I've been using my CX-30 for over 3 years now. Muscle memory took me less than a week to get used to the infotainment control knob, yes also with Android Auto. Love the way it looks and drives.
I (Eric) don't mind the dial nearly as much as Jessie and think it is quite intuitive when navigating the Mazda infotainment. Don't necessarily agree on the Android Auto controls, but I am glad to hear that you're not struggling with it!
Every time I hear people complain about the control knob for the infotainment system, I tune out. I've owned a Mazda with one for 9 years and it works great. So much safer than a touchscreen!
Mazda is the car that only drivers can utilize the cramped seat. With Kia, it is the whole family that can utilize all the possible seats that there is - which is the whole point of crossover. Mazda is very confused about what to do with the crossover.
I bought my CX-30 GS over the Seltos EX back in 2020. I drove them back to back and it was almost like night and day difference. The CX-30 was so much more quieter and more solid over rough roads and the power was amazing with the standard 2.5L engine. The cabin finish was vastly difference with soft touch material whereas the Seltos had so little soft touch area, just felt way cheaper even though the models I was testing were very close in price, The Seltos does have more cargo room and a bit more leg room in the rear seats (but if you don't push the front seats all the way back on the CX-30 - and yes you still have lots of front leg room it works fine) but that was not that important to me. The infotainment dials does take a bit of getting use to, but once you do it's far easier than a touch screen and with the sloping centre armrest which puts your hand in a natural position to use the dial, you can access all main area without even looking at that area - far safer! Also there is a favourite button where you can save many of your various features like radio stations, map locations, etc - something that many reviewers are not aware of because they only have the vehicle for a short time. It also gives me excellent fuel economy with the standard 2.5L engine. No car is perfect so it's always a compromise.
Appreciate the detailed response and insight into your decision making! I'm assuming you don't often load the car full of people / cargo, making the CX-30 the more attractive choice for you?
@@GCCarsCA I fill the car up, but my family & I are all 5'4" or shorter (we're tiny people 🤣) so its actually not too bad for space. I do wish there was more cargo space, but the CX30 feels way better to drive, interior is nicer, I personally like the exterior styling better & Kia doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to reliability & honoring their 10 year warranty.
When you buy a Mazda you should do everything in your hand to get a manual, with a manual you can make use of the power you get in the shorter gears, a manual also has a faster 0-60 and better fuel economy. On top of that makes the car more fun to drive since mazda's manual transmission is one of the best in the industry. I have the european version 2.0 E-skyactiveX with 186Hp, I don't miss a turbo. I also don't need a tablet in front of my face when I'm driving, I can perfectly see my google maps in my screen, I can use voice commands and the rest is done with the knob, at this point I can use my infotaiment system without even looking at the screen, just by muscle memory, I'd argue that's a total win. The driving dynamics I get with this crossover are better than many sedands from other brands. Space might not seem much but actually legroom in the backseats is pretty acceptable because my driving position doesn't require me to move the seat all the way back. The one thing I love about my CX-30 is that I ALWAYS turn around to look at it when I exit the parking spot, it's a good looking car, and I can confidently say it looks better with a much more beautiful colour (soul red) than 90 % of the cars parked next to it.
You get a manual CX-30 in Europe? Unfortunately we only get the auto over here! Glad the car is working well out well for you. There is a lot to like about it!
Im a family dude, i would eventually go grocery shopping with my mom and my brother or hang out with some friends like 2 or 3 of them and i like safety and comfort most than speed because i don't speed that much, which one will you recommend me?
For these two, the CX-30 is definitely significantly more comfortable but the lack of space might be a drawback if you plan on going on longer trips with your friends. Looking beyond, do you need AWD? If not, I'd seriously consider the Trax as it is nice and refined at a great value. Both the CX-30 and Seltos are already approaching compact SUV territory in terms of pricing, so low mid-spec CX-5 might be on the cards as well. Hope that helps! :)
I really really want to buy the CX30 soon, the only thing I haven't liked the several times I've seen one in person in a parking lot or on the streets is that it looks really small, more like a hatchback than a SUV. Even my Kia Soul looks more like a SUV. I think is because is not that tall. I believe that the average height for this category is 1.60m and the cx30 being 1.54m makes it look really short. But I'm in love with the premium quality of the interior.
