Compare the2023 Ford EdgeVS 2023 Mazda CX-30

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

© 1999 - 2024Advanta-STAR Automotive Research, all rights reserved. This vehicle comparison and all of the content in it are provided only by license from Advanta-STAR Automotive Research Corporation of America (“Advanta-STAR”). If you are not a legally licensed user of this vehicle comparison, it is against federal law to access it, copy it, forward it, or use it in any manner whatsoever. Any unauthorized use of this vehicle comparison is a violation of U.S. and international law and is punishable criminally and civilly. Removal of this watermark/notification without prior written license and approval received from Advanta-STAR is an agreement, understanding, and/or stipulation by the person(s), entities, agents, attorneys, and any other persons involved in the removal of this watermark/notification (including but not limited to Search Optics, LLC and any and all parent entities, sister entities, and subsidiary entities of Search Optics, LLC and/or any other entity, agent, attorney, and persons related in any manner to Search Optics, LLC) to: 1) an agreed upon amount of liquidated monetary damages of a minimum of $1,250,000.00 US Dollars in favor of Advanta-STAR; 2) the jurisdiction and enforcement of any legal claims associated with this matter asserted by Advanta-STAR in the United States Federal District Court in Portand, Oregon; and 3) service of process of any legal claims asserted by Advanta-STAR associated with this matter may be accomplished by First-Class Postage by the United States Postal Service or comparable service. XPYNN-M34HG 2a06:98c0:3600::103 2024/12/21

The Edge has standard Post Collision Braking, which automatically apply the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

The Edge has a standard blind spot warning system which uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. Only the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Premium offers a blind spot warning system.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the Edge has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Only the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Premium has a rear cross-path warning system.

Both the Edge and the CX-30 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available front and rear parking sensors.

The Ford Edge weighs 597 to 1091 pounds more than the Mazda CX-30. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Ford Edge is safer than the Mazda CX-30:

	Edge	CX-30
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	22.4%	26.7%
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Compression	.4 inches	.5 inches
Neck Compression	44 lbs.	85 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	145/201 lbs.	380/386 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Ford Edge is safer than the Mazda CX-30:

	Edge	CX-30
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Abdominal Force	190 lbs.	209 lbs.
Hip Force	192 lbs.	275 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	103	197
Spine Acceleration	41 G’s	60 G’s
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	425 lbs.	583 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Warranty

There are almost 6 times as many Ford dealers as there are Mazda dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the Edge’s warranty.

Reliability

The Edge has a standard “limp home system” to keep drivers from being stranded if most or all of the engine’s coolant is lost. The engine will run on only half of its cylinders at a time, reduce its power and light a warning lamp on the dashboard so the driver can get to a service station for repairs. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a lost coolant limp home mode, so a coolant leak could strand you or seriously damage the truck’s engine.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Edge has a standard 175-amp alternator. The CX-30’s standard 100-amp alternator and largest (Turbo) 150-amp alternator aren’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Ford vehicles are better in initial quality than Mazda vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Ford above average in initial quality. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mazda is rated lower.

Engine

The Edge’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 59 more horsepower (250 vs. 191) and 94 lbs.-ft. more torque (280 vs. 186) than the CX-30’s standard 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder. The Edge ST’s standard 2.7 turbo V6 produces 85 more horsepower (335 vs. 250) and 60 lbs.-ft. more torque (380 vs. 320) than the CX-30’s optional 2.5 turbo 4-cylinder.

As tested in Consumer Reports the Ford Edge turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Mazda CX-30 4 cyl.:

	Edge	CX-30
Zero to 30 MPH	2.9 sec	3.2 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	7.7 sec	8.7 sec
45 to 65 MPH Passing	3.8 sec	5.2 sec
Quarter Mile	16 sec	16.7 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	89 MPH	88 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the Edge’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The Edge has 5.8 gallons more fuel capacity than the CX-30 (18.5 vs. 12.7 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The Edge has a standard cap-less fueling system. The fuel filler is automatically opened when the fuel nozzle is inserted and automatically closed when it’s removed. This eliminates the need to unscrew and replace the cap and it reduces fuel evaporation, which causes pollution. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a cap-less fueling system.

Environmental Friendliness

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the Ford Edge as a “Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle” (PZEV). The Mazda CX-30 is only certified to “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV) standards.

Transmission

An eight-speed automatic is standard on the Ford Edge, for better acceleration and lower engine speed on the highway. Only a six-speed automatic is available for the CX-30.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Edge’s brake rotors are larger than those on the CX-30:

	Edge	CX-30
Front Rotors	13.6 inches	11.6 inches
Rear Rotors	12.4 inches	10.4 inches
Opt Rear Rotors	13.6 inches	11.9 inches

The Edge ST’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the CX-30 are solid, not vented.

The Edge stops much shorter than the CX-30:

	Edge	CX-30
70 to 0 MPH	175 feet	177 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	108 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend
60 to 0 MPH (Wet)	137 feet	147 feet	Consumer Reports

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the Edge has larger standard tires than the CX-30 (245/60R18 vs. 215/65R16). The Edge ST’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the CX-30 (265/40R21 vs. 215/65R16).

