Mazda is the little engine that could. After leaving the big bucks and volume of alignment with Ford , the Japanese automaker hasnt merged with another big dog as it perseveres as a company that engineers cars that people want to drive with vigor. That small but mighty spirit continues with the latest addition to its SUV lineup: the 2020 Mazda CX-30 . The five-passenger compact crossover debuted last month at the Tokyo Motor Show but makes its U.S. debut today at the 2019 Los Angeles Auto Show with a starting price of $22,945. Riding on the Mazda3 platform, the CX-30 slots between the CX-3 and CX-5. Although some of the best drivers cars have under 200 hp , Mazda is proud of the fact that the CX-30 has class-leading standard horsepower of 186 horsepower and 186 lb-ft of torque from the standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Skyactiv-G four-cylinder engine with a six-speed automatic transmission. The CX-30 has a new off-road traction assist feature that reduces engine torque and increases the brake force on the wheels without traction on uneven surfaces to get it moving again. G-Vectoring Control Plus and front-wheel drive are standard; all-wheel drive is available on all trim levels (base, Select, Preferred, Premium). How good is the larger CX-5? We compare it to seven other compact SUVs here . The CX-30s looks marry the lines of a coupe with the muscularity of an SUV for a sleek crossover that seeks to stand out in a sea of utility vehicles. It is the second model to adopt the latest evolution of Kodo design with lines designed to suggest the CX_30 wants to hit the road. It might have a practical trunk, but it makes every effort to avoid a box-like appearance. The small SUV rides on 16-inch aluminum wheels as standard but you can bump up the size with higher trim levels. Inside, the seats were designed to provide good posture for all seated in them (like in the Mazda3). Designers tried to create a friendly cabin that still gives the driver their own space and cockpit feel. The drivers seat is set high for better visibility and the A-pillar was narrowed for the same reason. Much effort went into making a quiet and hospitable cabin, even mounting the woofers usually placed in the doors onto the side cowls for bass-heavy audio that does not rattle the doors. The vehicle has standard cloth seats and an 8.8-inch screen, a bit small in a world of giant tablets dominating cockpits (but pretty good for an SUV with a low-$20,000 price). There are USB ports, Wi-Fi and it is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on some trims. With the CX-30, Mazda introduces Mazda Connected Services as standard. It is accessed via the MyMazda app to lock and unlock the vehicle remotely, start the engine, check oil and fuel levels, receive recall notices or call roadside assistance or 911. Standard i-Activsense includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning with Lane-Keep Assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and other safety systems. Move up the trim ladder for upgraded stereo, leatherette seats with lumbar support. The top-trim CX-30 Premium includes a windshield-projected Active Driving Display, leather seats, power liftgate, power moonroof, Adaptive Front Lighting system, roof rails, paddle shifters, cylinder deactivation, as well as LED headlights and taillights. 2020 Mazda CX-30 pricing starts at $22,945 and climbs to $30,645 for a CX-30 Premium with all-wheel drive. The post The 2020 Mazda CX-30 is Here! Wait, Whats a Mazda CX-30? Details and Photos Here appeared first on MotorTrend .