Personally, I wouldn't shy away from the CX-30 based on the height if you like every other aspect of it. There is a lot of good with the CX-30 and if you can live with its limitations, it can be quite fantastic.
I bought a new mazda cx3 in 2016, it's been a good vehicle but it's just too cramped. I do like the kia features in comparison, but I can't help but associate kia with cheapness probably mostly due to working at kia/nissian dealership in the early 2000s when they were at the king of cheap economy. I remember the stock Rio came without a stereo or any kind of infotainment nor power steering lol
They certainly have come a long way since then, but the Mazda definitely still has a massive advantage in terms of refinement and material choices over the Seltos!
Mazda is a drivers car, based on the handling & stability, but the Seltos wins in every other category. Value ✅️ Functionality ✅️ Design ✅️ Speed ✅️ Warranty ✅️ Space ✅️
Mazda CX gets horrible gas miles, and gasoline is going up with the summer blend. Kia Seltos gets a little better on gas and roomier in the vehicle and cheaper in price
You Americans look like fools when you talk about the cost of fuel. The price of fuel is around 1 dollar, when in Europe it is almost 2 dollars per liter. Why then buy cars with big engines and size? To carry only your ass in a car the size and volume of a truck?) funny)
Seltos gives you more for your buck, best friend has the Sorrento Kia and Kia is doing better and I’m not trying to win a marathon or Dodge through traffic and impress anyone, and have my insurance rate raised up.
Lol......"You need to look at the screen....look at the knob" - Why wld anyone need to look at the knob while using it.....after about 5 mins....its about as intuitive and easy to use as any other control method Without Ever glancing at it. I'm thinking there is only one KNOB thats an issue in this video....and its not the Cx-30 infotainment nav-knob.😂 As a CX-5 owner, the "knob" is about as easy as can be to learn....quick, responsive & certainly MUCH LESS "dangerous" then having to use a touchscreen which takes much more visual attention to operate while moving..... so absolutely lame-brain take on that Mazda feature. 😜
Yeah I don't understand why Jessie needs to look-down on the dial to use it... it's not an issue I have, ha. Maybe that was more of a slip-up in wording than what he actually meant. We'll find out in our next Mazda review I guess 😅
I have the 2023 CX-30 turbo in the top trim. It is a really nice car to drive. The engine constantly wants me to go faster. My wife and I are short. My daughter is average height and weight, but she is just two so the interior space isn't an issue.
Seltos vs CX-30 vs ??? - Which one would you take? 🤔
We also have some really cool comparisons lined up for future videos 👀
I've been using my CX-30 for over 3 years now. Muscle memory took me less than a week to get used to the infotainment control knob, yes also with Android Auto. Love the way it looks and drives.
I (Eric) don't mind the dial nearly as much as Jessie and think it is quite intuitive when navigating the Mazda infotainment. Don't necessarily agree on the Android Auto controls, but I am glad to hear that you're not struggling with it!
Every time I hear people complain about the control knob for the infotainment system, I tune out. I've owned a Mazda with one for 9 years and it works great. So much safer than a touchscreen!
Mazda is a car, KIA is an appliance.
That's a pretty good way to sum it up!
Mazda is the car that only drivers can utilize the cramped seat. With Kia, it is the whole family that can utilize all the possible seats that there is - which is the whole point of crossover. Mazda is very confused about what to do with the crossover.
