Performance
The CX-30 features two engines, a SKYACTIVE-G inline four-cylinder and a turbocharged version. Mazda paired every engine with an automatic transmission. As a result, the base powertrain puts out 186 horsepower, and the turbocharged powertrain impresses with 250 horsepower and can tow 2,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Mazda put its SKYACTIVE-G 2.5-liter engine in the CX-5 and CX-50 lower trims with a Dynamic Pressure Turbo engine in the upper models, all paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The base engine puts out the same 186 horsepower and 187 lb-ft of torque, and the turbo produces 256 horsepower, 320 lb-ft of torque, and tows 2,000 pounds.
Under the CX-9 hood, you get the same 2.5-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain produces 256 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque and can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
The all-electric MX-30 uses a 143-horsepower electric motor powered by a 35.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack that produces 200 lb-ft of torque. Level 2 charging completes in under three hours, and Level 3 quick charging takes 36 minutes to reach 80% capacity.
Your MX-5 Miata and Miata RF come standard with a 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine with 16 valves with variable valve timing technology. Every trim features a six-speed manual transmission with a short-throw shifter for spirited driving. The top tier on each Miata offers an automatic transmission option with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. This powertrain rates at 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque.
As you can see, the CX and MX series have their differences, yet they all deliver comfort, convenience, and capability. So, if you're ready to elevate your Boston-area commute with a stylish and capable vehicle, we invite you to browse our inventory online. Then, when you're prepared to take the all-important test drive, you can stop by our North End dealership at your convenience.
