There’s something special about hitting the road in a vehicle that feels right from the moment you settle into the driver’s seat. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 brings that feeling to life, especially when you're driving through the scenic stretches around Spartanburg, South Carolina. With its nimble handling, polished interior, and just the right amount of athleticism, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 feels like it was built for winding roads and wide-open horizons.
No matter if you're planning a lazy Sunday drive or an impromptu escape into the Blue Ridge foothills, choosing the right trim can make a good drive feel unforgettable. The 2025 Mazda CX-30 comes in eight trims, each offering a slightly different flavor of comfort, performance, and design. Let’s break down some of the most scenic drives near Spartanburg and match them with the trims that bring out the best in each route.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC 11)
This route stretches across the northern edge of South Carolina, winding through the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s the kind of drive where you want to take your time. Gentle curves, rolling hills, and wide vistas make every mile feel like part of a story.
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Preferred trim pairs perfectly with this kind of terrain. The power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats provide a comfortable ride. The suspension smooths out the uneven patches without dulling the connection to the road. And with the power-sliding moonroof, you get a front-row view of the treetops as they pass overhead. This trim doesn’t try too hard, but it always shows up with just the right balance of comfort and capability.
Lake Hartwell Scenic Drive
For something a bit more relaxed, the route around Lake Hartwell offers a peaceful ride alongside calm waters and through small towns that feel untouched by time. There’s a sense of stillness here that rewards a slower pace and a car that lets you focus on the view.
That’s where the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Select Sport fits in. The cabin stays quiet even as the tires glide across rural asphalt, and the dual-zone climate control keeps everyone comfortable as the sun climbs higher in the sky. You get features like Alexa Built-In and smartphone integration that make it easy to navigate or play your favorite road trip soundtrack. It’s not flashy, but it’s dialed in where it counts. It serves as a reliable companion on days when you're not in a hurry to get anywhere.
The Blue Ridge Parkway (via US 176)
The Parkway is a destination in itself, and it asks for a vehicle that can hold its own. The roads are steep in places, the curves are tight, and the scenery is some of the most dramatic in the region. You want a crossover that’s both confident and comfortable.
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Premium shines on this kind of route. All-wheel drive is available, and it adds extra traction when the weather shifts or the road gets tricky. The Premium trim’s enhanced lighting system helps keep the curves ahead visible when the sun starts to dip. Inside, the audio system adds a soundtrack to your mountain escape, while the rear liftgate makes unloading picnic gear or hiking boots quick and easy. This is the kind of trim that feels like it’s been there before. Steady, smooth, and always up for the climb.
Glassy Mountain
If you're looking for something off the beaten path, Glassy Mountain is worth the effort. The roads get steeper, the shoulders narrower, and the payoff at the summit is a view that stretches for miles. It’s a drive for those who love a little bit of a challenge.
Surprisingly, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Base handles this just fine. The power might be modest compared to the turbocharged versions, but the car stays light on its feet. Responsive steering and solid visibility help make tight corners feel manageable. And with the standard safety tech, like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, you have a little extra reassurance as you climb higher and higher. The cabin still feels refined, even without the extra bells and whistles. For drivers who like to keep things simple, this trim gets the job done.
Chimney Rock via Highway 9
This route offers a little bit of everything. Elevation changes, water views, roadside produce stands, and the kind of small-town charm that makes you want to stop and stay a while. It’s a drive that rewards versatility.
That’s exactly what you get in the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 S Carbon Edition. The styling is bold, with a Polymetal Gray exterior and red leather seats that contrast beautifully with the lush greenery around you. Inside, the feel is sporty and refined, and wireless phone connectivity keeps the dash clutter-free. The Carbon Edition is for drivers who like to stand out.
Asheville Overlook via I-26
High-speed cruising, elevation gain, and scenic mountain overlooks define this longer drive. For many, it’s the kind of trip that’s as much about the journey as the destination.
For this kind of drive, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Carbon Turbo brings more punch to the equation. The turbocharged engine delivers a noticeable boost in power, especially useful when you’re merging onto highways or tackling steep inclines. Inside, the larger infotainment display makes it easier to follow your route or take in more navigation details. The cabin, with its Terracotta leatherette seats and calm interior, feels like a quiet retreat on the move.
Caesars Head via SC-8
This one is for the adventurers. The roads get tighter, the grades steeper, and the curves more frequent. It’s a technical drive that demands focus and rewards precision.
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium is a strong fit for this. It brings the turbo engine’s muscle and pairs it with premium touches like a heated steering wheel and upgraded mirror system. This trim is about control and comfort working together. You feel planted, capable, and ready for whatever twist comes next.
Sky Top Orchard Backroads
Sometimes the best roads are the ones that weren’t planned. A turn here, a side street there, and suddenly you’re at a hidden orchard with mountain views and fresh cider. The backroads near Sky Top are exactly that kind of experience.
For this, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus offers a bit of everything. Advanced safety systems make the journey stress-free. A 360º View Monitor and Smart Brake Support – Reverse help you handle tight driveways or gravel lots with confidence. The cabin stays serene even when the road gets bumpy. If your drive includes detours, switchbacks, and unexpected stops, this trim keeps you calm and connected.
No matter which trim you pick, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 makes it easy to enjoy the drive. The lineup is built with flexibility in mind. Each version has its strengths, and there’s one to match every type of adventure.
It’s not always about reaching your destination quickly. Sometimes, it’s about choosing the right vehicle to make the journey memorable.
The best way to know which trim suits your lifestyle is to get behind the wheel. At McKinney Mazda in Spartanburg, SC, we have the full lineup of 2025 Mazda CX-30 trims ready for you to explore. From relaxed Sunday drives to full-day mountain adventures, there’s a version that fits how you like to travel.
Stop by for a test drive and see how this vehicle can transform your everyday drives and weekend escapes into something a little more special.