I bought my CX-30 GS over the Seltos EX back in 2020. I drove them back to back and it was almost like night and day difference. The CX-30 was so much more quieter and more solid over rough roads and the power was amazing with the standard 2.5L engine. The cabin finish was vastly difference with soft touch material whereas the Seltos had so little soft touch area, just felt way cheaper even though the models I was testing were very close in price, The Seltos does have more cargo room and a bit more leg room in the rear seats (but if you don't push the front seats all the way back on the CX-30 - and yes you still have lots of front leg room it works fine) but that was not that important to me. The infotainment dials does take a bit of getting use to, but once you do it's far easier than a touch screen and with the sloping centre armrest which puts your hand in a natural position to use the dial, you can access all main area without even looking at that area - far safer! Also there is a favourite button where you can save many of your various features like radio stations, map locations, etc - something that many reviewers are not aware of because they only have the vehicle for a short time. It also gives me excellent fuel economy with the standard 2.5L engine. No car is perfect so it's always a compromise.
Appreciate the detailed response and insight into your decision making! I'm assuming you don't often load the car full of people / cargo, making the CX-30 the more attractive choice for you?
@@GCCarsCA I fill the car up, but my family & I are all 5'4" or shorter (we're tiny people 🤣) so its actually not too bad for space. I do wish there was more cargo space, but the CX30 feels way better to drive, interior is nicer, I personally like the exterior styling better & Kia doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to reliability & honoring their 10 year warranty.
Talk reliability. Mazda vs Kia? No brainer
Auto vs CVT. Nuffsaid.
Neither of these has a CVT! The Mazda has a 6-speed auto, while the Seltos has an 8-speed auto :)
Yup. But for the lower trim Seltos is offering the Ivt w/c is a CVT. both of em are great but reliability I will go for Mazda.
When you buy a Mazda you should do everything in your hand to get a manual, with a manual you can make use of the power you get in the shorter gears, a manual also has a faster 0-60 and better fuel economy. On top of that makes the car more fun to drive since mazda's manual transmission is one of the best in the industry. I have the european version 2.0 E-skyactiveX with 186Hp, I don't miss a turbo. I also don't need a tablet in front of my face when I'm driving, I can perfectly see my google maps in my screen, I can use voice commands and the rest is done with the knob, at this point I can use my infotaiment system without even looking at the screen, just by muscle memory, I'd argue that's a total win. The driving dynamics I get with this crossover are better than many sedands from other brands. Space might not seem much but actually legroom in the backseats is pretty acceptable because my driving position doesn't require me to move the seat all the way back. The one thing I love about my CX-30 is that I ALWAYS turn around to look at it when I exit the parking spot, it's a good looking car, and I can confidently say it looks better with a much more beautiful colour (soul red) than 90 % of the cars parked next to it.
You get a manual CX-30 in Europe? Unfortunately we only get the auto over here! Glad the car is working well out well for you. There is a lot to like about it!
Im a family dude, i would eventually go grocery shopping with my mom and my brother or hang out with some friends like 2 or 3 of them and i like safety and comfort most than speed because i don't speed that much, which one will you recommend me?
For these two, the CX-30 is definitely significantly more comfortable but the lack of space might be a drawback if you plan on going on longer trips with your friends. Looking beyond, do you need AWD? If not, I'd seriously consider the Trax as it is nice and refined at a great value. Both the CX-30 and Seltos are already approaching compact SUV territory in terms of pricing, so low mid-spec CX-5 might be on the cards as well.
Hope that helps! :)
I really really want to buy the CX30 soon, the only thing I haven't liked the several times I've seen one in person in a parking lot or on the streets is that it looks really small, more like a hatchback than a SUV. Even my Kia Soul looks more like a SUV. I think is because is not that tall. I believe that the average height for this category is 1.60m and the cx30 being 1.54m makes it look really short. But I'm in love with the premium quality of the interior.
Personally, I wouldn't shy away from the CX-30 based on the height if you like every other aspect of it. There is a lot of good with the CX-30 and if you can live with its limitations, it can be quite fantastic.
I recently bought a CX 30 and I'm so happy with it, I love it, it drives beautifully, I testdrove the Seltos and it was so boring and basic to drive
If you can live with the limited space the CX-30 is an amazing vehicle. Congrats on the new car!