The Edge SE/SEL’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the CX-30 2.5 S’ standard 65 series tires. The Edge ST’s optional tires have a lower 40 series profile than the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Turbo/Premium’s 55 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Edge SE/SEL has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 16-inch wheels are standard on the CX-30 2.5 S. The Edge ST’s optional 21-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Turbo/Premium.

Suspension and Handling

For superior ride and handling, the Ford Edge has fully independent front and rear suspensions. An independent suspension allows the wheels to follow the road at the best angle for gripping the pavement, without compromising ride comfort. The Mazda CX-30 has a rear torsion beam axle, with a semi-independent rear suspension.

The Edge has standard front and rear gas-charged shocks for better control over choppy roads. The CX-30’s suspension doesn’t offer gas-charged shocks.

The Edge has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the Edge flat and controlled during cornering. The CX-30’s suspension doesn’t offer a rear stabilizer bar.

The Edge’s drift compensation steering can automatically compensate for road conditions which would cause the vehicle to drift from side to side, helping the driver to keep the vehicle straight more easily. The CX-30 doesn’t offer drift compensation steering.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the Edge’s wheelbase is 7.8 inches longer than on the CX-30 (112.2 inches vs. 104.4 inches).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the Edge is 3.3 inches wider in the front and 3.2 inches wider in the rear than on the CX-30.

The Edge ST handles at .88 G’s, while the CX-30 Premium pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

The Edge ST executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.9 seconds quicker than the CX-30 Premium (26 seconds @ .7 average G’s vs. 27.9 seconds @ .6 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the Edge ST has a greater minimum ground clearance than the CX-30 (8.2 vs. 8 inches), allowing the Edge to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged.

Chassis

The front grille of the Edge uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The CX-30 doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

The Edge ST uses computer-generated active noise cancellation to help remove annoying noise and vibration from the passenger compartment, especially at low frequencies. The CX-30 doesn’t offer active noise cancellation.

Passenger Space

The Edge has 19.8 cubic feet more passenger volume than the CX-30 (113.9 vs. 94.1).

The Edge has 2.1 inches more front headroom, .9 inches more front legroom, 1.3 inches more front hip room, 4.7 inches more front shoulder room, 2 inches more rear headroom, 4.3 inches more rear legroom, 4.3 inches more rear hip room and 6.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the CX-30.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Edge’s rear seats recline. The CX-30’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Edge has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat up than the CX-30 with its rear seat up (39.2 vs. 20.2 cubic feet). The Edge has a much larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the CX-30 with its rear seat folded (73.4 vs. 45.2 cubic feet).

Pressing a switch automatically lowers the Edge SEL/Titanium/ST’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The CX-30 doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

A standard locking glovebox and optional locking center console (which can’t be accessed with the valet key) keeps your small valuables safer in the Edge. The CX-30 doesn’t offer locking storage for small valuables.

To make loading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Edge’s available liftgate can be opened and closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a hands-free gesture to open its liftgate, forcing you to put cargo down if your hands are full.

Towing

The Edge has a 1500 lbs. towing capacity. The CX-30 has no towing capacity.

The Edge ST can be flat towed on all four wheels (dinghy towed), allowing recreational vehicle owners to bring it with them on the road. When they reach their destination, the Edge can be unhitched and driven around locally. The CX-30 can’t be towed flat on the ground.

Optional Trailer Sway Control on the Edge (except SE) uses the AdvanceTrac® sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. The CX-30 doesn’t offer electronic trailer sway control.

Servicing Ease

The Edge uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The CX-30 uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

Ergonomics

The Edge Titanium/ST’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The power windows standard on both the Edge and the CX-30 have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the Edge is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The CX-30 prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

On a hot day the Edge’s driver can lower the front windows from a distance using the keyless remote. The driver of the CX-30 can only operate the windows from inside the vehicle, with the ignition on.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Edge has a standard rear fixed intermittent wiper with a full on position. The rear wiper standard on the CX-30 only has an intermittent setting, so in a hard rain visibility isn’t as good.

Consumer Reports rated the Edge’s headlight performance “Very Good,” a higher rating than the CX-30’s headlights, which were rated “Good.”

Both the Edge and the CX-30 offer available heated front seats. The Edge Titanium/ST also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the CX-30.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the Edge Titanium/ST keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The CX-30 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Edge has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the CX-30 Select/Preferred/Carbon/Turbo/Premium.

The Edge (except SE) offers an optional 115-volt a/c outlet on the center console, allowing you to recharge a laptop or run small household appliances without special adapters that can break or get misplaced. The CX-30 doesn’t offer a house-current electrical outlet.

The Edge Titanium/ST’s optional Active Park Assist can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, with the driver only controlling speed with the brake pedal. The CX-30 doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Recommendations

The Ford Edge has won recognition from these important consumer publications:

	Edge	CX-30
Consumer Reports® Recommends	TRUE	FALSE
Car Book “Best Bet”	TRUE	n/a

The Ford Edge outsold the Mazda CX-30 by 62% during 2022.

See Available Inventory