Was considering this cx 30 or the buick envista love both of their styles and premium feel
Unless you really need AWD, I'd go for the Envista for the insanely good value it offers. The CX-30 is nicer though.
I bought a new mazda cx3 in 2016, it's been a good vehicle but it's just too cramped. I do like the kia features in comparison, but I can't help but associate kia with cheapness probably mostly due to working at kia/nissian dealership in the early 2000s when they were at the king of cheap economy. I remember the stock Rio came without a stereo or any kind of infotainment nor power steering lol
They certainly have come a long way since then, but the Mazda definitely still has a massive advantage in terms of refinement and material choices over the Seltos!
Mazda is a drivers car, based on the handling & stability, but the Seltos wins in every other category.
Value ✅️
Functionality ✅️
Design ✅️
Speed ✅️
Warranty ✅️
Space ✅️
I have the Kia seltos and it’s fantastic! Don’t knock it till you tried it everyone!
Kia is Shit!
Is the Chevy Trax AWD or 4x4?
FWD only, but with the savings you can easily afford a spare set of wheels with great winter tires.
CX30 any day over Seltos. CX30 interior stomps the Kia. How the CX30 drives, another win over the Kia.
If you can live with the limited space, the CX-30 is definitely the better choice over the Seltos!
Mazda ❤
Definitely getting the Seltos
The practical choice - enjoy!
Mazda CX gets horrible gas miles, and gasoline is going up with the summer blend. Kia Seltos gets a little better on gas and roomier in the vehicle and cheaper in price
You Americans look like fools when you talk about the cost of fuel. The price of fuel is around 1 dollar, when in Europe it is almost 2 dollars per liter. Why then buy cars with big engines and size? To carry only your ass in a car the size and volume of a truck?) funny)
The two main things I hate about the mazda is the poor mpg and tiny space
Seltos gives you more for your buck, best friend has the Sorrento Kia and Kia is doing better and I’m not trying to win a marathon or Dodge through traffic and impress anyone, and have my insurance rate raised up.
I enjoy the Mazda 30 vs the Kia, I am a single person just me or a friend or luggage or groceries
Then the CX-30 makes a lot of sense and I would definitely pick it over the Seltos in your situation.
A Seltos made by Mazda would be a great hit. The 2nd row in a CX30 is a joke.
It's such a shame... a roomier CX-30 would be amazing.
I disagree with both of these guys, The Chevy Trax’s is a joke of a car.
Out of curiosity, what do you dislike about the Trax?
@@GCCarsCAOverall Chevy un-reliability....sub-par build quality & a go-kart powerplant - inline 3, 1.2 liter turbo that makes 137hp....lol...like he said...an absolute JOKE! 😂
Lol......"You need to look at the screen....look at the knob" -
Why wld anyone need to look at the knob while using it.....after about 5 mins....its about as intuitive and easy to use as any other control method Without Ever glancing at it.
I'm thinking there is only one KNOB thats an issue in this video....and its not the Cx-30 infotainment nav-knob.😂
As a CX-5 owner, the "knob" is about as easy as can be to learn....quick, responsive & certainly MUCH LESS "dangerous" then having to use a touchscreen which takes much more visual attention to operate while moving..... so absolutely lame-brain take on that Mazda feature. 😜
Yeah I don't understand why Jessie needs to look-down on the dial to use it... it's not an issue I have, ha. Maybe that was more of a slip-up in wording than what he actually meant. We'll find out in our next Mazda review I guess 😅
I’d take the Kia
Definitely has the space advantage!
This review is unwatchable.
Sorry to hear that! Can you tell us what exactly you didn't like, so we can improve on it in future videos?
every thing i need in one video thanks
Happy to help!
I have the 2023 CX-30 turbo in the top trim. It is a really nice car to drive. The engine constantly wants me to go faster. My wife and I are short. My daughter is average height and weight, but she is just two so the interior space isn't an issue.
Always appreciate the insight from actual owners! Thank you for sharing, and glad to hear that the CX-30 is working well for you and the family.